Part 17- Celebration!

February 24, 2021 by Cee Maria in Esther:The Story of Purim

Esther 9:16-32 NLT

We are continuing with our series, “Esther: The Story of Purim”. Part 17 is called, “Celebration!”, and we will discuss how the Feast of Purim came into being. The question we will ask today is why is it so important to memorialize the mighty acts of God?

16 Meanwhile, the other Jews throughout the king’s provinces had gathered together to defend their lives. They gained relief from all their enemies, killing 75,000 of those who hated them. But they did not take any plunder.

Justice:

No longer could the Jews be hunted down, tortured, and murdered like wild animals. Systematically, the Jews dispensed justice on all of their enemies but those who were sympathetic towards them survived. In compliance with the law passed by King Xerxes, the authorities had no choice but to uphold the law and back it with their full support.

When Abraham conquered the four kings of the East who captured Lot in the Battle of Sidom, he refused to take the plunder (Genesis 14: 1-17). His descendants followed his sterling example leaving no doubt that victory was the direct result of God’s mighty intervention to restore justice and not an act of aggression to gain fame and fortune.

17 This was done the provinces on March 7, and on March 8 they rested, celebrating their victory with a day of feasting and gladness. 18 (The Jews at Susa killed their enemies on March 7 and again on March 8, then rested on March 9, making that their day of feasting and gladness.)

Rested:

“Rest” is the Hebrew word “nuwach” which is the same word used in Genesis when Noah’s ark landed safely on Mount Ararat (1). The ark rested on its designated spot protecting its inhabitants from the deathly turmoil that engulfed the earth by the great flood.

No longer in a defensive stance, the enemy was totally subdued and the Jews “rested” by laying down their weapons and ceasing from battle. There is no record that any Jewish person lost their life and or was removed from their homes or lost their possessions. Instead, they remained on their property and regained their status as good neighbors and loyal citizens. More than that! They were considered the most valued of all people groups, highly favored by their powerful God who loved them very much.

Celebrated:

This word for “celebrated” means a feast, a banquet or to drink. It is the Hebrew word “meshteh” and it is used 19 times in the entire book of Esther (2)

Esther 1:3; 1:5; 1:9; 2:18; 5:4; 5:5; 5:6; 5:8; 5:12; 5:14; 6:14; 7:2; 7:7; 7:8; 8:17; 9:17; 9:18; 9:19; and 9:22.

Celebrations throughout the book of Esther were held for various reasons. For example, banquets or celebrations were held to flaunt wealth, promote a social or personal agenda, to network, or to hold discussions of a legal or personal matter. But this celebration was an act of worship, rejoicing in the God Who delivered His people from the evil plots of the wicked.

Celebration was done in the Jewish manner. All work would cease. Special foods would be prepared and shared with all the people, both Jews and Gentiles alike. Worship was expressed through joyful music, dancing, prayers of thanksgiving and the reading of the Holy Scriptures.

Another day was added:

The author made a special note about the two days of celebration. “Day One” was the victory over those who made a public stand against the Jews ready to slaughter them and confiscate their property. “Day Two” was a victory against those in the top level of their governmental infrastructure whose plans were concealed, collecting “damning evidence” against the Jews in order to destroy their reputation and their legacy. God’s justice was thorough in order to maintain peace for His people and to bless all people groups through His people.

19 So to this day, rural Jews living in remote villages celebrate an annual festival and holiday on the appointed day in late winter, when they rejoice and send gifts of food to each other.

Rural Jews:

It is important to note the Jews living in remote villages as opposed to the Jews living in the cities. Imagine living in the backwoods of the most isolated areas of the country with the nearest neighbor living miles and miles away. This group would have been the most vulnerable of all! God’s protection extended to all of His people, even to the farthest reaches of the land.

The Festival of Purim

20 Mordecai recorded these events and sent letters to the Jews near and far, throughout all the provinces of King Xerxes, 21 calling on them to celebrate an annual festival on these two days. 22 He told them to celebrate these days with feasting and gladness and by giving gifts of food to each other and presents to the poor. This would commemorate a time when the Jews gained relief from their enemies, when their sorrow was turned into gladness and their mourning into joy.

