Scripture to Read: Esther 1
As we examine Esther 1, we see in verses 1–4 that King Ahasuerus (Xerxes) rules a vast Persian empire from Susa and throws an extravagant, long-lasting banquet (180 days) to display his wealth and power. Then, in verses 5–9, he holds another banquet in Susa for palace officials and citizens, for the king wants everyone to see his glory, but at the same time, Queen Vashti gives a banquet for the women in the palace. In verses 10–12, we see that the king gets drunk and commands Vashti to appear before the men wearing the royal crown and to display her beauty. The king’s request probably made the queen feel as though she was nothing more than an object to be viewed for her beauty, which is possibly why she refused to come. In verses 13–22, the king asks his advisors what he should do, which displays his inability to lead as a godly husband (Ephesians 5:25–31). Memucan warns that the queen’s actions could spread throughout the kingdom to all the other women. So, he recommends a law to banish Queen Vashti from the king’s presence, which would show all other wives that they must never follow Queen Vashti’s example. The king agrees and decrees that every man should be master of his household. It’s clear here that when people get drunk, they make unwise decisions (Ephesians 5:18), which is why we must be continually filled with God’s Spirit. We must also guard against seeking man’s approval (which the king was more worried about) rather than honoring God in every decision (Galatians 1:10).
Challenge & Application
How did King Ahasuerus reveal his weakness as a husband and godly leader in his family?
In reading Ephesians 5:18 and 25–31, how could King Ahasuerus have handled this whole thing differently?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!