Esther
1 – The Wife’s Refusal
Ahasuerus
is King Xerxes Title. It means “high father” or “venerable king”. There were 127
provinces in his kingdom, and he decided to throw a banquet. This banquet
revealed the wealth, luxury, and regal character of the court.
He
had called in all his princes and rulers from every corner of his kingdom. He
wanted their full support for a military campaign to capture Greece and to make
himself the supreme ruler of the world of that day.
It
looks as if God was left out, but God wants you to know that He was overruling
the circumstances, and he was going to accomplish His purpose. Xerxes wanted
everyone to know he could afford a war. At these banquets no one was forced to
drink, although they were given to it.
Vashti
made a feast for the women in her quarters. The women were always kept in
separate quarters. The banquet for the men was to be serious business.
The
king got drunk and commanded his chamberlains to bring Vashti to the banquet.
He would have never done this had he not been drunk. He wanted everyone to see
his beautiful wife.
Vashti
turned down his request. In that day it was no incidental matter. The king
asked, “What should be done with her?” There was no law which could force her
to obey the king’s command.
Memucan,
one of the princes reminded the king that they are to be the example for the
kingdom. A pagan law was enacted which has nothing to do with the Mosaic law,
neither is it Christian by any means. It is a new law, but it is the law of the
Medes and Persians. The queen was set aside, and a decree went out stating a
wife should honor her husband and he was to rule. It was a law and could not be
altered.
Please read the chapter listed so that you can
understand God’s Word better.
If
you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.
J.
Vernon McGee Commentary and New King James Bible.
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