For the next few studies we will be studying the book of Esther. Who was Ester? She was a beautiful Jewish girl whom King Xerxes of Persia chose to be his queen. She saved her people by risking her own life when she appealed to the king and rescued the Jews. The mention of God doesn’t appear in the book, but His care for His chosen people is clearly shown. Her story is celebrated annually during the Feast of Purim.
Esther 1-2
Three Royal Feasts – Esther 1
Xerxes or Ahasuerus, the king of Persia inherited the Persian Empire from his father, Darius I. He ruled over 127 provinces from India to Cush. In His third year of reign he gave a feast for all the military leaders, princes, and nobles that lasted 6 months. At the end of the feast he gave a second feast for all the people of Susa that lasted 7 days. The feast was held in the garden of the palace and was decorated lavishly.
This feasts were probably done to show off his power and wealth to those under him. People like to show off today with all they’ve accomplished and all the wealth they have with big houses, nice cars, and expensive jewelry. They want the center of attention by running for office or being in charge of committees and projects. Then they boast about themselves and all they have. They are trying to validate themselves by comparing themselves to others.
The only approval we need is God’s approval. All we need to remember is that we are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 129:14). God loves us unconditionally and doesn’t base His love on the opinions of others. We are made in His image and He loves us even when we sin. He’s always on our side no matter what we do or have. So find value in yourself .
Principle: God finds value in us when we love, trust, obey and fulfill His purposes.
The 3rd feast was given by Queen Vashti for the women. On the 7th day of the king’s feast, the king was merry with wine. He ordered the queen to come to him. She refused to appear before the drunken king. The king became furious and burned with anger. He asked his advisors what to do to her for refusing his direct order. They advised him to expel her and replace her with another woman.
The queen probably didn’t want to be put on display in from on the king’s drunken guests. It could put her in a dangerous situation being with many drunken men. She knew this was something she shouldn’t do and she stood by her convictions. The officials reacted by telling the king that she was setting a bad example. The other women would be influenced by her refusal and would show disrespect to the king, his officials, and their husbands.
The officials were embarrassed by the situation and one of the officials, Memucan suggested that the king should send out a decree that all women should show respect to their husbands and all men should rule over their households. The king approved of his idea and ruled that all women will respect their husbands.
Principle: Never compromise your convictions with ungodly authority.
Esther Selected as Queen – Esther 2
When it was time to find a new queen all young virgin women were gathered from across the kingdom as candidates for the king. They were sent to Susa and put in the king’s harem under the charge of Hegai. Then the women the king liked would be chosen. One of the women was Esther, an orphaned Jew raised by her cousin Mordecai.
Mordecai instructed Esther to keep her Jewish heritage a secret. This was done perhaps because it was part of a larger divine plan to save the Jewish people. Also concealing her identity would help her gain trust of the king and influence decisions. The king was pleased with her and provided her with beauty treatments, special food, maids, and moved her to the best place in the palace harem. Esther found favor with everyone. The king loved Esther and chose her to be his queen and gave a great banquet for her.
While at the kings table, Mordecai overheard a plot by 2 officials to assassinate the king. He told Queen Esther of the plot and she in turn told the king. The plot was investigated and found to be true so both men were hanged and the king was saved.
Principle: God prepares solutions even before problems exists; Jesus was the solution to the world’s sin before the world was created.
The course of events in Esther’s life was not by accident; it was God’s plan. We too have a place in God’s plan. Whatever your situation, God has a purpose for it. Have you noticed this book doesn’t mention God? But it shows that God works behind the scenes and He is active throughout the book of Esther.
Principle: When is seems God is silent, He is working behind the scenes.
Next week we will continue our study in Esther. -- I encourage you to trust in Jesus.
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