Summary of Esther 1:1-9
King Xerxes gave a banquet for his nobles and officials in the 3rd year of his reign. Then he gave a feast for the citizens. Each guest was allowed to drink with no restrictions. Queen Vashti also gave a banquet for all the women in the royal palace of King Xerxes.
BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 13, Day 2: Esther 1:1-9
3) Xerxes ruled the kingdom of Persia. He ruled over 127 provinces stretching from India to Cush (the upper Nile region of Egypt).
4a) Lavish to say the least. For a full 180 days he displayed the vast wealth of his kingdom and the splendor and glory of his majesty. The king gave a banquet, lasting seven days, in the enclosed garden of the king’s palace, for all the people from the least to the greatest who were in the citadel of Susa. The garden had hangings of white and blue linen, fastened with cords of white linen and purple material to silver rings on marble pillars. There were couches of gold and silver on a mosaic pavement of porphyry, marble, mother-of-pearl and other costly stones. Wine was served in goblets of gold, each one different from the other, and the royal wine was abundant, in keeping with the king’s liberality. By the king’s command each guest was allowed to drink with no restrictions, for the king instructed all the wine stewards to serve each man what he wished.
b) To display his wealth and power for all to see so that no one would challenge him. Xerxes’ 180-day feast was likely a strategic war council, not just a party. He gathered leaders to plan his invasion of Greece, securing their loyalty and resources. It was also a massive propaganda display—showing his immense wealth and power to intimidate rivals and satisfy his own ego.
5a) Many define success as having wealth. Many like to display this wealth for all to see. However, others don’t. Many define success by their family. Our culture often defines success by financial wealth, career status, and material possessions. This success is then externally validated through public recognition, fame, and social media influence, which are often equated with personal worth and achievement.
b) I think we are all tempted at some point because it is so predominant in our culture. However, God is my lynch pin.
c) Doing His will. Helping others. Putting others first. Raising my family. Spreading His light unto the world.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 13, Day 2: Esther 1:1-9
It must have been insane to have seen such parties back in the day!
End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 13, Day 2: Esther 1:1-9
Esther is a historical book of the Bible. It features King Xerxes of Persia, who was the son of Darius I of Persia around 483 BC. Xerxes was planning to invade Greece (which would fail). It takes place in the middle of the book of Ezra, between chapters 6 and 7. This takes place before the second wave of exiles return to Jerusalem under King Artaxerxes, who may have been her son or step-son.
Persia was the largest empire that most people had seen, covering most of the Middle East and into Egypt and Asia. The Jewish people were dispersed all throughout the Persian Empire, but they maintained their separation, culture, and identity with God. Hence, they were persecuted and discriminated against, which is why Esther concealed her identity to the King. She rose to power so God could use her to save His people. God is always in control!
There are 3 feasts here:
- One for his government officials and servants that lasted 180 days. The reason for this was to show off the glory and riches of his kingdom.
- The 2nd feast was for the citizens of the capital city of Susa. The reason for this was most likely pride and to show off his wealth and prestige, as well as his generosity
- The 3rd feast was for the women of the royal palace, hosted by Queen Vashti.
END NOTES SUMMARIZED
Esther 1:1-9 sets the stage by establishing the immense power, wealth, and extravagance of the Persian Empire under King Ahasuerus (Xerxes). The narrative emphasizes the vastness of his kingdom (127 provinces) and, most notably, the opulent, 180-day feast thrown purely to display his “glorious kingdom” and “splendor.” This is followed by another lavish, seven-day banquet for all the people in the capital.
The detailed descriptions of luxurious decorations, free-flowing wine, and separate feasts (including Queen Vashti’s for the women) paint a picture of a court defined by excess, self-indulgence, and a focus on outward appearances.
Conclusion
This opening passage meticulously establishes a world dominated by seemingly absolute human power and worldly splendor. It portrays a culture of excess and arbitrary rule, creating the perfect backdrop for the story that follows. This seemingly secure pagan court, governed by the whims of a prideful king, is the unlikely setting where the hidden, sovereign hand of God will work to protect His people.
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