Fair Young Virgins Sought Esther 2:2 - Equipped for Battle

As we continue our story, King Ahasuerus has banished Queen Vashti from the throne, and he is lonely. He begins to remember Queen Vashti and what was done to her, and now because the Persian law cannot be changed, he cannot have her again. In chapter two and verse two his servants make an interesting suggestion concerning “fair young virgins” to solve his problem. We read:

Then said the king's servants that ministered unto him, Let there be fair young virgins sought for the king:

If we use our imaginations we might be able to picture poor old King Ahasuerus without his queen. He probably looked sad, forlorn, and perhaps sighed a lot. He may have performed his duties with little vigor, and everyone around him could tell that he was quite lonely. In whatever manner he acted, it caused this response, “Then said the king's servants that ministered unto him,...” Even the servants before him saw the way he was. Often others will notice our behavior before we ourselves do.

The verse continues with the servants' suggestion, “Let there be fair young virgins sought for the king:” Because Ahasuerus' desire related to loneliness, the servants thought it would be a good idea to fill that loneliness with another woman. They asked him to “Let” or “allow” there to be a search for “fair young virgins” throughout his kingdom with the idea of finding one that would fill his need. Of course this would require the king's permission, but with the feelings he was having, it shouldn't be too hard to convince him this would be good idea.

There is an interesting scripture verse in Philippians chapter 2 and verse thirteen where we read:

For it is God which works in you both to will and to do of [his] good pleasure.

This is perhaps what occurred within Ahasuerus' heart. God was working both in the “will” and the “to do” parts of Ahasuerus. All along our study we have been reminded that God is at work behind the scenes and governing over all of it. Now there is this desire (“to will”) within Ahasuerus, and the servants have the answer (“to do”), and let us be careful to note “of his (God's) good pleasure.” Though it seems a very natural occurrence for there to be “fair young virgins” sought for the king, God Almighty is weaving these things into His master plan. If he can do so with Ahasuerus, can He not do the same with us?

Next time we will see further instructions pertaining to these young women, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” and the new marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Ahasuerus Remembers Vashti Esther 2:1 - Equipped for Battle

The decree was made that Queen Vashti be banished from the throne of Ahasuerus forever, and this edit avoided chaos in homes and kept peace within the Persian empire. However, in chapter two and verse one Ahasuerus began to miss Queen Vashti, and now a new problem had to be solved. We read:

After these things, when the wrath of king Ahasuerus was appeased, he remembered Vashti, and what she had done, and what was decreed against her.

One of the conditions automatically set forth when we make decisions is the aftermath, and King Ahasuerus was not exempt. Although the law was introduced and sent throughout the kingdom that Queen Vashti was to be banned from King Ahasuerus' throne, there was “After these things, when the wrath of king Ahasuerus was appeased,...” In other words, Ahasuerus satisfied his emotional outburst, and now a different emotion was about to replace it. Anger and wrath were satisfied, but as emotions go there was soon to be another wave of feelings to overcome Ahasuerus.

The verse goes on to say, “he remembered Vashti, and what she had done, and what was decreed against her.” Some writers say there was a block of time that was exhausted between the decree and this verse. There seems to be a failed effort by King Ahasuerus to conquer Greece that took approximately four years between the time of the decree and King Ahasuerus' return to the palace. During that time he thought about his wife, and some say that he even tried to remarry her. The law of the Persians prevented this, and so he missed her. He recalled what she did, and he remembered what they did about it. In other words, it appears that Ahasuerus was now lonely, and although he had solved the problem of Queen Vashti's insolence, he created a new problem within.

The difficulty with final decisions is that they are final, particularly when it came to Persian law. The Persian law could not be altered, and even though King Ahasuerus might have desired to change it, he could not. All of these things play into the mighty hand of God. We can remember that although the decisions of Ahasuerus and those who ran the kingdom seemed to be their own ideas, God had a plan in mind that would preserve the people of Israel and therein the Messiah. Although this one decision altered the manner in which Ahasuerus would have to live his life from then on, God had a plan, and He was working it out. By this example, we can be assured that the choices and decisions we make are being overseen by God as well, and when we create a new problem by solving the one we currently have, we can remember that God is sovereign over our lives too.

