(1) Introduction to the book
(NET) Although the book does not directly mention God, it would be difficult to read it without sensing the providence of God working in powerful, though at times subtle, ways to rescue his people from danger and possible extermination. The absence of mention of the name of God may be a deliberate part of the literary strategy of the writer.
v.1a Ahasuerus=Xerxes, who ruled Persia from 486–465 B.C.
v.1b ruling from India to Ethiopia
(2) repeated words
a. A time of showing off
displayed of riches,and splendor of his rulership v.4a
a lengthy period of time of display-180 days v.4b
(NET) a number of scholars have called attention to the fact that this celebration takes place just shortly before Xerxes’ invasion of Greece. It is possible that the banquet was a rallying for the up-coming military effort.
b. A time of drinking
to all the people in Susa v.5
the display of the finest and luxury v.6
free drinking party v.8 (the silver couches in v.6b provide the space for people to drink) [silver couches ] v.6 (NET) refers to a reclining couch (cf. KJV “beds”) spread with covers, cloth and pillow for feasting and carousing.
1:8 There were no restrictions on the drinking, for the king had instructed all of his supervisors that they should do as everyone so desired.
(Walton) According to Josephus, it was the custom of the Persians to force the guests to drink nonstop, with the servants bringing wine continually to the table. Xerxes suspended this custom at this banquet, allowing guests to do as they pleased. His laxity in this matter might foreshadow the trouble he would have with a wife who felt his commands could be ignored. [1:10 On the seventh day, as King Ahasuerus was feeling the effects of the wine, he ordered...]
(3) The turning point
a. The unusual refusal of the queen
1:11 to bring Queen Vashti into the king’s presence wearing her royal high turban. He wanted to show the people and the officials her beauty, for she was very attractive.1:12 But Queen Vashti refused to come at the king’s bidding conveyed through the eunuchs.
(NET) Refusal to obey the king was risky even for a queen in the ancient world. It is not clear why Vashti behaved so rashly and put herself in such danger...
(Walton) There was nothing shameful in simply appearing at the banquet. Rather, it seems that Vashti was being commanded to act in a fashion that she believed beneath her station. Public displays of beauty were usually expected of concubines, not queens. The fact that she was told to wear the royal crown (which, according to ancient depictions, was actually more like a turban) may only have added insult to injury: The royal crown was a sign of her high status, while the king’s summons seemed to have denied her that very status.
b. The decision was posted to every woman in every language group in the vast empire.
v.20 And let the king’s decision which he will enact be disseminated throughout all his kingdom, vast though it is. Then all the women will give honor to their husbands, from the most prominent to the lowly.”
1:22 He sent letters throughout all the royal provinces, to each province according to its own script and to each people according to its own language...
Later on in chapter 2, the searching for a new queen was also open to every woman throughout the whole country and the Jewish Esther would have a chance to come to this powerful position in this powerful country.
Later on in chapter 2, the searching for a new queen was also open to every woman throughout the whole country and the Jewish Esther would have a chance to come to this powerful position in this powerful country.
Reflection: There were so many different elements that play a key role in our lives just like Esther 1. If the king did not host the party he would not have asked the queen to come before others. If queen Vashti did not decline the request Esther would not have the chance. Trust and believe in God who is invisible but not inactive in our lives.
The king of the most powerful country at that time was not out of the country of God. He surely had a vast kingdom, and had lots of things to show off. However, God is still sovereign over him and his family. When God has a plan to do something everyone is under His control. Personally, I was amazed at how God take care of us during the pandemic and how He helped this country to get out of the pandemic through the vaccines. I believe God's hands are behind everything to give us these effective vaccines and gives us a way out.
Audrey
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