Esther | Chapter Summaries + Study Questionsنموونە

ESTHER 1

KING XERXES BANISHES THE QUEEN + OPPRESSES WOMEN

King Ahasuerus of Persia, more commonly known as King Xerxes I, threw an elaborate celebration lasting over 180 days to display his greatness and splendor. During the time of his lavish celebration, King Xerxes hosted a grand feast, lasting seven days long in order to showcase his wealth and power.

Once the King is filled with wine, he sends his guards to bring his wife, Vashti, wanting her to make an appearance at the feast and flaunt her beauty. Vashti, unhappy with this request, refuses. Infuriated with her response, King Xerxes banishes Queen Vashti from the throne, choosing to replace her with a more dutiful, submissive wife.

The Persian officials are afraid that other women would hear of Vashti’s boldness and stand up against their husbands, so the King makes a decree that all men would be masters of their households.

STUDY QUESTIONS

What does Esther 1 reveal about how women were treated in Esther’s time period and culture?