mrs wjcollier3

Ancient queens did not enjoy the same benefits as modern day female heads of state.  While chosen to be the queen it was often because of her royal heritage and not her personal merits.

The queen was not allowed to be in the king’s presence except by special invitation.  She would often not be summoned for months at a time.  The king was allowed to keep a large harem or group of young ladies that were for his sexual pleasure.  He didn’t really even need her for those needs let alone that of company or advice.  The queen as well as these groups of women would be attended to by eunuchs.  Eunuchs were men that the king could trust because they had been surgically castrated therefore posing no risk around the ladies and also as they would never bear children they were not a threat to his political power.  They wouldn’t procreate and create a dynasty of their own.

An ancient king would often be surrounded by men in his court that would offer advice on matters of both personal and political significance.  In Persia these men were appointed strictly on the merits of who they were – not necessarily because of their tremendous wisdom.  These men would have been at the party and would have definitely been partaking in the alcoholic refreshments.

Queen Vashti was known for her beauty and some speculate that this was Ahasuerus’ last show and tell of the party.  After all, wouldn’t a beautiful wife and queen be the crown jewel in his cap so to speak?  Ancient custom would have forbidden Vashti from appearing in front of a group of all men and yet it also would have demanded her obedience.  She was in a bad position.  There have been other thoughts surrounding her refusal – perhaps she was pregnant with Artaxerxes and would not have wanted to be seen in that condition, the expectation was that she would appear in nothing but the royal crown or perhaps she simply had no respect for her husband.  Regardless of her excuse Vashti paid the price for her disobedience and was banished by her inebriated husband and his advisors.

Ahasuerus found himself in a bad position as well.  As ill-advised as his demand was he  now found himself  in a position where he had to act or be seen as a weak man in his own household without the respect of his wife and queen.

As you read today, what do you think the effects that the prolonged partying, peer pressure and traditions played in the outcome?

What was Ahasuerus’ response to queen Vashti’s refusal to appear at the party?  What does this tell us about his character?  About his relationship with Vashti?

What was the suggestion made by Memucan in response to Queen Vashti’s actions? What was inherently wrong with this line of thought?

How much responsibility did Ahasuerus’ advisors bear over his rash decision and decree?  Have you ever been in a place to offer advice?  Do you think your advice was wise or reactionary?

DIG DEEPER!

What other references can you find in the Bible related to the marriage relationship and respect?  How would these principles have helped Ahasuerus and Vashti’s relationship?

I have spent the last number of weeks working on a Bible study for the ladies at our church.  I had asked the world wide web for some suggestions for our weekly study.  Beth Moore was a suggestion that came up frequently.  On our limited budget – both personal and church wide – I felt like her study guides were a little pricey.  So, I wrote my own.  As we go through the study I will be posting for your enjoyment as well.  So enjoy!  I entitled it For Such a Time as This.

This week’s read:   Try to read the entire book of Esther in one read.  It’s just 10 chapters – you can do it!

The Old Testament tells the story of a people chosen by God, the Israelites.  The Israelites repetitively did evil, disobeyed and mocked God.  Yet they were repeatedly forgiven by their merciful protector.  Leading up to the book of Esther we learn of the constant rebellion of God’s people to His laws and commands resulting in their exile from Israel.  God allowed two powerful nations, Babylon and Assyria to conquer them in a horrific punishment.  You have only to read some of the Old Testament prophets to realize the extent of the destruction.

The Assyrians scattered the northern kingdom and the Babylonians took those who survived into exile.  The temple was destroyed and the land was left barren.  The Israelites were to remain in exile for 70 years.

During those 70 years God was not silent or idle.  The political landscape changed and the Babylonians were conquered by the Persians.  The Persians ended the exile of the Israelites and they were free to move around the nation.  It was under the reign of King Cyrus that God brought about His promise to restore the Israelites to the land He had promised them.  During Ezra we learn of a remnant of Jewish people, under the leadership of Zerubbabel, returned to rebuild the temple.  King Cyrus and his successor King Darius are instrumental in making this reconstruction happen.

The book of Esther takes place during this time.  Although thousands of Israelites have returned to Israel, many more have stayed behind.  History books and the Bible confirm that many did not even speak their native language anymore and many of them had assimilated into the culture that surrounded them.  Persia is now under the rule of King Ahasuerus or Xerxes (486-465 BC) and the book of Esther opens with the throwing of a lavish royal party.  Many scholars believe that this was an attempt to garner military support from surrounding nations and leaders in an effort to overthrow Greece.

The book of Esther has all the makings of a great novel – romance, suspense and intrigue.  Did you notice?  God’s name is not mentioned even once.  Why do you think the book of Esther was included in the Bible?

What are your first impressions about Esther?  Is she a woman to be modeled?  What characteristics do you find admirable?  Not so admirable?

Can you think of a time when God put you in a position to make a difference?  Did you act or remain silent?

One of the themes of Esther is the hidden hand of God.  What references can you find in Esther to God even though not named by name?  What events have His signature on them?  Write the chapter and verse reference along with the idea that represents or alludes to God or event that He controlled.  If you need a hint try looking at these references:  2:7, 2:21, 6:1, 6:4