Tyndale Open Study NotesEsther 1

• The name Xerxes is the Greek version of the Persian Xshayarshan, which the Hebrew text calls ’akhashwerosh (Ahasuerus). His father, Darius I, who ruled from 521 to 486 BC, was king when Haggai and Zechariah urged the people of Judah to complete the temple in Jerusalem (see Ezra 4:24–6:22; Haggai 1:1; Zechariah 1:1).

• 127 provinces: Xerxes ruled a vast empire from India to Ethiopia.

The fortress of Susa served as the king's winter capital during the colder months.

• for a full 180 days: Officials likely took turns attending various events during this six-month period. This allowed them to maintain the nation’s military and infrastructure.

• This grand display of pomp and splendor aimed to impress others with the king’s greatness. It also shows Xerxes’ pride.

A second, shorter banquet let people from all social levels, from the highest to the lowest, see the king's great wealth. Due to the large crowd, this ongoing open-house event took place outside in the paved courtyard of the palace garden.

White and blue (or violet) were colors of royalty. The mosaic pavement was also richly detailed.

no limit was placed on the drinking: Often, guests would drink only when the Persian king offered a toast (see Xenophon, Cyropaedia 8.8.18). At this banquet, people could drink freely.

Since Vashti means the best, desired, beloved, it might be a title for a favored wife rather than her real name. Ancient Greek historians call her Amestris (for example, Herodotus, Histories 7.114). Her son, Artaxerxes I, became king of Persia and ruled from 465 to 424 BC, after Xerxes died (see Ezra 4:7–23; 6:14; 7:1, 7, 11–26; 8:1; Nehemiah 1:1; 2:1; 5:14; 13:6).

• the king’s heart was merry with wine: He was likely quite drunk and might do something unwise.

• Eunuchs were servants who had been castrated. Their jobs often involved contact with the women of the royal harem.

she was beautiful to behold: The king wanted to show off one of his prized possessions.

• refused to come: The queen's refusal is not explained. Perhaps she feared the king, who was drunk, might humiliate her.

• the king became furious: His anger likely increased because he was drunk and felt embarrassed in front of his friends.

The king did not react immediately. He consulted his wise advisers, as he usually did. He checked with Persian legal experts to see what could be done about his disobedient wife (Esther 1:15).

According to law...what should be done: In his embarrassment, the king likely wanted to punish Vashti as much as possible.

Queen Vashti has wronged: The adviser Memucan did not use Persian law to guide the king's decision. His hasty advice made Vashti's action seem like a possible crime for all women.

all women, causing them to despise their husbands: The council's decision was driven by fear of consequences, not by facts or law.

issue a royal decree...that it cannot be repealed: This decree would become an unchangeable law (Esther 8:8; Daniel 6:8, 12).

• The decree was published in each region's script and language so everyone in the Persian Empire could understand it.

• every man should be master of his own household: In the ancient Near East, it was already common for men to rule their houses. The decree made this custom legally enforceable.