Next time we will see what is suggested about Ahasuerus' sadness, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” and the new marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

The Published Decree Esther 1:22 - Equipped for Battle

As we continue our story, Memucan has given Ahasuerus and the other six princes good counsel about how to respond to Queen Vashti's refusal to appear at the king's feast. A decree was to be sent throughout the entire kingdom that Vashti was banished from the throne and stripped of her royal advantages. The supposed result would be that women everywhere would honor their husbands whether they were small or great, and peace would remain in the kingdom. In chapter one and verse twenty-two, we end the chapter by examining the action taken after the decree was agreed upon. We read:

For he sent letters into all the king's provinces, into every province according to the writing thereof, and to every people after their language, that every man should bear rule in his own house, and that [it] should be published according to the language of every people.

We read that the king and the princes were pleased with Memucan's suggestion and he did what he said. Therefore the king “sent letter into all the king's provinces, into every province according to the writing thereof, and to every people after their language,...” In other words, the king took thorough and complete action. Rather than say, “Well, that's a great suggestion. We should probably do that. It would probably have a great effect. Maybe we should do that.” King Ahasuerus “sent letters”, and not just some, but into “all the king's provinces”. His action was empire wide, and even if people spoke a different language in some of the provinces, he sent letters in their languages as well. King Ahasuerus was purposed to let everyone know this decree.

There was a reason for King Ahasuerus' direct and extensive action, “that every man should bear rule in his own house, and that [it] should be published according to the language of every people.” King Ahasuerus desired that men in every household bear the rule. Perhaps we remember Memucan's conclusion that if it were published that Queen Vashti refused King Ahasuerus' invitation, chaos would occur throughout the great empire. Sending these letters would stop that effort in its tracks, and order would remain. Peace would be the result. This response was so necessary that it is repeated “it should be published according to the language of every people.”

We can note one thing about King Ahasuerus as we think about this story. He was a man of action, and let us not forget that King Ahasuerus is soon to be introduced to Esther who is the main earthly character within this book. This first chapter has given us a brief look at the man and the circumstances that God is going to use to fulfill his sovereign plan. As we reflect upon Ahasuerus' actions today, let us be reminded that God Almighty is subject to use different people and circumstances within our lives as we accomplish His purpose and plan in. Our position must be to realize this and to take action according to His Divine ways.

Next time we will begin a new chapter and see Ahasuerus' reaction after the decree was carried out, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” and the new marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

The King and Princes are Pleased Esther 1:20 - Equipped for Battle

 

As we have watched our story unfold, we have kept in mind that Almighty God is behind the scenes governing the patterns and ways of people. Although these events seem very natural, there is a plan being enacted with the refusal of Queen Vashti and the anger of King Ahasuerus without them even knowing it. Memucan the prince has given the advice to King Ahasuerus to ban Queen Vashti from the throne otherwise the effect of her actions would be detrimental to every home throughout the great empire of Persia. In chapter one and verse twenty we see the king's reaction to Memucan's suggestion. We read:

And the saying pleased the king and the princes; and the king did according to the word of Memucan:

If we imagine ourselves in this story for a moment, we can see the seven princes before King Ahasuerus. Memucan has just given his advice, and there is perhaps a short pause before the king answers him. The other princes have been listening and nodding their heads in agreement, and now they wait upon the king's response. We read, “An the saying pleased the king and the princes;” In other words, they were all in agreement with Memucan.

The verse goes on to say, “and the king did according to the word of Memucan.” This is where the rubber meets the road so to speak. It is one thing to hear advice, and it is quite another to do it. The king liked the suggestion, acted upon the suggestion, and wasted no time carrying out the suggestion. We would all be advantaged to think upon the advice of God in the same manner as Ahasuerus.

He may not have known it, but Ahasuerus followed Biblical principles for handling this matter. As we read in Proverbs chapter eleven and verse fourteen:

Where no counsel [is], the people fall: but in the multitude of counselors [there is] safety.

And in James chapter one and verse twenty-two:

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

Ahasuerus' actions about this matter are models for the way we should work with difficult problems. First, we should get good counsel, and then we should carry out that counsel. As we keep in mind that the Divine God of the Universe is behind these scenes with a purpose in mind, we can remember that He will also use the counsel and action in our lives to work His will in our lives too.

Next time we will see how Ahasuerus carried out this decree, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” and the new marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Wives Shall Give Their Husbands Honor Esther 1:20 - Equipped for Battle

The scene has been set, and the court is in session. Queen Vashti has embarrassed and angered King Ahasuerus with her act of refusal to appear before the guests at the king's feast. Because there is a fear that all women throughout the kingdom would refuse their husbands as well, Memucan, who is one of the king's princes and well versed in Persian law, has suggested that the king banish Queen Vashti from the throne and strip away her royal position in the kingdom. In chapter one and verse twenty we continue Memucan's words as we read:

And when the king's decree which he shall make shall be published throughout all his empire, (for it is great,) all the wives shall give to their husbands honor, both to great and small.