Mourning to joy!

Without doubt, satan’s intent was to destroy not only the Jews, but all of mankind. Remember, those who curse the covenant people of God, will themselves be cursed (Genesis 12:3; Genesis 49:9; Numbers 24:9). Even though the story of Purim is regarded as an act of God to save His people, in reality, it's a story of an act of God that reveals and deals with corruption so the entire world could be saved.

23 So the Jews accepted Mordecai’s proposal and adopted this annual custom. 27 the Jews throughout the realm agreed to inaugurate this tradition and to pass it on to their descendants and to all who became Jews. 29 Then Queen Esther, the daughter of Abihail, along with Mordecai the Jew, wrote another letter putting the queen’s full authority behind Mordecai’s letter to establish the Festival of Purim. 30 Letters wishing peace and security were sent to the Jews throughout the 127 provinces of the empire of Xerxes. 32 So the command of Esther confirmed the practices of Purim, and it was all written down in the records.

The Story must be retold every year:

Mordecai and Esther passed a decree that Purim would be retold and celebrated annually for all generations. First, it impresses upon the Gentiles how God’s favor rested on His people and demands that they be treated well. Secondly, it is a reminder to the Jews that He is their salvation.

Interestingly, Mordecai didn’t impose the law to celebrate Purim but desired it to be consented by the Jews of their own volition. In a stunning act of solidarity, all the Jews from the 127 provinces agreed in favor of Mordecai’s and Queen Esther’s motion and the Jews have celebrated Purim for the last 2400 years.

Let’s pray:

Father,

The best way to memorialize the victorious events of the past is to celebrate and rehearse those stories in the present. It is always Your will for us to treat all people well so we can live in peace and security. Help us to remember that Your favor rests on the Jewish people and through them, Jesus came to bring us Your salvation. In Jesus name, Amen.

REFERENCES:

Part 16- Self Defense

November 03, 2020 by Cee Maria in Esther:The Story of Purim

Esther 9: 1-16 NIV

We are continuing with our series, “Esther: The Story of Purim”. Part 16 is called, “Self Defense”, and we will discuss how the Jews determined who was their enemy. The question we will ask today is, does God expect us to defend ourselves against our enemies??

1 On the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar, the edict commanded by the king was to be carried out. On this day the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, but now the tables were turned and the Jews got the upper hand over those who hated them.

Revealing prejudice:

Those who were silent about their prejudice against the Jews were permitted and encouraged to murder them and confiscate their property by Haman’s edict. How the subjects of the Persian Empire reacted to this edict revealed whether or not they were prejudiced.

In the two months that it took for Mordecai to create a counter-law to Haman’s original edict, a percentage of Gentiles were ordering weaponry. It would stand to reason that they also openly practiced systemic racism by firing Jews on the job, refusing services, vandalism, looting their businesses, anti-Semetic graffiti, setting fire to their properties, public mockery, and the like.

Collecting data:

And it would also stand to reason that is how the Jews determined who was for them and who was against them. Obviously, they had to collect accurate and reliable data to righteously dispense justice. It would stand to reason that this list of people was given to the king and to Mordecai to ensure that the innocent were preserved and judgment passed only on the guilty.

2 The Jews assembled in their cities in all the provinces of King Xerxes to attack those determined to destroy them. No one could stand against them, because the people of all the other nationalities were afraid of them. 3 And all the nobles of the provinces, the satraps, the governors and the king’s administrators helped the Jews, because fear of Mordecai had seized them. 4 Mordecai was prominent in the palace; his reputation spread throughout the provinces, and he became more and more powerful.

March 7th:

Innocent and vulnerable, the Jews were authorized to defend themselves and their families against these savage and barbaric men. Their enemies were dropping like flies and the men from the neighboring provinces did not come to their defense. In fact, all of the leading government officials and elites assisted the Jews to pass judgment and restore order. What does that mean? They were probably supplied with extra weaponry and had spies report the plans of the enemy. We are talking about serious warfare tactics here! What Haman and his followers planned and attempted to execute on the Jews, fell upon them.

