INTRODUCTION TO ESTHER

The book of Esther is about a beautiful Jewish girl who became queen of the Persian Empire, and was used by God to save her people. The Feast of Purim, which is still celebrated by the Jews, commemorates the heroism of Queen Esther and her uncle Mordecai. Although God is not mentioned in this book, it is clear that he is the sovereign ruler of empires and history, and he is in charge of these events.

The period of Babylonian Exile had ended with the Persian conquest of Babylon under King Cyrus. While many Jews had returned to rebuild Jerusalem, the vast majority remained in the land of their exile and were scattered throughout the Persian Empire. The Persian Empire under Xerxes (486-485/4 BC) ruled the world from India to Egypt.

The writer tells of how Esther saved the Jews from Haman the Agagite (an Amalekite--Israel's ancient enemy), who planned the genocide of the Jewish race. Esther's uncle Mordecai was one of the remnant who maintained his Jewish identity even while living in a foreign country. He is the behind-the-scenes hero of the story. Esther herself is an example of womanly beauty, obedience, and courage. She is a woman who accepted the mission God gave her. Mordecai's words to Queen Esther are the key verse: '...if you remain silent at this time, relief...for the Jews will arise from another place.... And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?' (4:14).

1. King Xerxes' party (1-8)

King Xerxes lived in Susa and ruled the vast Persian Empire. Once he gave a great banquet and invited high ranking officials from all the provinces. He impressed them with his splendor and vast wealth. The climax was a fabulous banquet held in the palace garden. Wine flowed freely. When the guests and the king were in high spirits, he sent for Queen Vashti. He was proud of her beauty and wanted to show her off. In a godless world, women were like slaves.

2. Queen Vashti's mistake (9-22)

Queen Vashti was having a banquet for the women. She became so involved in her own activities that she forgot that her first responsibility was to her husband. She became proud. When he sent for her, she refused to come. His pride was hurt and he was furious. His advisors saw this as a national problem. Suppose all women hear about the queen and begin to despise their husbands! They urged him to depose her. He did so. An announcement was then made that all women should respect their husbands!

Application: Lord, pride still destroys homes and breaks relationships. Take foolish pride from my heart.
One Word: Pride goes before a fall