The verse begins, “And when the king's decree which he shall make shall be published throughout all his empire,...” Memucan or as we interpreted in an earlier verse, “Dignified”, suggested not only that the decree be made to banish Vashti from the throne, but also that the word of what he did be spread throughout the entire kingdom. Let us remember that there are one hundred and twenty seven provinces in the kingdom, and there are no telephones, telegraphs, televisions, radios, emails or other technological means to share this news. More than likely this edict would have to travel on horseback, chariots or running messengers. We note too that Memucan adds, “(for it is great)” for emphasis as to size of the kingdom and the vastness of this undertaking. No doubt the task would be daunting, but nonetheless not without great importance.

The verse continues with the supposed effect of the edict, “all the wives shall give to their husbands honor, both to great and small.” Memucan was concerned with the chaos that would occur in homes throughout the kingdom if they heard that the queen refused the king's request. His entire answer to this problem was to stop the chaos in its tracks and keep peace in the empire. His idea was that if the queen's refusal was addressed dramatically, determinedly, and without regard to her position or status, the word would be effective upon not only the present situation but in every home in the kingdom. “Wives shall give to their husbands honor” would be the theme, and rather than rebellion and chaos, subjugation and peace would be the result.

Obviously times are different today, and the manner in which women are treated is different as well. However we can see the wisdom in Memucan's suggestion. Honor and peace are wonderful traits, especially when they are not forced. Respect is desired by all, and when it is given, there is more of a tendency toward peace. The interesting part of this story is that God looms in the shadows, and in all the workings and surmising of people His mighty hand is active and not stayed. We must look for Him if we are to see His works in this story, and if we are wise, we will look for Him in our lives as well. The natural things are the playing field of the supernatural influence of Almighty God.

Next time we will see how Ahasuerus responded to Memucan's suggestion, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

 

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” and the new marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

Unto Another that is Better Esther 1:19 - Equipped for Battle

The court of seven princes has been assembled before Ahasuerus the king. The question at hand is what they should do about Queen Vashti's refusal to obey King Ahasuerus' request that she appear with the royal crown upon her head at the king's feast. Memucan, one of the king's princes, has surmised that Queen Vashti's rejection would have an influence not only upon the wives but also upon all the women throughout the Persian kingdom. In chapter one and verse nineteen we learn of Memucan's suggested response for the king. We read:

If it please the king, let there go a royal commandment from him, and let it be written among the laws of the Persians and the Medes, that it be not altered, That Vashti come no more before king Ahasuerus; and let the king give her royal estate unto another that is better than she.

We read first, "If it please the king, let there go a royal commandment from him, and let it be written among the laws of the Persians and the Medes, that it be not altered,..." Let us first notice the yielding manners with which Memucan shares this judgment, "If it please the king". Memucan was wise enough to know that although his advice might be correct, it was ultimately the king's choice as to what should happen. The princes' role was to counsel and give advice to the king, and not to make the final decree. However, there was protocol for the king's final judgment. First, "let there go a royal commandment from him". Second, "and let it be written among the laws of the Persians and Medes". There was a reason why this procedure must be followed: "that it not be altered." Once there was a decree from a king of Persia and Media, it was to be written into their law, and once it was written in their law, not even the king could change it.

The verse continues with what this decree should be, "That Vashti come no more before king Ahasuerus; and let the king give her royal estate unto another that is better than she." Vashti was never to appear before the king again. Banishment from the throne forever was the judgment suggested. In addition, Queen Vashti's royal estate was to be given to another woman whom Memucan deemed "better than she". In other words King Ahasuerus was to divorce Queen Vashti, remove all of her royal power,reign and kingdom and give it to another woman. Can we imagine the impact this judgment would have?

When we think about how drastic this judgment was, we may be inclined to think that it was a bit harsh. However Memucan and the other princes deemed what Vashti did as detrimental to every home throughout Persia. There must be a harsh reaction or otherwise chaos would occur, and no home throughout the kingdom would be safe. We must keep in mind how God Almighty continues to govern over all these events. As the workings of man unfold, so will the plan of God. We shall see in the coming verses just how God uses even this decree for His good plans and purpose which gives us hope that he is using the decrees in our lives for His purposes as well.

