Setting the Scene

The book of Esther almost begins with fairy-tale qualities with a description of a very powerful ruler who was the King of a Persian empire. This King, Ahasuerus, is married to an incredibly beautiful woman, a queen who undoubtedly would steal the breath of all who looked upon her, mesmerizing them with her natural beauty while being robed in the finest, surrounded by only the most exquisite, and sheltered by the pride of a great King. One would look upon the incredible beginning of this story and immediately become captivated by the romance…adventure…mystery… all evoking an emotional response that is almost tangible. The power is so intense.

The truth is, this is a very complex story of heartbreak and devastation. One that begins with privilege but then a dangerous dance with disobedience results in the devastation of divorce, dethroning and banishment. All in the first 21 verses.

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Throughout my study of the book of Esther in the Holy Bible, I am inviting Holy Spirit to guide me and asking Him to direct me in the areas He would prefer I focus on. There are such incredible truths in this book that it can be overwhelming at times. At the end of this journey, I hope to have a collection of truths anointed by the Greatest of All Kings, which I hope to use to help others see the lessons, values and truths that are found in this amazing study.

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Let's take a look at our main character, King Xerxes. Many scholars refer to him as Xerxes I, or Xerxes the Great. According to Wikipedia, (link), he reigned from 519 BC to 465 BC. This was a time when the kings of Persia believed they were actually appointed by the Persian god to reign over the entire world. The word of the king was most powerful, and would dictate all political, religious and legal matters. It seems that being born into this level of power can readily change the intent of a life of humility to become a spoiled, immature egocentric. According to what we read about King Xerxes, he was no exception and to even enter his presence without being summoned would potentially end in death – even for his own family.

It is an incredible thing to learn about the dynasty of great men and women and to realize that they have been spoken of ealier in the Word of God. I find this truly fascinating. I mean, this is God's Word. This is what God chose to help people understand the salvation message. Imagine how it would feel, if your name were included in the many prophesies of old...wow, right?!? I believe that the name given us at birth means a great deal, more perhaps, than we can truly understand, and can hold great significance in how our lives unfold. God knows us before we are forming in the womb (Jeremiah 1:5)....even before we are forming in the womb. Amazing. It certainly is not unfathomable that he would provide a play-by-play of our path in life (Psalm 139:16).

It is noted in some of my research, that King Xerxes, Esther’s husband had been spoken of by Daniel, in chapter 8:4 “I saw the ram pushing westward, and northward, and southward; so that no beasts might stand before him, neither was there any that could deliver out of his hand; but he did according to his will, and became great.” Apparently the ram refers to the Persian Kings of the Achaemenid dynasty – a fierce dynasty of warriors, who would stop at nothing to increase their reign. Daniel 11:1 states, “Also I in the first year of Darius the Mede, even I, stood to confirm and to strengthen him.” The Darius the Mede that Daniel refers to here is not clear but it seems that he may have shared power with the first Persian King, Cyrus. The very next verse in Daniel, verse 2 states: “And now will I shew thee the truth. Behold, there shall stand up yet three kings in Persia; and the fourth shall be far richer than they all: and by his strength through his riches he shall stir up all against the realm of Grecia.” Xerxes I, it seems, is the fourth king, referred to in this scripture. It amazes me to think that, in the Holy Word of God, people are identified hundreds of years before their birth, and their life is already set out before them. The accuracies that have been supplied by Daniel are ‘so’ precise that there are arguments that he could even have written it. This is not an unusual arguement, since we know in 1 Corinthians 2:14, it says, “The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.” Another verse that comes to mind is 1 Corinthians 1:25, which states, “For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.” We know that human capacity cannot begin to process the magnitude of Who God is...we need the spiritual discernment and the power of His Holy Spirit to provide the understanding, knowledge and wisdom.

So, let's get back to the King of Persia. King Xerxes had obviously been born into a great dynasty. He was born with much more than a 'silver spoon' in his mouth, as we like to say of those born into privelege. He was surrounded by incredible wealth and everywhere he looked, his eyes beheld beauty. He loved to show off his wealth. So much so, in fact, that he would schedule 180 days for a banquet. Now, we can understand setting aside some time for an honorary event - but 6 months?!? Talk about extravagance!!!
 

In order to truly understand the extremeness of this decision, we must take a look at the political climate of the time. There were revolts that had taken place, with King Xerxes’ father, Darius, taking on Greece and attempting to expand his empire even further. This Darius is not the same Darius specifically spoken of by the Prophet Daniel, chapter 11, verse 1, but the third of the four Kings outlined in chapter 11, verse 2. He is also known as "Darius the Great” and was committed to  organizing a Kingdom that ran in a structured manner. For example, he divided his provinces and positioned leaders and governors. He recognized the value of organizing a new and uniform monetary system and made one language, Aramaic, the official language. He was a man who recognized the value of uniformity and development, working on various construction projects including architectural works, including initiating the construction of Persepolis (The Glory of Persia). The names of Xerxes I and Artexerxes III are also inscribed on some of the ruins which indicate they were involved in this construction as well. 

Here is an excerpt from some of the research I've found on Perseplis: "The great city of Parsa (Persepolis) was built in terraces up from the river Pulwar to rise on a larger terrace of over 125,000 square feet, partly cut out of the Mountain Kuh-e Rahmet ("the Mountain of Mercy"). To create the level terrace, large depressions were filled with soil and heavy rocks which were then fastened together with metal clips; upon this ground the first palace at Persepolis slowly grew. Around 518 BCE, construction of a broad stairway was begun up to the palace doors. This grand, dual entrance to the palace, known as the Persepolitan stairway, was a masterpiece of symmetry on the western side of the building and the steps were so wide that Persian royalty and those of noble birth could ascend or descend the stairs by horseback, thereby not having to touch the ground with their feet. The top of the stairways led to a small yard in the north-eastern side of the terrace, opposite the Gate of all Nations. (link)

I am amazed at the magnificence described here….a masterpiece of symmetry…royalty could ascend or descend…not having to touch the ground with their feet. It just sounds like something I would attribute to God-like, not mere mortal doing. Descriptions like this make me wonder further about the glory and magnificence of God and how he will transform us to be able to behold Him and live with Him for eternity. Indeed, it must be an amazing transformation by an amazing God!!!  

More to come, later! :)