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

Vashti the Queen Esther 1:9 - Equipped for Battle

Ahasuerus has a seven day feast going on for the great and small who were in the Shushan palace. They are drinking royal wine out of special vessels of gold, and they are not being limited in their consumption. These are men in attendance, and the women are not to be found. We know this from not only cultural traits, but also as we read chapter one and verse nine it says:

Also Vashti the queen made a feast for the women [in] the royal house which [belonged] to king Ahasuerus.

We begin with, “Also Vashti the queen...” As we read and think about these words, we may have more questions than answers to discover. Her name “Vashti” means “queen”. How did she receive her name? When did she become queen, and what was that ceremony like? Was she chosen and pre-arranged for Ahasuerus when it was time to marry her? What was she like, and are their any traits that we might deem beneficial to the role she had as queen of Persia? We may learn a few answers to these questions as we read ahead, however let us keep in mind as we meet her in the story that God knows all of these things. His providential care for the affairs of His people are measured well in advance of the time to initiate them.

Our verse continues, “...made a feast for the women in the royal house which belonged to king Ahasuerus.” As Ahasuerus' feast commenced for his male guest, Vashti was holding another feast for the women. Because the women and men of that day did not commingle at parties such as this one, there was a separate one offered by Vashti in one of the apartments or separate rooms within the house. Let us note too that there is a special emphasis upon who owned the house, “belonged to king Ahasuerus.” Our common law practice of house owner ship by husband and wife was not the case in this situation. Vashti was using Ahasuerus' resources, and the women were the beneficiaries of his abundance.

So how does all this matter in the grand scheme of things? Once again let us consider that God is all-knowing in this situation. He knows Ahasuerus, and he knows Vashti. Long before the events of this feasting began, God knew what would occur. He also knew the events which take place throughout the entire book of Esther, and He knows the proper people to have in place to make His will be theirs. As we ponder these things, let us keep in mind that God Almighty has our affairs before His eyes as well. The characters He places within our lives may be meant to make His will known, and those who are wise enough to realize that the natural may be used by the Supernatural to implement His plan will be measures ahead when His plan is carried out.

Next time we will see a set up to a major change in Ahasuerus' 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” in all major

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

According to Every Man's Pleasure Esther 1:8 - Equipped for Battle

The second of Ahasuerus' feasts is in full action. The décor is beautiful. The vessels of gold have been brought out, and the royal wine has been poured. We can imagine the festivities and jubilant behavior of the people both small and great in attendance. The ruler of Persia desires that everyone be unlimited in their celebration, and in chapter one and verse eight, we learn more about Ahasuerus' party. We read:

And the drinking [was] according to the law; none did compel: for so the king had appointed to all the officers of his house, that they should do according to every man's pleasure.

This verse begins with, “And the drinking was according to the law; none did compel:” In other words, there was no limitation as to how much drink a person could drink, however there was no one promoting imbibing to drunkenness either. There was an implied honor that was associated with everyone remaining sober for the most part and still having a good time, and it appears that a law was written to insure this would be the case.

The verse continues, “for the king had appointed to all the officers of his house, that they should do according to every man's pleasure.” Ahasuerus' insured that each man in attendance would be satisfied with his own personal desire for drink by having his officers or chief operators give unlimited supply to all who were there. Some would desire more, and some would desire less, but whatever their pleasure was, the officers were to accommodate them. Can we imagine such liberality and giving?

As we continue our story, we must keep in mind that God Almighty is the true author of these words. Although the scripture was written by men, it was inspired by God. As God sets the scene for us with all these decorations, feasting, drinking and celebrating, we behold a small glimpse of the man that God will use in future chapters to save His people and ultimately the line for the Messiah. As we plod through these early verses, let us remember that Our Heavenly Father is into details, and if we ponder these events long enough, we will gain insight into His involvement in the affairs of men. Just as importantly, we may realize that He is also involved in our situations as well. May the Lord bless us all with the insight that He is working diligently behind the scenes according to every man's pleasure.

Next time we will be introduced to Ahasuerus's wife the 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

Vessels and Royal Wine Esther 1:7 - Equipped for Battle

As we look further into the décor and furnishings of the palace where Ahasuerus is having his second feast, we learn more about him as well. One hundred and eighty days of feasting is quite the generous spirit from the man who is the ruler of one hundred and twenty-seven provinces, and this latest party extends to those both small and great who were in the palace of Shushan. In chapter one and verse seven we learn more about some of the activities given at this extravagant affair. We read:

And they gave [them] drink in vessels of gold, (the vessels being diverse one from another,) and royal wine in abundance, according to the state of the king.

The scripture begins, “And they gave them drink in vessels of gold, (the vessels being diverse one from another,)...” Ahasuerus brought out the finest drinking glasses for his guests. Some believe these possibly to be vessels that were taken from the temple of Israel, but they were not brandished as in Belshazzar’s feast mentioned in the book of Daniel. Nonetheless, wherever they came from, they were certainly the best of the supply. Notice too that they were “diverse” or different from one another. The variety of chalices and goblets must have been quite the conversational pieces as the guest were drinking and enjoying themselves.

The verse continues, “and royal wine in abundance, according to the state of the king.” There was no skimping on the best drink, for the “royal wine” or the “wine fit for a king” was poured. This opulent and gracious display toward his guests shows us the giving nature of Ahasuerus. Ahasuerus spared no expense for entertaining his guests, and from the phrase “according to the state of the king” we ascertain that he gave no special law limiting their indulgence. He desired that they be satisfied, pleased, and filled with abundance. He was a hospitable and accommodating ruler who gave abundantly to his people.

Have we ever been so gracious toward others as Ahasuerus? Have we ever attempted to hold a feast for people both “small and great” and given them our best? We often think that we must have great means to share so graciously, but if we will think about it for a while, we may find that we can use Ahasuerus' example as inspiration for blessing others with that which the Lord has provided for us. May the Lord bless us with His thoughts and graciousness as we meditate upon this today.

Next time we will see just how abundant the drinking was among the guest, 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

Oh the Festive Decor Esther 1:6 - Equipped for Battle

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

Another Ahasuerus Party Esther 1:5 - Equipped for Battle

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

Riches and a Long Party Esther 1:4 - Equipped for Battle

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