The Hand of God in the Midst of the Immoral

Possible Purposes of the Book of Esther

To show the providence and sovereignty of God in caring and protecting His chosen people.

To show the judgement and punishment of God toward those who choose wickedness and specifically toward those who seek to harm and destroy His chosen people.

To testify of God’s faithfulness in accomplishing His covenant promises, often through means we may not foresee or understand.

Esther 1 ESV

1 Now in the days of Ahasuerus, the Ahasuerus who reigned from India to Ethiopia over 127 provinces, 2 in those days when King Ahasuerus sat on his royal throne in Susa, the citadel, 3 in the third year of his reign he gave a feast for all his officials and servants. The army of Persia and Media and the nobles and governors of the provinces were before him, 4 while he showed the riches of his royal glory and the splendor and pomp of his greatness for many days, 180 days. 5 And when these days were completed, the king gave for all the people present in Susa the citadel, both great and small, a feast lasting for seven days in the court of the garden of the king’s palace. 6 There were white cotton curtains and violet hangings fastened with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rods and marble pillars, and also couches of gold and silver on a mosaic pavement of porphyry, marble, mother-of-pearl, and precious stones. 7 Drinks were served in golden vessels, vessels of different kinds, and the royal wine was lavished according to the bounty of the king. 8 And drinking was according to this edict: “There is no compulsion.” For the king had given orders to all the staff of his palace to do as each man desired. 9 Queen Vashti also gave a feast for the women in the palace that belonged to King Ahasuerus. 10 On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha and Abagtha, Zethar and Carkas, the seven eunuchs who served in the presence of King Ahasuerus, 11 to bring Queen Vashti before the king with her royal crown, in order to show the peoples and the princes her beauty, for she was lovely to look at. 12 But Queen Vashti refused to come at the king’s command delivered by the eunuchs. At this the king became enraged, and his anger burned within him. 13 Then the king said to the wise men who knew the times (for this was the king’s procedure toward all who were versed in law and judgment, 14 the men next to him being Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, who saw the king’s face, and sat first in the kingdom): 15 “According to the law, what is to be done to Queen Vashti, because she has not performed the command of King Ahasuerus delivered by the eunuchs?” 16 Then Memucan said in the presence of the king and the officials, “Not only against the king has Queen Vashti done wrong, but also against all the officials and all the peoples who are in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus. 17 For the queen’s behavior will be made known to all women, causing them to look at their husbands with contempt, since they will say, ‘King Ahasuerus commanded Queen Vashti to be brought before him, and she did not come.’ 18 This very day the noble women of Persia and Media who have heard of the queen’s behavior will say the same to all the king’s officials, and there will be contempt and wrath in plenty. 19 If it please the king, let a royal order go out from him, and let it be written among the laws of the Persians and the Medes so that it may not be repealed, that Vashti is never again to come before King Ahasuerus. And let the king give her royal position to another who is better than she. 20 So when the decree made by the king is proclaimed throughout all his kingdom, for it is vast, all women will give honor to their husbands, high and low alike.” 21 This advice pleased the king and the princes, and the king did as Memucan proposed. 22 He sent letters to all the royal provinces, to every province in its own script and to every people in its own language, that every man be master in his own household and speak according to the language of his people.

Key people in this historical narrative.

Ahasuerus/ Xerxes

Vashti

Haaman

Mordecai

Esther/Hadassah

It reads like an ancient Soap Opera script

Perhaps the title of this book could have been titled:

The Young and the Restless

The Bold and the Beautiful

The Days of Their Lives

As the Citadel Turns

General Haram

Haman’s Hope

One interesting fact is that the name of God is not mentioned in this book, nor is there any specific mention of His providential work, though it is evident as the story unfolds, when taken in the context of the promises of God. For this reason, the canonicity has been questioned by many within the church. However, the early church certainly recognized it as being the inspired word of God.

In the first chapter, we are able to make some very quick observations.

The Persian Empire

There were an estimated 50 million people or 44% of the world’s population living in the Persian Empire, under the rule of Ahasuerus, Xerxes 1, during the time period of Queen Esther. To give you an idea, this would be more than twice the current population of the state of New York, including NYC.

2.9 Million sq. miles from Greece to India, From Turkey to the South through most of Egypt. It encompassed modern day countries of Turkey, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq and Iran. The area was about the size of the country of Australia with twice the current estimated population of Australia.

It is important for us to understand the extent of Ahasuerus’ power and control. It is important, because of the events that happen, are quite a bit more intense and impressive when we realize who we are talking about, and the extent of the kings wealth, power and authority.

