For Such A Time As This – The Story of Esther & Mordecai

Part II – A Tale of Two Queens

In this lesson we find the King of the Persian Empire who is called by Ahasuerus (a transliteration of his Persian name Khshayarsha) or by his Greek name Xerxes and he is reigning over the 127 provinces of Persia which includes the land of Judah/Palestine. Xerxes was a very powerful King and the empire that he ruled over was equally powerful, so much so, it rivalled that of the Greek Empire of his time.

The first chapter of the Book of Esther introduces us to a lavish party that Xerxes put together for his military leaders and nobility to celebrate their accomplishments as an empire. The timing of this party fits into the historical record in which Xerxes was “poking the bear” and preparing to take on the Greek Empire in battle. It was common for Kings to throw lavish parties both to celebrate past victories and to prepare the military leaders for upcoming battles. Although we are not specifically told this was the purpose of the party mentioned in Esther 1 – it is certainly a strong possibility.

At this banquet we are introduced to Queen Vashti who was the reigning Queen over the Persian Empire along with Xerxes. Unfortunately for her she refuses to comply with the Kings request, and this results in her being deposed/removed as queen. This creates an interesting opportunity for the other women of the Persian Empire and as the chapter unfolds, we will see this opens the door for Esther (a young Jewish woman) to become Queen and thus replaces Vashti.

 This was no coincidence and clearly is the providential hand of The Lord God who places Esther in the right place at the right time or better defined as “Such a Time as This”. Esther will win the favor of King Xerxes and her beauty (both inside and outside) captivated Xerxes so much she was given “most favored status” even though she was a Jew. Esther’s heritage will play a roll in the events that unfold through the Book of Esther but for this moment she was the talk of the town.

In each of these opportunities we can see the providence of God at work. The way in which He orchestrates His will to be accomplished despite what may seem (to some) as unimportant at the time or a mere coincidence but, is divine intervention for His purposes and our good. The Apostle Paul writes it this way; “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28)