Esther 1
The Feast of AhasuerusThis chapter introduces us to King Ahasuerus, ruler of the Persian Empire. There is some debate about exactly which Persian king he was, but what is clear is that he ruled over a huge kingdom. The story takes place not long after the Jewish people were taken captive from Jerusalem (Esther 2:5-6 a). Some believe Ahasuerus was the Artaxerxes who stopped the rebuilding of the temple (Ezra 4:6-7 b), but others are not sure. The main focus here is the size of his power and the court life in Persia.v. 1: King Ahasuerus ruled over 127 provinces, stretching from India to Ethiopia . Earlier Persian kings, like Darius and Cyrus, had smaller kingdoms, but Ahasuerus's empire had grown even larger. Such size could be dangerous if the king was bad, but could also do great good if he was wise. The Bible teaches that Christ’s future kingdom will be even greater and everlasting, when the kingdoms of the world... become the kingdom of our Lord (Revelation 11:15 c). v. 2-4: When Ahasuerus was secure on his throne, he held an enormous feast to show off the riches and glory of his kingdom (Esther 1:4 d). This display of wealth was mostly for his own pride and did not have real value. If he had used his riches to support God’s temple, like some other kings did (Ezra 6:8; Ezra 7:22 e), it would have been better. v. 3-5: He held two main feasts. The first was for his nobles and princes and lasted 180 days (Esther 1:3-4 f). Likely, he invited different groups at different times. The second feast lasted seven days and was for all the people, both great and small. Because there were so many guests, they celebrated in the garden court (Esther 1:5 g). The decorations and furniture were very beautiful, but such a showy feast cannot compare to the peace and joy of a simple meal shared with true friends (Proverbs 15:17 h). – – v. 6-8: The feast had some good order. There is no mention of idol worship or misuse of God’s holy things, like at Belshazzar’s feast (Daniel 5:3-4 i). Also, the king did not force anyone to drink more than they wanted—each person could choose (Esther 1:8 j). This respect for moderation is better than the habits of some who pressure others to drink too much, even among people who call themselves Christians. The Bible warns, Woe to him who gives drink to his neighbors... (Habakkuk 2:15-16 k). – – v. 9: Queen Vashti also held a feast for the women, but separately from the men . Unlike some other feasts in the Bible, where improper behavior happened, Vashti and her guests kept their dignity and modesty. This shows that true honor for women is to act with modesty and respect. Vashti's Refusal to Appear; Vashti DivorcedThe joyful mood of King Ahasuerus’s feast was suddenly ruined by a disagreement between the king and Queen Vashti. This argument ended the feast with shame and embarrassment for everyone. The trouble started because of the king’s own foolishness.v. 10-11: It was unwise for King Ahasuerus to send for Vashti while he was drunk and surrounded by important men. He ordered her to come, wearing her royal crown, so everyone could see her beauty (Esther 1:10-11 l). By doing this, he did not protect his wife’s dignity. He also did not act like a wise king, because he asked for something she might refuse. It was not normal in Persia for women to appear in public like this. If the king had not been drinking, he probably would not have made such a request. The Bible reminds us, When the wine is in, the wit is out. – v. 12: Vashti refused to come when she was called . Even though the king sent his command through respected messengers, she did not obey. If she had come out of obedience, her modesty would not have been harmed. Perhaps she refused in a proud way, making things worse. This was a public embarrassment for the king—while showing off his kingdom, he revealed trouble in his own home. Family arguments are always bad, but even worse in front of others.The king became very angry. Even though he ruled over 127 provinces, he could not control his own feelings. It would have been wiser to calm down and not let his anger lead him to act rashly. v. 13-15: Even though he was angry, the king did not act until he asked his advisors for advice. He had seven wise counselors who knew the law and understood how things should be done (Esther 1:13-14 m). He asked them, What shall we do to the queen Vashti according to the law? (Esther 1:15 n). This shows that even powerful people need advice, and it is important to follow the law, even when upset. – – v. 16-20: Memucan, one of the advisors, suggested that Vashti should be removed as queen for disobeying the king. He said that if Vashti’s actions were ignored, other wives in the kingdom would also disrespect their husbands (Esther 1:16-18 o). He proposed that a public decree should be made so that all wives would respect their husbands, both rich and poor (Esther 1:20 p). Good order in families is important for society as a whole, and leaders set an example for others. – – – – v. 21-22: The king and his advisors agreed to this plan and sent out an official command. The decree said that Vashti was removed as queen and that all wives should respect their husbands (Esther 1:21-22 q). Whether the king acted out of anger or strategy, God used this situation to prepare the way for Esther to become queen in the future.
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