We left our story with
Ahasuerus the ruler of Persia having a party. During his extravaganza
he showed his guests the riches and glory he accumulated in his
conquests for one hundred and eighty days. We might think that this
would more than suffice his desire to feast, but in chapter one and
verse five we learn there was more partying he had to do. We read:
And when these days
were expired, the king made a feast unto all the people that were
present in Shushan the palace, both unto great and small, seven days,
in the court of the garden of the king's palace;
This
verse begins, “And when these days were expired, the king made a
feast unto all the people that were present in Shushan the
palace,...” As though there was not enough feasting that went
on during the previous one hundred and eighty days, Ahasuerus decides
to have another party for all the people who were present in Shushan.
It's as though the first party was for the dignitaries of the
different provinces and their subjects, and the second party was for
the remainder of the people in Shushan.
The
verse continues, “both unto great and small, seven days, in the
court of the garden of the king's palace.” We learn that both
powerful and weak, rich and poor, skilled and unskilled were invited
to this party. The length of time was seven days, and the setting was
in the garden of the king's palace. More than likely this crowd was
too large to manage inside the palace, but the courtyards of the
building would be quite sufficient to handle them.
With our
mind's eye we can imagine the scene as all these people have gathered
themselves to the king's palace. They are eating, drinking and
enjoying the festivities as Ahasuerus entertains. There is joy and
laughter everywhere, and everything seems as natural as human beings
can be. But we must keep in mind, there is an Almighty God who is
working behind the scenes as He patiently waits for the opportunity
to interject His plan in the natural workings of man. We shall see
His plan revealed as we continue with our story throughout this book,
however, let this be a reminder to us that God is at work in the
natural ways even when it is not openly apparent that He is.
Next time we will see some of the furnishings and decorations for
Ahasuerus' party, 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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