The Story of Esther Pt 1

    By Aron

    The Story of Esther Pt 1 cover image

    14 Aug, 2023

    King Xerxes ruled over a vast empire, his wealth and power showcased through extravagant banquets. The citadel of Susa bustled with nobles and royal guests. He was a man of great wealth, and so invited men of all his kingdom to feast during 180 days.

    After these 6 months, the king offered another banquet of 7 days so his guests could drink according to their own customs. As the wine flowed freely, King Xerxes ordered his eunuchs to summon Queen Vashti. However, Vashti refused to present herself, causing the king great displeasure.

    The king's advisors counseled him. After deliberation, they decided Vashti should be stripped of her royal position for her insubordination. The decision spread widely, serving as a warning.

    the advisors of the king came to council and decided that what Vashti had done would spread throughout the kingdom. Their greatest fear would be that all the women would despise their husbands once it was known that the queen had despised the king and nothing happened to her. Following this event, the king's advisors proposed a search for a new queen.

    The news spread across the provinces, offering a grand opportunity for the empire's women. Vashti, unbroken by events, began her journey into an uncertain future.

    As the selection for the new queen began, beautiful women from around the empire were brought to the palace. The memory of Vashti's courage lingered in the air.

    Among the contenders was a young Jewish woman named Esther, who was chosen as the new queen because of her beauty and grace.

    King Xerxes, captivated by Esther, crowned her as the queen. Yet, as she ascended the throne, Esther remembered Vashti, who had dared to defy the king.

    Esther's uncle, Mordechai, was a man of wisdom. After Esther became queen, he informed King Xerxes about a plot against the king.

    Mordechai warns the king that Bigthana and Teresh, two of his trusted eunuchs, were plotting to kill him. The plot is revealed and Mordechai is honored before the people of Susa. All are happy except for Haman, who doesn´t like Mordechai because he is a Jew and wouldn´t bow down to him in respect like all the others.

    Still avid for revenge, Haman tells his wife about his secret desire not only to kill this one Jew named Mordechai, but the entire JEWISH people! His wife and his sons start to encourage him to build gallows so that he could hang Mordechai and his people. During this time of events, Esther still held a secret that she herself was a Jew. But Haman wanting to kill Mordechai, manipulates the king to believe that the Jews wanted to be against the king´s orders.