The massive feast has been
called, and Ahasuerus has royal members and their servants from one
hundred and twenty seven provinces in attendance. The planning has
been made, and all the logistics are in place. This marvelous
extravaganza must have been exciting to attend, however, the question
might loom, “Why?” or “What was the purpose for this
illustrious affair?” In chapter one and verse four we get a little
more insight into Ahasuerus' reason. We read:
When he showed the
riches of his glorious kingdom and the honor of his excellent majesty
many days, [even] an hundred and fourscore days.
The
verse begins, “When he showed the riches of his glorious
kingdom...” In other words, Ahasuerus showed off his wealth to
those in attendance. He desired that his guest see the abundance,
splendor, and glory which he had accumulated. As the Persians and
Medes conquered the Babylonian Empire, it is quite possible they
gathered great riches from their exploits. Now Ahasuerus wants his
guest to see all the gain he has in “his glorious kingdom”.
As we read these words let us not forget the words of the Psalmist
who wrote in Psalm seventy-five and verses six and seven:
For promotion [comes]
neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God
[is] the judge: he puts down one, and sets up another.
In
addition to showing off his riches we read where Ahasuerus showed
“the honor of his excellent majesty many days”. In other
words he demonstrated how great he was. He desired that his guest
knew the beauty, splendor, glory and finery of his rank and renown.
The wording here leans toward the idea that he was “godlike”, and
his boasting would be sure to allow his nobility and their servants
to know it.
Let us
note too the words, “many days”, and the completion of the
verse tell us how many, “even an hundred and fourscore days”.
This means for one hundred and eighty days Ahasuerus threw this
party and showed off his riches. Can we imagine this? Every day for
half a year this great feast went on. The food, the drink, the music,
the garbage, etc., etc., etc., continued with Ahasuerus showing his
riches every day. We may never know how many times those guests heard
and saw the same things over and over again.
As we
continue our story, let us keep in mind that God is in the background
of this whole scene. Although He is not mentioned, God will use this
great party of Ahasuerus' to complete His will. We don't quite see it
yet which is often the case in our situations, but God has a plan,
and he is working it out. As we see His mighty hand moving in the
natural things in this story, let us keep in mind that He has a
providential plan working in ours as well.
Next time we will see an even more spread party given by 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” in all major
bookstore
sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to
e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore
No comments:
Post a Comment