Haman’s legacy destroyed:

The terror that Haman wanted to inflict on Mordecai came to pass upon Haman, his biological sons, and his followers! Mordecai was the second most powerful man in the kingdom. Unlike Haman, he was promoted without licking the king’s boots, manipulating circumstances, controlling people and situations or testing the king’s tolerance level. Haman may have been the only person to attend a banquet alone with the king and queen, but Mordecai was the only person, besides Esther, to enter the presence of the king uninvited, and was still lived to tell the day. And the king granted his request! Wow!! King Xerxes must really think the world of him! Like Joseph, King David, and King Solomon before him, Mordecai’s fame spread throughout the Persian Empire. God’s favor rested on Mordecai; he was respected and his orders were obeyed everywhere he went.

5 The Jews struck down all their enemies with the sword, killing and destroying them, and they did what they pleased to those who hated them.

An eye for an eye:

In self defense, the Jews killed their enemies and probably followed the “eye for an eye” concept given in the Bible in Exodus 21:24; Lev 24:20; and Deut 19:21. In other words, if an enemy destroyed a Jewish person’s property, their property would also be destroyed, and so forth.

6 In the citadel of Susa, the Jews killed and destroyed five hundred men. 7 They also killed Parshandatha, Dalphon, Aspatha, 8 Poratha, Adalia, Aridatha, 9 Parmashta, Arisai, Aridai and Vaizatha, 10 the ten sons of Haman son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews. But they did not lay their hands on the plunder.

500 is the light from sunrise that dispels the night:

“Quph” is the Hebrew letter that carries the numerical value of 500 (1). It means “the concentration of light surrounding the sun when it appears on the horizon” (2). It is the time of day when the sun dispels the night and sheds its glorious light. Everything that was hidden in the cloak of darkness is revealed. God’s light was shed on the hearts of these 500 men, most of them soldiers who lived in the citadel, and they were found guilty.

10 Sons of Haman:

Ten is the number that refers to the law (i.e. The Ten Commandments). Here is a list of the names of the ten sons of Haman and the meaning behind their names:

1) Parshandatha= given by prayer (3)

2) Dalphon= dripping (4)

3) Aspatha= the enticed gathered (5)

4) Poratha= fruitfulness or frustration (6)

5) Adalia=I shall be drawn up of Jah (7)

6) Aridatha=the lion of the decree (8)

7) Parmashta= superior (9)

8) Arisai=lion of my banners (10)

9) Aridai=the lion is enough (11)

10) Vaizatha=strong as the wind= Jezebel Spirit (12)

Haman’s life goals:

We can see the progression of Haman’s logic and life goals over this time by looking at the names of his sons. It appears that he had them ready to govern, each over their own districts.

The first son, he was praying to the gods of darkness.

The second was dripping with anointing from the gods of darkness.

The third would be charming and have followers of his cult.

The fourth would be fruitful in each evil endeavor.

The fifth would be lifted up or exalted by this dark god.

The sixth would establish laws that promoted evil agendas.

The seventh would be superior even to his other brothers.

The eighth would be a banner, or recognizes the ideals of a country, ideals that conformed to the dark gods he worshiped.

The ninth would be the lion is enough, in other words, this lion would take over the previous lion (Xerxes) Or the lion’s characteristics are enough to rule the provinces with an iron hand.

And the tenth is strong as the chaotic wind such as a tornado. It is a reference to the attribute of God, the Holy Spirit but he is referring to an evil spirit that surpasses and dominates the wind or breath of God.

No spoils:

Like Abraham, who conquered the four kings of the east and rescued Lot, he did not take any of the spoils of war so that no one would accuse him of being rich because of this victory. His victory and his riches came from the blessing of God. The Jews followed his example according to Genesis 14:21-24.

11 The number of those killed in the citadel of Susa was reported to the king that same day. 12 The king said to Queen Esther, “The Jews have killed and destroyed five hundred men and the ten sons of Haman in the citadel of Susa. What have they done in the rest of the king’s provinces? Now what is your petition? It will be given to you. What is your request? It will also be granted.”