Next time we shall see what Memucan's decree will mean throughout the kingdom, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

 

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” and the new marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

Women with Contempt and Wrath Esther 1:18 - Equipped for Battle

The counsel of the court known as the seven princes of Media have been gathered together to advise King Ahasuerus concerning his reaction to the rejection of Vashti the queen's refusal to obey him. The king desired that she appear before his guest with the royal crown upon her head, but she refused him and would not be exploited in such a manner. One of the princes, Memucan, has begun his response to the king by explaining that all of the women in the kingdom will be affected by Vashti's decision. In chapter one and verse eighteen we see more of Memucan's summation. We read:

[Likewise] shall the ladies of Persia and Media say this day unto all the king's princes, which have heard of the deed of the queen. Thus [shall there arise] too much contempt and wrath.

Memucan knew that word of Vashti's rejection would spread like wildfire all throughout the kingdom of the Persians and Medes. He also believed that women would despise their husbands and would feel justified in doing so because of Vashti's deed. He begins this verse with, “[Likewise] shall the ladies of Persia and Media say this day unto all the king's princes, which have heard of the deed of the queen.” In other words, not only the married women would despise their husbands, but all the women would be affected by this refusal. Memucan believed that the impact of this one act of rejection of Vashti would have a domino affect upon every woman in the kingdom of Persia, and the difficulties and troubles it would cause would be tremendous.

The verse goes on to show what would happen to the women, “Thus shall there arise too much contempt and wrath.” Not only would this affect the women in the kingdom, but the result would be “too much” (as though there was always going to be some)“contempt” which means antipathy, condescension, defiance, derision, distaste, hatred, malice and ridicule. There would also be “too much” “wrath” which conveys the idea of anger carried out, dubious, indignation, sore, and in it's root meaning is “a splinter or broken twig”. In other words, this single defiant act of Vashti would have such a huge impact upon people all over the kingdom that there will be ciaos and broken homes everywhere. Memucan certainly knew how to project fear within the king's mind, and perhaps just the thought of this happening within his kingdom would make Ahasuerus listen carefully to the answer to this dilemma.

Once again we see the potential impact that one decision makes in people's lives. Memucan has given a description of the fallout from Vashti's refusal that would make any king tremble, but how often do we take the time to really think through the results of our choices made every day? Perhaps our decisions will not affect an entire kingdom, but they may affect the small kingdom within which we live. Would others be affected in “contempt” and “wrath” if they were aware of the selections we have made or make? The marvel of it all is that God Almighty was watching the events unfold, and He had a plan to use every decision, every projection and every move that these people made. With that knowledge, we too may begin to understand that God has a plan for our lives as well, and though we make choices constantly that affect others, when we filter all our choices through the hands of Almighty God we will limit the damage done to the kingdoms in which we live.

Next time we shall see the suggestion that Memucan made to Ahasuerus, so read ahead, and let us join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” and the new marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

Women Shall Despise Their Husbands Esther 1:17 - Equipped for Battle

As we study the Bible it is a wonderful privilege to ask the Holy Spirit of God to help us to know what He is sharing with us through the written words. When we do this our imaginations will run wild and and we are able to picture the events that occur on the page. We have been exploring the setting during the reign of Xerxes I or Ahasuerus of Persia, and we have watched as he has provided a feast for the dignitaries and their servants of his one hundred and twenty-seven provinces. He has also held a seven day feast for the men small and great within his palace, and has requested that the queen, Vashti, appear before them that he might show off her beauty. Her refusal to come angered King Ahasuerus, and he has called for the princes who know the law of Persia for advice. One of his princes, Memucan, began to tell Ahasuerus the long range affect Vashti's refusal would have on the kingdom, and in chapter one and verse seventeen Memucan continues his answer. We read:

For [this] deed of the queen shall come abroad unto all women, so that they shall despise their husbands in their eyes, when it shall be reported, The king Ahasuerus commanded Vashti the queen to be brought in before him, but she came not.

He continued, “For [this] deed of the queen shall come abroad unto all women, so that they shall despise their husbands in their eyes,...” Isn't is a marvel how widespread this decision of Vashti's will become? Memucan projects into the future and surmises that “all women” will despise their husbands “in their eyes” because of Vashti's response. Memucan may or may not have been correct, but the idea of every married household in the kingdom being affected by this action must have been a powerful argument. We can almost picture the ciaos that would occur in homes as any request of husbands might be refused because of Vashti's deed.

