SESSION 2: the miss Persia pageant

King Xerxes has been depicted by historians (Heroditus, Ctesias) as a vain, rash leader with a violent temper. He was known for his extravagant building projects and failed military campaigns. “I am Xerxes, the great king, the only king, the king of all countries which speak all kinds of languages, the king of this entire far-reaching earth – the son of King Darius, the Achaemenian, a Persian, son of a Persian, an Aryan of Aryan descent.” (inscription found at the Palace of Persepolis)

 A CONTEST FIT FOR A QUEEN Read Esther 2: How did Esther find herself in the king’s palace? She was know for her beauty (Es. 1:7) In response to the edict, Esther was “taken” as opposed to “brought” to the palace (Es. 2:8) …another forced exile. 2. What was Hagai’s response to meeting Esther? She pleased him and won his favor; there is something exceptional about her He assigned her 7 personal attendants and special food He moved her to the best place in the harem

3. Why did Mordecai forbid Esther to reveal her family background? The text doesn’t indicate why…however he felt so strongly about it that he forbade it. He understood that they were exiles in a foreign land. 4. How was it that Mordecai and Esther were living in the citadel of Susa? Although they were born in exile, they did not return to the promised land when King Darius permitted it This was not unusual for the Jews; they followed the principles found in Jeremiah 29: Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the L ORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” It seems that Mordecai had an official role in the king’s administration

5. What does Mordecai do when Esther was taken to the palace? Everyday he walked near the harem courtyard to find out about her Why didn’t Mordecai try and prevent Esther from entering this contest? 6. How was the “contest” conducted? This was not a typical practice in that time; a king would normally chose a wife among the 7 noble families of the empire 6 months of Oil of Myrrh 6 months of perfumes & cosmetics Instruction on court etiquette Only one night to make an impression The historian Josephus estimates there were 400 women involved in the contest.

 ESTHER FINDS FAVOR (again) Read Esther 2: When was it Esther’s turn to appear before the king and how did she come? Only with what Hegai suggested ; she rejects all the “trappings” offered to her (vs. 13). Notice that her turn came up in the 7 th year of the king’s reign 2. How did the king respond to Esther on an emotional level? He was attracted to her and she won his favor and approval over all the others Also notice in vs. 15 that Esther won the favor of everyone who saw her Are there other individuals who come to mind who also found favor in exile?

3. What did the king do regarding Esther? He made her Queen …the Miss Persia Pageant was over! He gave her a Banquet (what else is new?!); Including nobles and officials He proclaimed a Holiday throughout the empire and distributed gifts lavishly 4. When the contest was over, where do we find Mordecai? Sitting at the King’s gate. As an official he was likely at Esther’s Banquet 5. Why does the writer reiterate that Esther kept her nationality secret? Even though she was now queen, Esther still obeyed Mordecai…like she always had

 A PLOT IS REVEALED Read Esther 2: Why was Mordecai sitting at the king’s gate? Since he was an official, it is not an usual place for him to be … his presence did not raise any concern. Certain historical texts suggest that he was a palace accountant. 2. Why were two of his officials conspiring to assassinate Xerxes? Unknown – however the King has deposed a Queen, failed to conquer Greece, lost a huge number of men in his military campaigns, spent a ton of money on his palaces, and just completed a spectacle of a contest. 3. What did Mordecai do when he found out about the plot & why? He reported it to Esther, who told the king…giving Mordecai the credit for loyalty

4. What happened to the two officials and why was this recorded into the book of the annals? They were impaled on poles … as a warning against treason The Persians wrote down everything…the king was considered divine  A NEW PLOT EMERGES Read Esther 3: Who is Haman and what role was he given by the king? Notice the abrupt transition away from Esther and Mordecai and the sudden introduction of someone named Haman He is an Agagite who is given and elevated position, 2nd only to the king The king commanded that Haman be given honor by all the royal officials

2. Why wouldn’t Mordecai “kneel down” or “pay him honor”? He was an Agagite and the context suggests that he new something wasn’t right with this guy 3.What did the royal officials do after continually questioning Mordecai? The verses 3-4 suggest that the other officials tried to convince Mordecai to comply However uncertain, they eventually do report the behavior to Haman and tell him that he is a Jew 4. How did Haman respond to the news? He checked it out for himself He became enraged He looked for a way to destroy all the Jews in Persia

5. Why did Haman so hate the Jews ? Because Haman is an Agagite and Mordecai is a Benjamite. There is an ancient tribal feud between them that goes back over 550 yrs. *When the Israelites come out of Egypt, they are attacked by the Amalekites (Ex. 17:8-16) *The Amalekites are descendants of Esau, who sold his birthright *Since the Amalekites attacked the Jews, God curses them (Deuteronomy 25:17-19) *Four centuries later, King Saul, a Benjamite, conquers the Amalekites (1 Sam 15:7-9) and captures their king, Agag *Saul was ordered to kill him but didn’t; the prophet Samuel does instead (1 Sam. 15: 32-35) There is deep-seated animosity between Mordecai and Haman and they both know it!

 THE KING COMPLIES Read Esther 3:7-11 Notice how superstitious Haman is about his plan in vs. 7. He casts the Pur to find the perfect day to kill all the Jews 1. How does Haman “spin” his plan to the King? He points out that there are “certain people” dispersed among the empire (The Diaspora) These people separate themselves and have “different customs” They do not obey the king’s laws (at least Mordecai is suspect) Why tolerate this?! I have a plan to destroy them all, just sign off on it

2. Why does Haman offer money to the King of Persia? He knows that the treasury is in sorry shape: the military campaigns, all the lavish building and a ton of banquets Haman probably figures that he will get all this money from the Jews he intends to kill 3. How does the king respond to the plan? Apparently without much thought and investigation! At this point one wonders if the king knows that Haman is referring to the Jews?! The king places the fate of God’s chosen people into the hands of their mortal enemy, or does he.....?