The Fear of the Lord:

It has been about 10 months since Mordecai became second in command of Persia and King Xerxes is acutely aware how well respected he has become throughout the empire. King Xerxes astutely concludes that the God of the Jews is pleased with Mordecai and has elevated him in the eyes of everyone. This is exactly what Haman so keenly desired to impress upon the king and his subjects, but miserably failed in Esther chapter 6.

The reputation of the God of the Jews is world renowned and Xerxes has developed a healthy respect for Him. Esther enters the king’s court a third time and he gives her a report of the damage done so far. In order to remain in the good graces of this God, Mordecai, and Esther, Xerxes humbled himself and guaranteed that her petition would be carried out even before she voiced it.

13 “If it pleases the king,” Esther answered, “give the Jews in Susa permission to carry out this day’s edict tomorrow also, and let Haman’s ten sons be impaled on poles.” 14 So the king commanded that this be done. An edict was issued in Susa, and they impaled the ten sons of Haman. 15 The Jews in Susa came together on the fourteenth day of the month of Adar, and they put to death in Susa three hundred men, but they did not lay their hands on the plunder.

The end of the Agagites:

Posterity was very important to the ancient peoples. In fact, Haman bragged about having ten sons in Chapter 7. Impaling the dead sons of Haman was a sign to all the people of the empire that Haman and his posterity were destroyed. In effect, this was the genocide of the Agagites, yet another reversal of what Haman attempted to do to the Jews.

Susa, Capital of the Persian Empire:

Susa was allowed an extra day to hunt down anti-Semites. Remember, Susa is the capital of the Persian Empire and would compare to current day Washington D.C. The citadel (army base) of the largest army in the world at that time was located here. Also, the most elite governors, satraps, nobles, and king officials lived and worked in Susa.

300 is a bow that symbolizes victory:

The following day, after the slaughter of five hundred men who were determined to annihilate the Jews, three hundred more men were discovered who opposed them as well. It would appear that they had uncovered clandestine operations, secretly collecting data on Jewish people that can be used against them. They would have also uncovered covert operations, undercover actions conducted to negatively influence a course of events against the Jews. These men were also killed.

“Shin” is the Hebrew letter that carries the numerical value of 300 (13). Ancient texts record that shin represents a composite bow (14). In the Bible, the bow symbolizes victory.

Psalm 7:12 ISV

If the ungodly one doesn't repent, God will sharpen his sword; he will string his bow and prepare it.

16 Meanwhile, the remainder of the Jews who were in the king’s provinces also assembled to protect themselves and get relief from their enemies. They killed seventy-five thousand of them but did not lay their hands on the plunder.

More men killed than the number of Jews in total:

Haman made the point that they were a people that were less in number and scattered throughout the empire (Esther 3:8). For sure, more men were killed than there were Jews that lived in the empire at that time.

75,000:

Let’s look at the number of 75,000. In Hebrew, the numbers are often added or multiplied. This is how we will combine the numbers to equal 75,000.

70 + 5 x 1000.

The letter “Ayin” has the numerical value of 70, and it means “The Eyes of the Lord”(15). In Scripture, the eyes of the Lord observes good and evil and searches to strengthen the righteous.

Proverbs 15:3, the eyes of the Lord observe both good and evil.

2 Chronicles 16:9. The eyes of the Lord searches throughout the earth to strengthen those who are righteous and whose hearts are fully committed to him.

The letter “Hey” has the numerical value of 5 and means “the breath of God” (16).

In Scripture, the breath of God is His word or His voice.

Psalm 33:6, By the word of the LORD were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth.

Genesis 1:3, Then God said (Hey), “Let there be light”.

1000 stands for an entire age or era.

So 75,000 would symbolize the God who sees and observes good and evil and strengthens the righteous by speaking (breath) into their situation, shedding light upon what is evil and delivering the righteous for all ages.

Let’s pray:

Father,

Prejudice is abhorrent and causes nothing but pain and destruction. It is Your will that we respect one another. Remove any prejudice from my heart and give me the love that You have for all people. In Jesus name, Amen.