Ahasuerus was a powerful leader with the largest empire in all the world at the time

Ahasuerus was not afraid to flaunt his wealth and power

It is testified of by ancient historians, that the events of chapter 1 likely took place in the 3rd or 4th year of Xerxes’ reign. He had gathered his advisors and generals to develop a military strategy during his first few years as king. The 6 month “banquet” described in Esther 1 may have been toward the end of the strategizing, and was in part a type of inventory of the wealth and resources at the kings disposal.

Heroditus, an ancient historian, writes about some of the events surrounding King Ahasuerus (Xerxes is his Greek name).

“Reckoning from the recovery of Egypt, Xerxes spent four full years in collecting his host and making ready all things that were needful for his soldiers. It was not till the close of the fifth year that he set forth on his march, accompanied by a mighty multitude.” Herodotus translated by George Rawlinson.

Pride and greed go hand in hand.

Xerxes took over the throne from his father King Darius, who had taken control of this vast empire during his reign. Ahasuerus could have been content to peacefully rule the existing territory, and be content with the vast power and wealth he already possessed, yet he chose to attack the Greeks. Initially that proved successful, until the battle of Salamis, when the Greek Navy destroyed and eventually won the victory over the Persian Empire. It has been said, that the battle of Salamis may be the single most significant battle, as far as the effect it had upon Western Civilization.

Ahasuerus knew how to throw a big party

Esther 1:7–8 ESV

7 Drinks were served in golden vessels, vessels of different kinds, and the royal wine was lavished according to the bounty of the king. 8 And drinking was according to this edict: “There is no compulsion.” For the king had given orders to all the staff of his palace to do as each man desired.

Queen Vashti entertained the ladies of the kingdom

Esther 1:9 ESV

9 Queen Vashti also gave a feast for the women in the palace that belonged to King Ahasuerus.

Ahasuerus became “merry with wine”

Esther 1:10–11 ESV

10 On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha and Abagtha, Zethar and Carkas, the seven eunuchs who served in the presence of King Ahasuerus, 11 to bring Queen Vashti before the king with her royal crown, in order to show the peoples and the princes her beauty, for she was lovely to look at.

I found it to be interesting to see how the Hebrew word translated as “merry” in the English Standard Version, is used to describe three other circumstances that involved drunkenness in Scripture, each of them also involve sinful choices by men, which in some way negatively affected their own lives and the lives of a woman they mistreated.

The word is also used in other ways, but is translated into different English words in those cases.

A Word of Caution! Take note of what happens, and the negative effect the King’s decision to become “merry with wine” had on the Queen, the palace and the entire Kingdom.

Contrary to Persian custom and cultural protocol, he requested his beautiful wife to parade herself in front of the guests (male guests).

We know this was contrary to the customs and culture of the day in part, because Vashti was hosting a separate party for the women of the kingdom. We also know this from other writings and historical references to the cultural heritage of that day.

Women would not have been allowed in public. Mixed groups were not permissible in such vast numbers. Even today, woman in this region are often required to cover their bodies completely, when out in public.

The Queen Refused the King’s Request

Queen Vashti is described as being beautiful (attractive or appealing to the eyes). Yet, she refused to consent to the king’s request, as it was immoral, crude and to make such an appearance would have been denigrating to her character and seen as beneath her distinguished position in society.

Unfortunately, her husband did not come to his senses, possibly due to his intoxication, and became angered with the Queen.

Xerxes advisors were then called in, because he was beside himself after the queen’s insubordination.

Apparently, the kings advisors, also possessed a bit of pride, greed and selfishness, as they feared that all the wives would follow after Vashti’s example and “contempt and wrath” would invade the empire.

Esther 1:18 ESV

18 This very day the noble women of Persia and Media who have heard of the queen’s behavior will say the same to all the king’s officials, and there will be contempt and wrath in plenty.

Contempt, meaning lack of respect and discontentment towards the husbands throughout the many provinces.

Bottom Line here is that though Ahasuerus made some very poor decisions, as did his advisors, we are going to see how this was allowed to take place, under the hand of the Sovereign God.

Proverbs 21:1 ESV

1 The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will.

Most of us are probably familiar with the account that takes place in the book of Esther. We are going to see over and over again, in this book, that we are sometimes allowed to make irresponsible and even outright sinful choices, and yet, God’s purpose and plan will not be thwarted.

We are, human beings that is are all small and insignificant. That is true of every human that has lived, is living and will live in the future, in comparison to God. Yet He has given us the blessing of the knowledge and understanding of His works and His ways, even when His name is not specifically discussed or brought into the conversation, He is there and He is at work and He is in control.

Colossians 1:16 ESV

16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.

What we are going to learn from the book of Esther.

God is not a respecter of persons, based upon their power, prestige or possessions and we should not be either.

God cares for His chosen people and does not appreciate anyone who opposes His people.

God keeps His promises (Abrahamic Covenant)