Scriptures for Today: Esther 1:1-9
Esther 1:1-9
Now it came to pass in the days of Ahasuerus, (this is Ahasuerus which reigned, from India even unto Ethiopia, over an hundred and seven and twenty provinces:) 2 That in those days, when the king Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which was in Shushan the palace, 3 In the third year of his reign, he made a feast unto all his princes and his servants; the power of Persia and Media, the nobles and princes of the provinces, being before him: 4 When he shewed the riches of his glorious kingdom and the honour of his excellent majesty many days, even an hundred and fourscore days. 5 And when these days were expired, the king made a feast unto all the people that were present in Shushan the palace, both unto great and small, seven days, in the court of the garden of the king’s palace; 6 Where were white, green, and blue, hangings, fastened with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rings and pillars of marble: the beds were of gold and silver, upon a pavement of red, and blue, and white, and black, marble. 7 And they gave them drink in vessels of gold, (the vessels being diverse one from another,) and royal wine in abundance, according to the state of the king. 8 And the drinking was according to the law; none did compel: for so the king had appointed to all the officers of his house, that they should do according to every man’s pleasure. 9 Also Vashti the queen made a feast for the women in the royal house which belonged to king Ahasuerus.
Introduction to Esther 1: From Captivity to Courts
The story of Esther doesn’t take place in Jerusalem or even in Israel—it takes place in a pagan palace. To understand why, we’ve got to look back at how God’s people ended up here.
After Solomon died, the kingdom split. Ten tribes followed Jeroboam in the north, called Israel. Two tribes stayed in the south, called Judah (1 Kings 12:19–20). The northern kingdom ran straight into idolatry and never came back. Prophets like Elijah and Elisha warned them again and again, but they wouldn’t listen.
2 Kings 17:6
In the ninth year of Hoshea the king of Assyria took Samaria, and carried Israel away into Assyria.
That was the end of the northern kingdom.
Judah lasted longer, but not by much. They had a few good kings like Hezekiah and Josiah, but after them, the nation went right back to sin. God sent Jeremiah to warn them that Babylon would come and destroy the city if they didn’t repent—but they hardened their hearts.
2 Kings 25:9
And he burnt the house of the LORD, and the king’s house, and all the houses of Jerusalem, and every great man’s house burnt he with fire.
That’s exactly what happened. Babylon conquered Jerusalem and took the people captive for seventy years, just as God said through Jeremiah (Jeremiah 25:11).
When those seventy years were over, God raised up Cyrus, king of Persia, to defeat Babylon and allow the Jews to go home. Cyrus made a decree saying they could rebuild the temple (Ezra 1:1–3).
Some went back with Zerubbabel to rebuild the altar and the house of God. Years later, Ezra came to restore worship and teach the law. After that, Nehemiah rebuilt the city walls.
But not everyone went back. Many families had settled across the Persian Empire. They had homes, businesses, and children born in those foreign lands. Among those people was a young woman named Esther.
By the time we reach this book, Persia rules from India to Ethiopia. The king, Ahasuerus, sits on a golden throne in Shushan—the most powerful man on earth. He’s rich, proud, and loves showing off. He throws massive parties to display his glory.
But while the king is showing off, God is already setting things in motion. He’s not mentioned by name in the book, but He’s working in every detail—behind every decision, every event, every conversation.
So the story of Esther begins—not in a temple of worship, but in a palace of pride. Not with people praying, but with people partying. And yet, even there, God is working.
Before Esther ever becomes queen, before Haman ever hatches his plan, before the danger even exists—God is already moving to protect His people. This story begins with man’s pride, but it ends with God’s plan.
Outline of Nehemiah 13 , Esther 1, and Esther 2
Nehemiah 13 — Nehemiah’s Final Reforms
1–3. Nehemiah separates Israel from the mixed multitude after reading the law.
4–9. He casts out Tobiah, who had defiled the Temple chambers.
10–14. Nehemiah restores the Levites to their proper duties and tithes.
15–22. He rebukes Sabbath breakers and orders the gates closed during the Sabbath.
23–31. He contends with Jews who married foreign wives and purifies the priesthood.
Esther 1 — Royal Banquets and Rebellion
1–4. King Ahasuerus displays his wealth and glory in a great feast lasting 180 days.
5–8. A second feast is held for all the people of Shushan, full of luxury and excess.
9–12. Queen Vashti refuses the king’s command to appear, angering Ahasuerus.
13–20. The wise men advise the king to remove Vashti to prevent rebellion among women.
21–22. The king decrees throughout the empire that every man should rule his own house.