References:

KJV

13. https://www.agapebiblestudy.com/documents/The%20Significance%20of%20Numbers%20in%20Scripture.htm

14. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shin_(letter)#:~:text=In%20colloquial%20Hebrew%2C%20Kaph%20and,written%20in%20a%20Sefer%20Torah.

15. https://www.hebrew4christians.com/Grammar/Unit_One/Aleph-Bet/Ayin/ayin.html

16. https://www.hebrew4christians.com/Grammar/Unit_One/Aleph-Bet/Hey/hey.html

Part 2 - Queen Vashti

May 09, 2020 by Cee Maria in Esther:The Story of Purim

Esther 1:9-12 NLT

At the same time, Queen Vashti gave a banquet for the women in the royal palace of King Xerxes. On the seventh day of the feast, when King Xerxes was in high spirits because of the wine, he told the seven eunuchs who attended him—Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas— to bring Queen Vashti to him with the royal crown on her head. He wanted the nobles and all the other men to gaze on her beauty, for she was a very beautiful woman. But when they conveyed the king’s order to Queen Vashti, she refused to come. This made the king furious, and he burned with anger.

Today we continue with Part 2 of our new series, “Esther: The Story of Purim”, and our second blog will be about Queen Vashti. There’s not a lot of information about her. What I have extrapolated from the Scriptures is what is presented in this blog. The question we will address is, what kind of woman was Queen Vashti?

Queen Vashti:

While King Xerxes hosted his male guests, in a designated section of the palace, another feast was being held for all of the women by Queen Vashti. Vashti means “beautiful”, and can also mean “that drinks” and “thread” (1&2). She was considered a woman who was beautiful in countenance, highly intelligent, logical, and reasonable. But, like her husband, she also knew how to make others comfortable by use of alcohol.

She would have been held in high esteem by the King, since he elevated her up to be the role model for all the women of Susa. Evidently, he trusted her completely and allowed her to take the women of the city under her wing. She was probably one of his main advisers. Like her husband, she wined and dined her guests. Like threads on a loom, she would weave her conversation to collect data from the wives of the princes to later share and compare notes with her husband. When wives are separated from their husbands, they are not so guarded in their dialogue. Also, for the security of the women, it would be sensible for them to party away from the men who were drinking to excess in order to avoid potentially dangerous confrontations.

Mistake #1- Xerxes demands Vashti to be put on display:

On the last day of the feast for the city of Susa, King Xerxes was crazy drunk. It wasn’t enough that he ruled and reigned over the most powerful and influential men in the world. It wasn’t enough to display his enormous wealth. It wasn’t enough to prove that he was secure in himself by ruling in his unique sophisticated and collegial style. To prove his alpha dominance over all, he decided to put his wife on display. Naturally, she was the most beautiful woman in the world, and she belonged to him! So he sent seven very capable eunuchs to order Vashti to pose naked on stage in front of all of these intoxicated men.

Tastefully, Vashti refused to comply:

Vashti refused! She did not want to place herself in harm's way and she probably figured that the king would come to his senses once he was sober. Naturally, she would explain to him how undignified, disrespectful, and dangerous it would be to model herself in front of hundreds of drunken, leering, and unstable men. Of course, when he sobered up and came to his senses, he would agree that she took the correct course of action. Her reaction proves that she had a relationship of mutual respect with her husband and that in the past, he was usually a reasonable man. If she had a fear of retaliation, she would not have refused his request. Unfortunately for her, this would not be the case on this particular day.

Esther 1:13-18

He immediately consulted with his wise advisers, who knew all the Persian laws and customs, for he always asked their advice. The names of these men were Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan—seven nobles of Persia and Media. They met with the king regularly and held the highest positions in the empire. “What must be done to Queen Vashti?” the king demanded. “What penalty does the law provide for a queen who refuses to obey the king’s orders, properly sent through his eunuchs? ”Memucan answered the king and his nobles, “Queen Vashti has wronged not only the king but also every noble and citizen throughout your empire. Women everywhere will begin to despise their husbands when they learn that Queen Vashti has refused to appear before the king. Before this day is out, the wives of all the king’s nobles throughout Persia and Media will hear what the queen did and will start treating their husbands the same way. There will be no end to their contempt and anger.

