Esther When Submission Held Sway

Background to the Book of Esther Ahasuerus (Xerxes) is King of Persia (486-465 BC) From 483 to 480 BC, Xerxes led the Persian armies in an unsuccessful effort to conquer Greece. Xerxes’ army gained a famous victory in the Battle of Thermopylae in 480 B.C. After a naval defeat at Salamis, Xerxes returned to Persia with part of his forces to quell a revolt, leaving Mardonius to continue the assault on Greece.

“Ahasuerus reigned…from India to Ethiopia” -- Esther 1:1

Carvings From Persepolis depicting Xerxes

“Gate of All Nations” Entrance to Xerxes’ Palace

Special Characteristics of the Book of Esther The text refers to neither God nor the Temple. Yet God’s providence and care for His people are clearly seen throughout the book (Esther 4:14)

Esther 1:1-22 The Feast in Sushan The feast occurred in the 3rd year of the reign of Ahasuerus (1:2-3). Queen Vashti refused to appear when bidden. (1:12) The king’s counselor said that “the queen's behavior will become known to all women…they will despise their husbands in their eyes” (1:17) Vashti was removed as queen and the King decreed that “each man should be master in his own house” (1:22)

Esther 2:1-18 Esther Becomes Queen The King began a search to replace Vashti (2:1-4). Mordecai, a Jew of the tribe of Benjamin, dwelt in the citadel (2:5-8) Mordecai had raised his orphaned cousin Esther (Hadassah) as his own daughter. Esther was “lovely and beautiful.” Esther was selected for consideration by the King along with many other young ladies. Esther was taken to the King in the 7th year of his reign. Ahasuerus loved Esther more than all the other women; he crowned her Queen.

Esther 3:1-15 The Edict to Exterminate the Jews Haman, a prince of Persia, set his heart on destroying all the Jews in the kingdom. He persuades the King to issue a decree to that effect. “And the letters were sent by couriers into all the king's provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to annihilate all the Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar, and to plunder their possessions.” (Esther 3:13)

Esther 4:1-17 Esther’s Daring Decision Mordecai reveals Haman’s plot to Esther and asks her to plead before the King for the Jews. Esther replies that to enter the King’s presence unbidden could well result in her death. Mordecai responds If the Jews are all killed, you will die anyway. Relief will come from someone else. “Who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this.” Esther decides, “I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!”

Esther 5:1-18; 7:1-10 Submission Holds Sway Esther approached Ahasuerus Esther extended her request. Submission held sway! The Jews were saved! Esther’s motives were righteous and pure. She approached her husband and king with kindness and in an attitude of humility and service. She enabled him to see the problem on his own, discover the facts and decide what should be done.

Esther’s Example of Submission is Instructive For wives today (1 Peter 3:1-2; Eph. 5:22; Colossians 3:18) For saints submitting to elders (Heb. 13:17) For Christians living as servants (Eph. 6:5-8; 1 Peter 5:5-6)