The verse continues, “when it shall be reported, The king Ahasuerus commanded Vashti the queen to be brought in before him, but she came not.” There is a key phrase in this part of the verse, “when it shall be reported,...” In chapter three and verse five of his book James the apostle wrote, “Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasts great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindles!”, and this event in Persia would no doubt be a matter that would spread like wildfire. Memucan could picture woman after woman hearing about the queen's refusal to comply to her husband the king's request, and they would follow suit as well. Even if women were to abide by their husband's request, the fact that when they heard this message they “shall despise their husbands in their eyes” would be difficult. Memucan put Vashti's decision in perspective, and his summation was the entire kingdom of Persia would be affected by it.

We have noted in past verses how one decision affects so many lives. Like a stone thrown into body of water, rippling occurs long after the initial impact. James the apostle also wrote, “Behold how great a matter a little fire kindles” and as we meditate upon this verse, perhaps we should keep in mind how often our choices affect others. There may or may not be a kingdom of people who will be affected, but nonetheless, others are impacted by our decisions. As we think on these things, let us keep in mind that God Almighty is always at work using decisions both bad and good for His divine purposes, and with Him at the helm, nothing will escape the mighty direction of God.

Next time we shall discover the affect Vashti's decision will have upon all women in the kingdom, so read ahead, and let us join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” and the new marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

Wrong to All Esther 1:16 - Equipped for Battle

King Ahasuerus or Xerxes 1 of Persia has gathered together his seven princes who know Persian law to ask them what they should do about Queen Vashti's refusal to the king's commandment to appear before his guests. The embarrassment and rejection has infuriated the king, but he is subject to the Persian law for his reaction, so he needs the counsel and advise of these wise men. In chapter one and verse sixteen we see one of these prince's response to the king. We read:

And Memucan answered before the king and the princes, Vashti the queen has not done wrong to the king only, but also to all the princes, and to all the people that [are] in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus.

The verse begins, “And Memucan answered before the king and the princes, Vashti the queen has not done wrong to the king only,...” Memucan or as we interpreted in an earlier verse, “Dignified” answers the king and gives perspective to this refusal of Queen Vashti. He insures that the other princes and the king know that her rejection was not just one that would affect the king alone. He said, “the queen has not done wrong to the king only.” In other words, others were going to be affected by her decision. The weight of this one decision would alter the way things were perceived in the kingdom.

Memucan goes on to say, “but also to all the princes, and to all the people that [are] in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus.” In other words, Queen Vashti's decision is going to affect all of the princes' homes as well, and not only their homes, but also “all” the people that are in the one hundred and twenty-seven provinces of Persia. Now one might think that this appraisal of the situation was just a bit exaggerated, but once the word got out that the queen refused the king, it would no doubt have some adverse reactions throughout the kingdom. Memucan said it would affect every household in all the provinces of king Ahasuerus, and for certain this would make the reaction to Queen Vashti's decision more important.

Isn't it a marvel how one decision whether it be the request of Ahasuerus for Queen Vashti to appear, or the drink which led him to the merry heart that made the request in the first place, or the partying for seven days that brought him to such a request, can affect an entire kingdom? Perhaps we may think about the decision of Queen Vashti to reject the king's request and the impact that choice made? The point is, decisions have impact, and they have impact upon others. This decision of Vashti was deemed “wrong to all” and yet in the coming verses we shall see how God Almighty weaves this resolution into His master plan. Though our decisions may affect others, they are never outside of the bounds of God to use in His Divine tapestry within our lives.

Next time we see how Vashti's refusal would be seen throughout the kingdom, so read ahead, and let us join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” and the new marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

What Shall We Do to the Queen? Esther 1:15 - Equipped for Battle

As we picture the scene at this point in our story, we see an angry Ahasuerus as he called together his seven princes who knew the Persian and Median law. Vashti the queen has not only disobeyed Ahasuerus request to make an appearance before his party, but she has embarrassed the king in front of his guests. In chapter one and verse fifteen Ahasuerus asks his seven princes what to do about this. We read:

What shall we do unto the queen Vashti according to law, because she has not performed the commandment of the king Ahasuerus by the chamberlains?

It is interesting to note that Ahasuerus had to asks these men “What shall we do unto the queen Vashti according to the law,...” in the first place. He was king, wasn't he? Didn't he have the power to deal with this in any manner he desired? Not really, and this shows us some of the limitations that the king had upon him. Unlike Nebuchadnezzar in Babylon who had absolute power, Persian kings were subject to the law. Although they had power of sorts, their power was limited by the Persian law which took precedence over any ruler. Persian kings could make new laws, but then they had to abide by them as well. This is the reason he asked his seven counselors for advice.

