Esther Chapter 1

Synopsis

King of Persia throws a party, gets drunk, summons his queen. She refuses. King gets mad and banishes the queen.

Characters

Ahasuerus, King of Persia
Vashti, Queen of Persia
Seven Enuchs - Mehuman, Bizda, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar, Karkas
Seven Wise Men

Jewish Canon

Commentary

(1:1) ...who reigned from India to Ethiopia over 127 provinces, ...

(RL) Jewish version reads "who reigned from Hodu to Cush,...". "India to Ethiopia is the common English translation, consistent with the Persian empire under Xerxes.

(Gen 23:1) Sarah lived for 127 years.

(1:3) 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 provices were before him, ...

(AC, DD) According to Herodotus, the Persians were fond of wine. Common practice was to make plans for war, get drunk on wine, then embolden their plans.

(DD) The third year of Xerxes reign would correspond with the time he was planning to invade Greece.

(1:20) So when the decree made by the king is proclaimed throughout all his kingdom, ...

(DD) King Darius, constructed the Royal Road, 1500 miles that traversed the kingdom, with 111 courier stations that functioned like the Pony Express. Royal dispatches traveled the length of the road in a week.

Discussion Questions

Just the Facts

Who summoned Vashti to the king's feasts?
Who did Vashti insult?
What was the king's response to Vashti's refusal?

Tell Me More...

Why did Ahasuerus give two feasts?
Why did Ahasuerus summon Vashti?
Why did Vashti refuse the king's command?
What happened to Vashti after she refused the king's command?

... and even more...

What kind of king was Ahasuerus? To whom would you compare him?
What kind of queen was Vashti?
Outline who holds power at this point in the book. Who are most and least powerful?

Book of Esther - Chapter 1