Esther 2 — Esther Becomes Queen
1–4. The king seeks a new queen; young women are gathered to Shushan.
5–7. Mordecai and Esther are introduced; Esther is an orphan raised by her cousin Mordecai.
8–11. Esther finds favor with Hegai and keeps her Jewish identity secret.
12–18. Esther is chosen and crowned as queen in place of Vashti.
19–23. Mordecai uncovers a plot against the king and saves his life.
Focus on Esther 1:1–9
The first chapter of Esther is a snapshot of the world’s glory.
While Jerusalem had the altar and the presence of God, Persia had the throne, the gold, and the pride of men. Yet even here, God is at work behind the scenes.
What looks like political power and luxury is about to become a stage for God’s purpose. Every marble pillar and golden cup will soon serve the plan of the invisible King.
The book of Esther teaches that when God seems most silent, He is most strategic. The story begins with royal banquets—but it will end with divine deliverance.
Up to this point in the Bible, we’ve see the powerful Egyptians ruling, then the Israelites, the Assyrians, then the Babylonians, and now we see the Medes and Persians ruling here in Esther.
Exposition of Esther 1:1–9
Verse 1 — The Reign of Ahasuerus
Esther 1:1
Now it came to pass in the days of Ahasuerus, (this is Ahasuerus which reigned, from India even unto Ethiopia, over an hundred and seven and twenty provinces:)
This verse sets the stage for the book. Ahasuerus, also known as Xerxes I, ruled the Persian Empire from India to Ethiopia — the most powerful empire in the world at the time. That means everything in this story takes place under Gentile rule.
Israel was no longer a free nation. They had been conquered, scattered, and many were still living far from Jerusalem. Even though God’s name isn’t mentioned in Esther, He is still in control. The throne of Persia might look impressive, but it’s still under the hand of the LORD.
Verse 2 — The Palace in Shushan
Esther 1:2
That in those days, when the king Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which was in Shushan the palace,
Shushan was the winter capital of Persia — a place of wealth, luxury, and political power. This palace is where the book begins. The setting matters because it reminds us that God’s people were living under a foreign government, surrounded by worldliness.
But God is not limited to the land of Israel. Even in a pagan palace, He’s already working behind the scenes to protect His people.
Verse 3 — The Great Feast of Pride
Esther 1:3
In the third year of his reign, he made a feast unto all his princes and his servants; the power of Persia and Media, the nobles and princes of the provinces, being before him:
Ahasuerus throws a massive feast for his military leaders and governors — a display of power and pride. History tells us this happened while he was planning war against Greece. This banquet was meant to show off his strength and wealth.
But what man calls greatness, God calls vanity. This is how the book of Esther begins — not with prayer or worship, but with human glory. The scene looks impressive, but it’s setting up the fall of those who exalt themselves.
Verse 4 — The Display of Glory
Esther 1:4
When he shewed the riches of his glorious kingdom and the honour of his excellent majesty many days, even an hundred and fourscore days.
For 180 days — half a year — the king showed off everything he owned. The gold, the armies, the buildings, the treasures. It’s the perfect picture of pride.
Ahasuerus thought his kingdom would last forever, but kingdoms built on pride always fall. God allowed this to be recorded to remind us that no matter how great man thinks he is, his glory fades. “Proverbs 16:18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.”
Verse 5 — The Feast for All in Shushan
Esther 1:5
And when these days were expired, the king made a feast unto all the people that were present in Shushan the palace, both unto great and small, seven days, in the court of the garden of the king’s palace;
After showing off to the nobles, the king throws another feast for everyone in the palace — “both great and small.” Seven days of indulgence and excess.
This is a picture of a world lost in pleasure. The leaders are drunk with pride, and the people are drunk with entertainment. But behind all of this, God is preparing to bring His true King through the line of Israel. While the world feasts, heaven works.
Verse 6 — The Luxury of the Palace
Esther 1:6
Where were white, green, and blue hangings, fastened with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rings and pillars of marble: the beds were of gold and silver, upon a pavement of red, and blue, and white, and black, marble.
The detail here shows the incredible wealth of Persia. Everything is designed to impress — gold, silver, marble, and royal colors. But God records it to show the contrast between earthly riches and spiritual emptiness.
This isn’t written to make us admire the palace, but to help us see how easily men worship things instead of God. The book begins with material glory, but it will end with God’s people delivered — not by gold or power, but by faith and courage.
Verse 7 — The Wine and Excess
Esther 1:7
And they gave them drink in vessels of gold, (the vessels being diverse one from another,) and royal wine in abundance, according to the state of the king.
Here we see more excess. Golden cups for everyone, filled with royal wine in abundance. The king uses what should symbolize honor to promote indulgence. This same spirit will later cost Queen Vashti her crown.
Whenever power, pride, and pleasure mix together, sin is not far behind. This feast is the world’s way — take what’s beautiful and use it for vanity.
Verse 8 — No Restraint
Esther 1:8
And the drinking was according to the law; none did compel: for so the king had appointed to all the officers of his house, that they should do according to every man’s pleasure.
This verse shows a lawless atmosphere — “every man’s pleasure.” That’s the spirit of the world. When there’s no restraint, destruction follows.
God’s Word teaches the opposite: self-control, holiness, and sobriety. “Titus 2:12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.”
This environment of pride and drunkenness becomes the very stage where God begins to turn events toward His purpose.
Verse 9 — The Feast of Vashti
Esther 1:9
Also Vashti the queen made a feast for the women in the royal house which belonged to king Ahasuerus.
Even Queen Vashti holds her own feast for the women. The king and queen are separated — two parties, two purposes. This sets up the conflict that will come in the next verses when Vashti refuses the king’s command.
Behind this scene, God is preparing a way for Esther. The crown that Vashti will lose is the one Esther will wear. God can move events, kings, and queens to open doors for His people — even when no one sees Him doing it.
Doctrinal Truths in Esther 1:1–9
- The Doctrine of God’s Rule Over Nations (Daniel 4:17) – Every ruler is under God’s authority. No kingdom rises or falls without His permission.
- The Doctrine of Human Pride (Proverbs 16:18) – Pride always leads to downfall. The same pride that filled Ahasuerus’ palace will bring judgment in any generation.
- The Doctrine of Worldliness (1 John 2:15–17) – The world loves pleasure and appearance, but those things pass away. Only those who do the will of God abide forever.
- The Doctrine of Separation (2 Corinthians 6:17) – God’s people must not be swept up in the world’s feasts and entertainments. Holiness always separates light from darkness.
- The Doctrine of God’s Preparation (Romans 8:28) – Even when His name isn’t mentioned, God is still working all things together for His purpose and His people.
Practical Applications for Esther 1:1–9
- Don’t Be Impressed by Power – Ahasuerus ruled 127 provinces, but one sleepless night later (Esther 6:1), he’ll be troubled by a Jew’s name in a book. Earthly power fades fast.
- Guard Against Pride – Pride destroys leaders, homes, and churches. When you start showing off what you have, you’re one step away from losing it.
- Don’t Live for Appearances – The Persians decorated their walls with gold, but their hearts were empty. Focus on what God sees, not what man praises.
- Stay Sober-Minded – Their feasts led to shame and rebellion. Wine and indulgence cloud judgment. Stay alert and spiritually awake.
- Remember That God Is Always at Work – You may not see His name written in every situation, but He’s still arranging the details. He never forgets His people.
Warnings and Encouragements from Esther 1:1–9
Warnings
- Beware of Empty Glory – This world shines bright for a season, then burns out. Don’t trade eternal reward for temporary attention.
- Beware of Drunken Decisions – Ahasuerus will make his worst choices under the influence of wine. A clouded mind leads to disaster.
- Beware of Ignoring God’s Hand – Just because you don’t see His name doesn’t mean He’s absent. Pride blinds you to the truth that God is still in charge.
Encouragements
- God Works Even in Dark Times – The Jews were scattered and forgotten by men, but not by God. He was already setting the stage for their deliverance.
- God Knows the Future – Long before Esther appears, God already knows who will be queen. He always prepares before He provides.
- God Protects His People Anywhere – Whether in Jerusalem or Persia, Babylon or Shushan, God can still move in favor of His people.
The Gospel Connection in Esther 1:1–9
This chapter begins with a proud king showing off his riches. But the gospel shows us a humble King who laid His glory aside.
Ahasuerus displayed his wealth for 180 days to impress men; Jesus Christ humbled Himself to save sinners (Philippians 2:8). Ahasuerus sat on a golden throne; Christ bore a crown of thorns.
The Persians feasted for themselves; Jesus gave His body and blood for others.
Even when God’s name isn’t mentioned in Esther, His plan points to Christ — the true King who delivers His people, not through pride, but through sacrifice.
Conclusion: The Hidden Hand of God
The book opens with pride, luxury, and drunkenness — yet God is quietly setting everything in place. The stage of sin becomes the scene of His plan.
The people at the palace saw only gold and wine. God saw a Jewish orphan who would one day wear the crown and protect His people.
One-Sentence Takeaway: When the world shows off its power, remember — God is still writing the story.
Let’s pray.
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