The 7 Nobles of Persia:

Let’s take a look at the men who comprised King Xerxes’ “Think Tank”. He was totally dependent on them to craft and execute the laws of the land.

Carshena means “illustrious” (3). He was evidently known for his past achievement

Shethar means “star” (4). He was someone famous in his field and possibly in the area of astrology.

Admatha means “a testimony to them” (5). This man’s life was a testimony of his belief system and achievements.

Tarshish means “yellow jasper” (6). Yellow jasper was considered a very valuable stone and is considered to contain healing properties. It is probable that this person owned quarries and was a wealthy businessman.

Meres means “lofty” (7). This could refer to someone who is very tall and considers themselves superior to everyone else.

Marsena means “worthy” (8). This is a man who is considered deserving of respect.

Memucan means “dignified” (9). This is someone who is considered distinguished among his peers and has earned the respect of others.

That’s quite a group of men Xerxes had surrounding him. Yes, they were intelligent and probably attended the equivalent of military or ivy league schools. Yes, they were considered “Princes among men”. However, they were also competitive, jealous, misogynistic and self preserving.

Mistake #2- Xerxes follows the advice of his “Think Tank”:

King Xerxes is beyond humiliated because Vashti defies him, so he turns to his princes and nobles for advice. First of all, they were probably disgusted at King Xerxes’ “progressive ways” and it could never be accepted as a good idea to elevate the wife’s position as a confidant and role model. They certainly suspected that Vashti was assisting the king by sharing and comparing conversation between the wives and themselves. Honestly I believe that they could have deescalated the situation by reasoning with Xerxes explaining “how respectful she was towards the king by being so discreet and not sharing herself with the other men”. Sheepishly, he would have dismissed his command as a drunken whim and could have been pacified, even commended for having such a devoted wife! But, they were involved in a power struggle. Vashti was their most dangerous weapon and his most valuable asset. An opportunity to depose her had presented itself and she had to go!

Spinning their story with the angle of “how much women hate their husbands’”, this “Think Tank” provoked King Xerxes' anger. These advisers took advantage of Xerxes emotional melt down and immediately pointed out that his first mistake was to make her “the” leader among the women. Obviously, her vanity prevailed and they were terribly concerned how her example would influence their own wives and alter their own marriage dynamic. Also, the lower classes would no doubt hear how Vashti stood up to her husband the king, thereby giving them the courage to follow her example.

Ranting the sentiment of the time, they weaponized their words to target their prey. What! A woman leading other women? Women thinking for themselves? Women having self respect? A woman defying her husband when they don’t agree? A queen refusing the command of her King? Outrageous! Such disorder cannot exist in the kingdom! The family unit as they knew it would be destroyed forever! This “Think Tank” had decided that Vashti must be punished so severely that no other woman in the kingdom would ever dare defy any of their husband’s orders, no matter how egotistical, disrespectful, or dangerous. Not only will Vashti be deposed, but they twisted her position to be used as an example of what women ought not to do.

Esther 1:19-22

“So if it pleases the king, we suggest that you issue a written decree, a law of the Persians and Medes that cannot be revoked. It should order that Queen Vashti be forever banished from the presence of King Xerxes, and that the king should choose another queen more worthy than she. When this decree is published throughout the king’s vast empire, husbands everywhere, whatever their rank, will receive proper respect from their wives!” The king and his nobles thought this made good sense, so he followed Memucan’s counsel. He sent letters to all parts of the empire, to each province in its own script and language, proclaiming that every man should be the ruler of his own home and should say whatever he pleases.

Mistake #3- Banishing Vashti pleases the King… for now:

Offended and inebriated, King Xerxes cared more about the approval of his princes, than he did about his own wife. He especially needed the approval of Memucan, the most dignified and respected of all the Persian princes. He must have felt that if he placated Memucan, the other princes would be satisfied with his judgement. Filled with self righteousness, he followed the guidance of his advisers and wrote a decree that could not be reversed. Vashti was banished from his sight forever, never to be in his presence again. Because of the humiliation she caused the king to suffer, she would suffer double the humiliation by being replaced by someone deemed better than herself. To keep in good standing with the men of his kingdom, King Xerxes sent out dispatches to every province stating in their own distinct dialects that men were the rulers of their households and that any demand that he roared would be instantly obeyed.

