As we continue our story in
the book of Esther we are getting some idea about the ruler Ahasuerus
and his ability to have massive and enduring feasts for those within
his reign. He has already had a one hundred and eighty day party
which included the dignitaries from the one hundred and twenty seven
provinces he was over, and now he is throwing another seven day feast
“unto all the people that were present in Shushan the palace,
both unto great and small”. In chapter one and verse six we
gain insight into the décor that was used for this elaborate garden
party. We read:
[Where were] white,
green, and blue, [hangings], fastened with cords of fine linen and
purple to silver rings and pillars of marble: the beds [were of] gold
and silver, upon a pavement of red, and blue, and white, and black,
marble.
We read
first, “Where were white, green, and blue, hangings, fastened
with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rings and pillars of
marble:” We can use our mind's eye to imagine these elaborate
hangings of colored and white material which draped over the party
area. Although material such as these are quite common for us, this
would be a marvel to those who attended the party. They were fastened
by rings of silver to the marble posts that were distributed
throughout the courtyard of the palace, and as they shimmered in the
wind and the rings shined in the sun, they must have been spectacular
to see.
The
verse continues, “the beds were of gold and silver, upon a
pavement of red, and blue, and white and black, marble.” We can
imagine these gold and silver “beds” or “reclining couches or
chairs” spread throughout the patio. They were place upon red, blue
white and black marble tiles that comprised the flooring. Let us
remember that both “great and small” were in attendance,
and they must have had their mouths drop open to see such an opulent
display.
Now we
may wonder why all of this time is taken to describe the décor for a
feast. Why would God desire that we know such a fantastic display of
wealth, riches, festivities and feasting? Let us remember that we are
in the beginning of this book, and the scene is being set for Esther
to meet Ahasuerus. We get an early glimpse into the kind of man he
was, and as we consider the feasts, the decorations, the wealth, the
guests, and the display of majesty he presents, we can be reminded
that God Almighty is the one who made this man who he is. If this is
the case, then what does God have in mind for us? Perhaps that should
be our meditation for today.
Next time we will discover the vessels of gold used for this mighty
banquet, 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
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