The verse goes on to say, “because she has not performed the commandment of the king Ahasuerus by the chamberlains?” There was an obvious and blatant disregard for the king by queen Vashti. Ahasuerus may have thought his intentions were correct as he invited his queen to the feast, but Vashti thought otherwise and refused. Although the chamberlains' request was quite clear, it made no difference to queen Vashti, and regardless of what the king thought, she was not obeying.

We learn from this that it is good to ask the advice of others especially when we are in situations that make us angry. Too often people will lop the heads off others so to speak as they react to stimulation that is adverse to their desires. Once again let us remember that Almighty God is in attendance behind the scenes of these events even though we do not see Him mentioned. It is marvelous to note that even when things do not seem to be going our way, we can be moved in the direction of His will. Ahasuerus did not know it at this point, but he is aligning perfectly with the will of God. We shall see more of how this is true in the coming verses.

Next time we see how widespread Vashti's refusal was deemed, so read ahead, and let us join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” and the new marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

The Seven Princes of Persia and Media Esther 1:14 - Equipped for Battle

Earlier in our story of Esther we met seven chamberlains who served King Ahasuerus of Persia. We found the king's request through them refused by Vashti his queen who was beckoned to come to Ahasuerus' party with the royal crown upon her head. Because her rejection infuriated the king, in chapter one and verse fourteen we meet seven princes who were advisors to King Ahasuerus and were well informed of the Persian law. We read:

And the next unto him [was] Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, [and] Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, which saw the king's face, [and] which sat the first in the kingdom;)

This verse continues the portion of scripture that was parenthetical as Ahasuerus seeks the advice of his wise men. We read in verse thirteen,

Then the king said to the wise men, which knew the times, (for so [was] the king's manner toward all that knew law and judgment:

So the continuance within verse fourteen is to share who these men were who “knew law and judgment”. Their meaning of their names are interesting: Carshena means “illustrious”; Shethar means “a star”; Admatha means “a testimony to them”; Tarshish means “yellow jasper”; Meres means “lofty”; Marsena means “worthy”; and Memucan means “dignified”. So let us picture this scene: The king is angry beyond measure and knows he must do something about Queen Vashti's refusal to follow his request, so he called together “Illustrious, a star, a testimony to them, yellow jasper, lofty, worthy, and dignified.” If we desire a laugh we might think of them as the seven dwarfs, however these were the men that King Ahasuerus knows as princes who were wise in the law.

The verse continues, “the seven princes of Persia and Media, which saw the king's face, and which sat the first in the kingdom;)” These were the special ones, the select ones, and the ones who were advisors to the King himself, but where did they come from? What were their lives like before they became princes before the king? How were they educated, and who taught them the law to the degree that they could advise a king? Obviously he respected their counsel as he allowed them “before his face” on a regular basis, and we have read that there is wisdom in a multitude of counselors, but why were these the ones who were chosen for that counsel? We may never know, but nonetheless they were.

Who, we might ask, are the counselors in our lives? Whom do we consider to have good direction, wisdom and knowledge about certain thoughts, ideas and reactions to outward stimulations and situations for us? How did they get to that position? As we consider these questions in both our lives and the life of Ahasuerus, we may recall that Divine Providence is a theme within this book, and those who surround us today may have been placed by the Almighty to direct our path toward His. We must remember that God works in the natural flow of life, and that which seems ordinary and plain may just be what He is using as our seven counselors to make our path His as well.

Next time we see what Ahasuerus asks the seven wise men, so read ahead, and let us join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” and the new marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

Ahasuerus and the Wise Men Esther 1:13 - Equipped for Battle

We left our story with Vashti the queen refusing King Ahasuerus' request through his chamberlains that she make an appearance at his party with the royal crown upon her head. Her rejection infuriated King Ahasuerus as she embarrassed him before his feast attendees. He must take action, for this is not just a violation of a drunken request, this is a rejection of the authority of the King. In chapter one and verse thirteen we see the beginnings of Ahasuerus' response. It reads:

Then the king said to the wise men, which knew the times, (for so [was] the king's manner toward all that knew law and judgment:

This verse begins, “Then the king said to the wise men, which knew the times,...” After Ahasuerus was filled with wrath and his anger burned within him, he called together those who were wise among his advisors. These were perhaps Magi or counselors who were available to be sure that Ahasuerus did nothing outside of the Persian law. These men knew the current day and the events and guidelines that governed them. To understand Ahasuerus' action, we might employ a verse in the book of Proverbs chapter eleven and verse fourteen:

Where no counsel [is], the people fall: but in the multitude of counselors [there is] safety.