The woman, Queen Vashti:

Vashti had won the love and admiration of King Xerxes. He married her and crowned her queen because of her beauty and intelligence. She shared the same philosophy in life that congeniality and wine loosened tongues. His approval of her was demonstrated by her promotion to be the role model for all of the women of the kingdom. Xerxes knew that Vashti was savvy and his most valuable confidant. Unified with the same vision for their kingdom, she would share the information extracted from the wives of his colleagues to prevent the king from being deceived. There was no need for her to curry his favor, she already had it. There was no need to step on others for self promotion, because her throne was at the king’s right hand. King Xerxes’ good standing and preservation was also in her best interest and she faithfully performed her role. In fact, she was so truthful in her response to him, she did not hesitate to refuse his order, indicating that she felt no fear of retaliation, at least up until that point. Vashti must have been absolutely crushed when King Xerxes banished her from his life. This was not the response she expected. She deemed herself as irreplaceable and never dreamed that he would choose the respect of his colleagues over her loyalty to him.

Vashti was a true partner to her husband, used her shrewdness for their benefit, and became the victim of this very flawed man.

Let’s pray:

Father,

I ask for grace never to depend on my own savvy to manipulate circumstances or partner with other people who are manipulative. When others disappoint me, help me forgive them for wrong doing. In Jesus name, Amen.

REFERENCES:

Part 1- King Xerxes

April 24, 2020 by Cee Maria in Esther:The Story of Purim

Esther 1: 1-4 NLT

These events happened in the days of King Xerxes, who reigned over 127 provinces stretching from India to Ethiopia. 2 At that time Xerxes ruled his empire from his royal throne at the fortress of Susa. 3 In the third year of his reign, he gave a banquet for all his nobles and officials. He invited all the military officers of Persia and Media as well as the princes and nobles of the provinces. 4 The celebration lasted 180 days—a tremendous display of the opulent wealth of his empire and the pomp and splendor of his majesty.

Today we begin our new series, “Esther: The Story of Purim”, and our first blog will be about the King of Persia. There’s not a lot of information about him. What I have extrapolated from the Scriptures is what is presented in this blog. The question we will address is, what kind of man was King Xerxes?

Xerxes:

In the first sentence of the first chapter of Esther, we are introduced to Xerxes, King of Persia. Xerxes is not a name, but in fact, a title meaning “Warrior” and “Lion King” (1). Warrior indicates that he was a war time king that led and won battles. Lions are known for power, glory, courage, and strength. At this specific time in history, Persia was the greatest empire in the world and ruled from India to Ethiopia, exactly 127 provinces.

The number 127:

Numbers in the Hebrew culture are very significant. Let's take a look at the number 127.

100 = maturity, full count or measure (2)

20 = redemption, divine completion for spiritual perfection (2)

7 = completeness, wholeness, spiritual perfection (2)

Spiritual perfection means wholeness in every area of life and this is emphasized in both the numbers 20 and 7. Salvation is spiritual perfection and it means complete wholeness in every area of life, both physically and spiritually. Everything is functioning in fullness or 100, and nothing is missing or broken.

Picture these 127 provinces with an excellent governing system with a prosperous economy, living peacefully with each other, and filled with healthy, educated, law abiding citizens. An amazing achievement any time in world history!

Persia and Susa, the capital:

The empire that Xerxes rules over is Persia which is defined as “pure” or “splendid” (3). The capital, Susa, is defined as “lily” (4). Interestingly, the Persian lily is also known as the “hundred tongues lily” which is a metaphor for “those who have tongues but keep secrets” (5).

The third year of Xerxes reign:

The number three symbolizes union, approval, entirety, divine perfection, the Trinity: perfect witness & testimony (2). We can interpret that Xerxes intends to make the third year of his reign a testimony of unity among all of the leaders of his provinces.

