Categories: Esther

Esther 1

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Esther 1 Commentary

by Brad Boyles

At this point in Israel’s history, Ezra has just returned from the exile to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. The Persian Empire is firmly in control and its territory extends from India to Ethiopia (including Israel). The time of Esther takes place between Ezra and Nehemiah. It would be 40 years after her time that Nehemiah would go back to Jerusalem to rebuild its walls.

The book opens with a great feast. The king of Persia wanted to flex his muscles and impress everyone with the wealth and riches of his kingdom. During the celebration, he has a little too much to drink and that’s when the comparisons begin. Jewish tradition holds that all the men at the feast were debating who was the most beautiful woman of the land. Immediately, the king called for his servants to bring out Queen Vashti with her royal crown to settle the debate. Some traditions interpret this to mean wearing ONLY her royal crown.

But apparently, Queen Vashti was not fond of the idea. Some say she mocked the request because she was technically royalty and the king had just married into it. Others say she was ready to come out but her body was struck with leprosy. I tend to give her the benefit of the doubt. To her credit, I think she refused to be objectified by the likes of these drunken men. This, of course, infuriated the king. He banished her from the kingdom and released a memo that he was now single and ready to mingle!

The real reason for his decision was based on power and authority. He wanted to send a message to the rest of the Persian wives that disrespect will not be tolerated. The intention is good but the execution is foolish. Paul agreed that a wife should respect her husband, but true respect cannot (and should not) be forced or manipulated.

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