The verse goes on to say parenthetically, “(for so [was] the king's manner toward all that knew law and judgment:...” Ahasuerus, unlike the dictatorship of the Babylonian kings before him, was not the absolute authority of the day. Babylonian kings such as Nebuchadnezzar were the law, and whatever they said was enforced, even if it changed from time to time. Persian kings such as Ahasuerus were to abide by the law itself. They could make a law, but then they could not change that law. So, Ahasuerus, in order to assure himself that he was in line with the law had these wise men around him who knew the law and judgment and the punishment for violation of it.

We may gather from this part of the story that although Ahasuerus was angry, he also was limited in his response. Whether it was voluntary or not, Ahasuerus called his wise men to him to insure that his actions would coincide with the law. We should remember that this again reveals a trait in the man who will eventually be rather involved in Esther's life. Although we have not reached the place in our story where Esther arrives on the scene, let us keep in mind this is the man whom God is governing over that will become a central part of the whole providence of God. Even this public outrage is weaved into the God Almighty's master plan.

Next time we discover seven of the princes that were present with Ahasuerus, so read ahead, and let us join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” and the new marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

The Queen's Refusal Esther 1:12 - Equipped for Battle

The courtyard of the palace has been decorated, and the finest of the royal wine has been poured. For seven days Ahasuerus has been feasting and drinking with his guest both small and great, and all the men in attendance are having a wonderful time. Vashti, the queen, is also holding a feast for the women at the palace since women did not party with men in those days. During the festivities, with his heart now merry, Ahasuerus has a brilliant drunken idea that he should show off his queen. He told his chamberlains to bring her to the party and to be certain that she was wearing the royal crown. Her beauty was striking, and Ahasuerus desired to allow all the men at his party behold her beauty. In chapter one and verse twelve we see Vashti's response to his request. We read:

But the queen Vashti refused to come at the king's commandment by [his] chamberlains: therefore was the king very wroth, and his anger burned in him.

We read first, “But the queen Vashti refused to come at the king's commandment by [his] chamberlains:” Although Ahasuerus thought it would be a good idea to show off his wife, we learn that she was not in agreement with this at all. Can we imagine the scene? There within the apartment of the palace were all these women having a wonderful feast together when they are interrupted by these seven chamberlains. They enter the party and all the women quiet themselves to whispers. They ask one another why these chamberlains are there, and watch as they request that they have a moment of queen Vashti's time. All the women are watching as these poor guys tell Vashti the king's request, and they watch as she demonstratively refuses to obey it. She might have said, “I am not going with you! What does the king think I am, some kind of meat that he can use to have men grovel over?” We might even be able to hear her tone as she rejects the chamberlains and runs them out of the room. Vashti refused the king's commandment, and sent the chamberlains packing.

The verse continues, “therefore was the king very wroth, and his anger burned in him.” Now we can image these seven chamberlains returned to the king with their tails between their legs so to speak, and they sheepishly told the king that Vashti refused to obey his command. Perhaps they even repeated themselves as the king inquisitively asked them to tell him once again her answer. Immediately after their confirmation, he blew his top! He was filled with wrath and anger to the point of rage. Some of us have known an “angry drunk”, but can we imagine the king's embarrassment before his guest as his own wife refused to obey him? Vashti not only refused his request, but she brought chagrin to the king before his guests. Ahasuerus, who was used to getting everything he wanted, was rejected before his crowd, and now anger burned within him.

Anger, in it's basic form, is simply not getting one's way. Ahasuerus did not get “his way” and the result was anger. As we continue to pull close to and then back away from this story, let us keep in mind that God Almighty governs over all these happenings. He will use them for His purposes, and although they seem as natural as not getting one's way, the Master is at work with a plan behind the scenes. Even when things do not go the way as planned, the Creator of the Universe will weave them into His fine tapestry. As we consider those things that make us angry and are not according to our plan, can we stretch our thinking just a little and realize that the Master weaver is at work in our lives too?

Next time we see the beginning of Ahasuerus' response to Vashti's rejection, so read ahead, and let us join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” and the new marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

Vashti's Beauty Esther 1:11 - Equipped for Battle

The festivities are in full swing as the seven days of feasting in the palace court of Shushan have continued with drinking the royal wine from chalices of gold. As Ahasuerus the king was merry in his heart with wine, he gathered his seven chamberlains to make a request of them. In chapter one and verse eleven we read what that request was, and we keep in mind that all of these events lead us to see the sovereignty and providence of God Almighty. We read:

To bring Vashti the queen before the king with the crown royal, to show the people and the princes her beauty: for she [was] fair to look on.