Xerxes concern:

Xerxes understands the complexity of the size of his empire and the number of leaders of diverse nationalities and customs under his authority. He was deeply concerned about keeping this vast kingdom cohesive. There were too many provinces to visit individually, and it was imperative that he knew the status of each province and the leaders in charge.

Realizing there was only one king and many provinces, it would be impossible for him to individually visit each leader and become informed of all the issues they were facing. But, he could bring all of the leaders to him!

Answer to his problem:

Did Xerxes enjoy a good party? Yes! But, what were his intentions? It is believed that in wine, truth is spoken. Xerxes was very savvy. The best way to find out what was going on behind the scenes in each of his provinces was to wine and dine his leaders. But, first they must learn to trust him. What better way to connect with the leadership than to invite them to his home for a 6 month free vacation!

So, the King decides to throw a party in the third year of his reign. 180 days of dining, drinking, and entertainment were set aside for all of his officials, nobles, governors of Media and Persia.

Mellow from drinking too much wine, these men unreservedly loosened their tongues and unabashedly spilled their secrets. All the while, Xerxes was investigating and collecting data which he seemed to be in the habit of recording.

180 days:

Again, the numbers are important. 100 = maturity, full count or measure and 80, interestingly enough, is the number for mouth and speech (2). It is certain that there was a lot of talking going on at this party.

Vs 5-6

5 When it was all over, the king gave a banquet for all the people, from the greatest to the least, who were in the fortress of Susa. It lasted for seven days and was held in the courtyard of the palace garden. 6 The courtyard was beautifully decorated with white cotton curtains and blue hangings, which were fastened with white linen cords and purple ribbons to silver rings embedded in marble pillars. Gold and silver couches stood on a mosaic pavement of porphyry, marble, mother-of-pearl, and other costly stones.

Party in Susa:

When this party is over, the King decides to invite the people of Susa and the citadel, the area of the city where the military soldiers of the city live to a banquet. The feast takes place at the court of the garden of the King’s palace and it lasts seven days, the number of completeness, wholeness, and spiritual perfection (2).

With the same Modus Operandi, Xerxes served wine to all of his subjects in Susa. But, this time, people from every socioeconomic class were invited, including the servants as well as all of the women. Being invited to the King’s garden was a great honor and made the people feel valued and welcomed. Susa was the example of how all of the other cities in the kingdom were to be modeled. And with the same listening ear, he would collect data from all of the people, from every angle, and from every station of life.

Why did the king collect data?

Kings base their decisions on the data presented before them. Xerxes took his position seriously and relied on accurate facts to avoid potential disastrous mistakes and make well informed decisions. Also, he knew when he was being lied to and who was faithful to him.

Decor signified wealth:

Nothing was overlooked. Even the decor was recorded and held significance to the story. As the people gazed at all of the marble, gold, silver, and precious stones, they were actually allowed to take a peek at the King’s bank statement. Everyone noted, including the wealthiest leaders of the provinces, that Persia was the most affluent nation in the world and Susa was dripping in wealth. Wealth was equated with power. Xerxes planted a seed in the minds of his leaders that if they stay connected with him, they too, would be as prosperous and as powerful.

Presenting King Xerxes:

King Xerxes was the powerful and mighty Lion King of the superpower of the world. His kingdom was vast and Persia was the most prosperous nation of all his empire. He was a natural born leader, warrior, strategist, and social networker who governed by facts and logic. He imparted inspiration to the leaders under his authority. He was a shrewd man who knew how to uncover secrets under the guise of familiarity.

Let’s Pray,

Father,

As I read and study the Book of Esther, I ask that You open up the eyes of my understanding. Give me a spirit of wisdom and revelation so I may know You better. Give me the grace never to abuse others through any form of deceit. By your grace, I am sincere in all I do and my motive is to bring You glory. In Jesus name, Amen.

References:

https://namemeaningsdictionary.com/search.php?q=xerxes&cat=names&search=
Dream Encounter Symbols, Barbie Breathitt Ministries, www.breathofthespiritministries.com
https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H6539&t=NLT
https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H7800&t=NLT
Ahmad Aryavand and Bahram Grami, "LILY," Encyclopædia Iranica, online edition, 2015, available at http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/lily (accessed on 29 June 2015).