For Such A Time As ThisSample

 Around 479 BC, a Persian orphan named Esther was adopted to be raised by her cousin, Mordecai. Esther was raised in Susa, the citadel of Persia, secure inside of Mordecai’s care. 

One day, King Xerxes—the king of the Persian empire—gave a six month long banquet to all of his officials and servants. From India to Ethiopia, the king ruled 127 provinces. (Esther 1:1)  Not only were all of these people invited to feast at his table, but the banquet itself was to last half a year! Can you imagine partying for six months straight? 

As if this banquet was not long enough, once it ended the king decided to host yet another one to those present in Susa. We’re talking everyone from the least to the greatest. Thousands and thousands of people from every social class, all gathered at the king’s palace for seven days straight. Not only were the people of Susa probably thrilled to attend, but the king was delighted to host them all- and with plenty of wine.

This banquet was sure to be remembered by all of Susa. It was also a clever way for the king to make his people feel valued while also demonstrating his power. King Xerxes thought he was the ultimate king of kings. He wanted to make sure everyone received a taste of his majesty and glory. 

As you read through Esther 1, perhaps you noticed someone important was missing...someone like the queen herself. This is because she was busy hosting a feast for the women in the palace. (Esther 1:9)  

After days of drinking, many became merry with wine- including the king himself. (Esther 1:10) While drunk, the king commanded his eunuchs to bring Queen Vashti before him so that he could demonstrate to the princes in his presence just how physically beautiful she was. He desired to woo the hearts of his royal guests by posing his Queen as his prized, sexual object. 

As we read in Esther 1:12, the Queen refused to come at the king’s command. Perhaps it is because she knew the motive behind his request. Queen Vashti not only stood up for herself, but she boldly took a stand against the most powerful figure in her atmosphere.

Although we can commend Queen Vashti for her refusal to be a sexual object, her opposition to the king and his guests enraged him enough to replace her as queen. 

“...and let the king give her royal position to another who is more worthy than she.” -Esther 1:19 (ESV)

King Xerxes may have overreacted in his decision to replace his queen, but when we take a step back and look at the bigger picture, we can see the hands of our almighty God weaving together the beautiful story of an everyday, all kinds of ordinary young woman who will become the next queen and play an unforgettable role in the preservation of her people- God’s people. 

The fall of Queen Vashti marked the rise of Queen Esther. 

Reflection

1. What verses in Esther 1 stood out to you?
2. Do you think Queen Vashti made a good choice in refusing to go before the drunken king?
3. Reflect on what you believe our choices should say about us.