The Stage Is Set

The book of Esther is set in the Persian Empire during the reign of Ahasuerus, often identified as Xerxes. Many Jews still lived scattered across his 127 provinces from India to Ethiopia. In his third year, Ahasuerus displayed the riches of his glorious kingdom and the honor of his excellent majesty for 180 days. Then he gave a seven-day banquet for everyone in Susa the palace.

The writer lingers on the luxury: white, green, and blue hangings on silver rings and marble pillars, couches of gold and silver, and royal wine in abundance. Queen Vashti also held a feast for the women. On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded seven eunuchs to bring Vashti with the royal crown to show her beauty. Queen Vashti refused to come at the king's commandment.

The mightiest man in the world was humiliated before his guests, and his anger burned. Memucan advised that Vashti's example would spread, so a royal decree went out: Vashti would come no more before the king, and her royal estate would go to another better than she. Letters went to every province that every man should rule his own house. God's name does not appear in Esther, but Christians read it as a story of His hidden providence. Christians believe even a proud king's decision was opening the way for God's purposes.