A Pleasure-Seeking, Prideful, & Foolish King

(Encouraged reading: Esther 1)

v. 1-9 A Pleasure-Seeking King

     King Ahasuerus wished to flaunt all the riches he attained during his three-year reign, so he hosted a party that lasted for about six months. After it was completed, he continued to pride himself in all he had attained and possessed, and extended the party a week to all who were present in Shushan, the capitol of the Persian Empire. During this time much wine was consumed. The king desired for each man to drink whatever amount of wine he pleased, which as we will see in the next section, had a big impact on what the king did next.

v. 10-20 A Prideful King

     On the very last day of his party the king was very intoxicated, and he wished to display another treasure and beauty of his, his wife, Queen Vashti. There are some sins we must recognize in this section. First, he wished men to lust after his wife, and second, the way in which he wanted to present her was shameful to her as woman, wife, and queen. Consequently, Vashti refused to do such a thing for the king. The king then sought the counsel of his wisemen, but instead of calling out his foolishness, they stroked his ego. King Ahasuerus believed that he would be a public disgrace by keeping a wife who refused him. Instead of considering his wrongs, he was concerned he would lose his reputation because of the queen’s refusal.

v. 21-22 A Foolish King

     The king heeded his counselors’ advice and hastily removed Queen Vashti. The King acted out of self-preservation and probably his intoxication. In chapter 2, he will remember this foolish choice.

Application:

     Three sins played a huge role in this first chapter: pleasure-seeking, pride, and foolishness. We need to check our hearts in these three areas. Ask yourself: Do I want passing pleasure over God’s will? Is there any root of pride in any area of my life? Do I choose foolishness over wisdom?

Prayer:

     Lord, please, reveal to us if we struggle with any of these sins. Uproot all that resides in our heart not honoring to You. Help us to walk in Your wisdom.