Let us use our mind's eye to see the scene here. The partying is going on, and the wine is flowing. There is a spirit of festivity everywhere, and loud song and dance fill the courtyard floor. In the midst of this seventh day, the heart of Ahasuerus is merry and he calls together his chamberlains before everyone to make his special request. He tells them “to bring Vashti the queen before the king with the crown royal,...”. Ahasuerus is tipsy, and we can almost hear the drunken request flowing from his lips. He gets a brainstorm and decides to show off his wife. We may recall that he has already shown everyone his riches and glory, the next step is to boast about his wife. Let us notice too that she is to be presented with her “crown royal” or her royal crown upon her head. This was no doubt an extravagant piece that would also add to the ostentatious display.

The verse continues, “to show the people and the princes her beauty: for she [was] fair to look on.” This gives us a little insight into Ahasuerus's life and character. Ahasuerus desired to show off his queen to those in attendance of his party. We recall that Vashti the queen had a separate party for the women in an apartment in the palace, so those attending Ahasuerus' feast were all men. Ahasuerus decided that it would be a great idea to brandish his wife before this crowd of men because “she was fair to look on.” It was as if she was his “trophy wife”, and he wanted everyone to see his trophy. This beautiful woman named Vashti was just another accomplishment which Ahasuerus thought should be on display as he partied with his friends. If we think about this long enough, it is almost laughable, and we can hear the resounding voice of the liquor coursing through his request.

Brilliant ideas are often pontificated by those who indulge in mind altering chemicals, and Ahasuerus was no different. The interesting part of this display is that God Almighty is weaving it into his plan. As we continue to learn more about this story and the deliberate and willful acts of Ahasuerus, let us be mindful of and look for the plan of God as He is invisibly attending the scene. May we all be conscious that God was watching over these affairs, and He is watching over ours as well.

Next time we will look at Vashti's response to Ahasuerus' request, so read ahead, and let us join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major

bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

Seven Chamberlains Esther 1:10 - Equipped for Battle

The festivities continue in our story of Ahasuerus the king and Vashti the queen as they entertain those both small and great at their parties in the palace. During this wonderfully decorated affair, the royal wine is being drunk out of golden vessels, and there is no limitations upon the drink that is offered. In chapter one and verse ten we learn what happens when King Ahasuerus has a little too much to drink. It reads:

On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas, the seven chamberlains that served in the presence of Ahasuerus the king,

Our verse begins, “On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine,...” We remember that we were told that this feast in the palace of Shushan lasted for seven days, and this is the final day of the feast. With all the drinking that was provided, now we see Ahasuerus “merry with wine” and his heart and thinking was affected by it. There is no doubt that what is about to happen was related directly to the wine he imbibed, and now his mind, thinking, conscious, inclination and resolution was going to be influenced by it. Proverbs chapter twenty and verse one says:

Wine [is] a mocker, strong drink [is] raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.

In this case the request of Ahasuerus will forever alter not only his kingdom, but also the lives of the Israelites forever.

The verse continues, “he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas, the seven chamberlains that served in the presence of Ahasuerus the king,...” Let us notice first the word “commanded” which means he “told, said, or uttered” to these chamberlains who were eunuchs that served the king. We shall look at what he told them in our next verse, but for now, let us take a specific look into their names: Mehuman which means Faithful; Biztha which means Booty; Harbona which means Donkey Driver; Bigtha which means The Wine Press; Abagtha which means God Given; Zether which means Star; and Carcus which means Severe. So let's put this into context. Ahasurus is tipsy with wine on the seventh day of his party, and he calls together his seven chamberlain eunuchs and says:

“Faithful, Booty, Donkey Driver, Wine Press, God Given, Star and Severe, I command you...”

Now just what he commands is going to have to wait, however, for now let us consider once again how the Almighty God is able to use these natural events even if they are seemingly against what we might they should be for His eternal purposes. We should remember that each of these chamberlains grew up, were named, had purpose and were put in positions to serve under Ahasuerus and that God knew every one of them. If we keep in mind that God is well aware of all the people, festivities, actions and requests that are done and being made, and that He is able to use them according to His plan, we will consider the possibility that He is using the people, actions and requests in our lives as well. What is God Almighty up to behind the scenes? Only time will tell, and only later shall we know more.

Next time we will see Ahasuerus attempt to show off his queen, so read ahead, and let us join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major

bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore