We are moving to the next character study for 2020, We will begin looking at the life of Esther. Esther is the only book within the Bible that God is not mentioned directly. Yet, As one looks at the lives of the characters within the story, it is clear that God is the ultimate Ruler. In the beginning of the story of Esther, the Persian king is doing very well. In fact, he is doing so well that he throws a baquet for the nobles and leaders of the land. His wife also throws a banquet for the wives of those leaders. Everything is going along swimmingly until the King calls for his wife to come to entertain the men.
The queen, Vashti, was a beautiful woman and had a great life. She forgot, though, she served at the pleasure of the king. As such, she decided her party was as important as the King’s and so she simply refused to honor his request to attend the Kings banquet. So much beauty, so much pride. Sadly, her pride would end her reign, but, it would also set in motion a series of events that would literally save the nation of Israel.
In our lives, we often treasure the blessings we are given by the Lord. We rest in the Lord and allow Him to bless us. But, then somewhere along the way we lose sight that we are serving at His pleasure and begin to be prideful and selfish. That can lead to a serious separation from God’s blessing and cause struggles that will change our lives and the lives of many we know and love. God calls us to humble ourselves and walk selflessly and allow Him to lead. If we will do that, the Lord will bless and direct our paths. If, however, we choose to run independent of the Lord, we can rest assured God will allow it and it will end badly–as it did for Vashti. Help me Lord to always walk in Yur path, humbly and faithfully! So I can trust in you.
God Bless You
These events took place during the days of Ahasuerus, who ruled 127 provinces from India to Cush. 2 In those days King Ahasuerus reigned from his royal throne in the fortress at Susa. 3 He held a feast in the third year of his reign for all his officials and staff, the army of Persia and Media, the nobles, and the officials from the provinces. 4 He displayed the glorious wealth of his kingdom and the magnificent splendor of his greatness for a total of 180 days.
5 At the end of this time, the king held a week-long banquet in the garden courtyard of the royal palace for all the people, from the greatest to the least, who were present in the fortress of Susa. 6 White and violet linen hangings were fastened with fine white and purple linen cords to silver rods on marble[a] columns. Gold and silver couches were arranged on a mosaic pavement of red feldspar,[b] marble, mother-of-pearl, and precious stones.
7 Drinks were served in an array of gold goblets, each with a different design. Royal wine flowed freely, according to the king’s bounty. 8 The drinking was according to royal decree: “There are no restrictions.” The king had ordered every wine steward in his household to serve whatever each person wanted. 9 Queen Vashti also gave a feast for the women of King Ahasuerus’s palace.
10 On the seventh day, when the king was feeling good from the wine, Ahasuerus commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar, and Carkas—the seven eunuchs who personally served him— 11 to bring Queen Vashti before him with her royal crown. He wanted to show off her beauty to the people and the officials, because she was very beautiful. 12 But Queen Vashti refused to come at the king’s command that was delivered by his eunuchs. The king became furious and his anger burned within him.
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