Page 102 - Advanced OT Survey Revised

The Persian name for Ahasuerus means “mighty man,” which is ironic, in view of the king’s description in
the Book of Esther and the writings of Herodotus. He depicts Xerxes as an incompetent and fickle
monarch, not unlike the portrayal of Ahasuerus in Esther. His roller-coaster temperament is witnessed
in his reaction to Vashi’s rejection and to Esther’s pleas for her people. lxxvi Perhaps that is why Esther
was so concerned about going into his presence without an invitation.

Brief Summary

Esther chapter’s 1-2 focuses on Esther’s exaltation. At end of 6-mo. display of riches and royal majesty,
Xerxes throws a lavish party for all of the capital! He summons his queen, but she refuses to attend the
banquet. (1) Worried about example, an enraged Xerxes deposes Vashti. The King’s servants seek a
lovely virgin who would please the king! Lovely Esther taken pleases officials. After 1-year of preparation
with cosmetics, she spends one night with king. Esther had more love, grace, favor of all, and was
chosen and crowned queen! Meanwhile, Mordecai (Esther’s uncle) exposes a plot to kill the king.
(2) Jews Endangered - When Xerxes elevates Haman, the king orders homage be made to him, and
Mordecai refuses to bow so Haman is filled with fury. Conflict leads to racial hatred and a plot for
genocide. With cunning, Haman depersonalizes Jews, deceives king. With the royal seal, Haman writes
an edict to destroy, kill, annihilate Jews in all of Persian empire. Haman and the king celebrate, while
outside, Susa is in confusion!

Mordecai’s Appeal (4) Mordecai and all Jews respond with mourning. Mordecai informs Esther, and
instructs her to go to the king. When Esther is reticent, since appearing before the king without
invitation could be deadly, Mordecai urges her to use her position- for such a time as this, to save her
people from certain death. Accepting her responsibility, she agrees and says, “ if I perish, I perish.”
Esther agrees to go the king, asking Jews of Susa to fast for 3 days. It is assumed she also means prayer.
Esther’s 1st Banquet (5) As Esther approaches Xerxes, and she wins favor with the scepter. When he
offers to grant nearly any request, Esther invites the king and Haman to a banquet. At banquet, the king
repeats his offer, and Esther invites them to a 2nd banquet the next day.

Chapter’s 5-6 focuses on Haman’s fall and Mordecai’s rise. Between banquets, Haman’s downfall is
directly contrasted with Mordecai’s rise. (1) As Haman recounts his glory, fixated on Mordecai’s shame,
his wife and friends urge him to build gallows, ask for his hanging. (2) At the same time, as Xerxes can’t
sleep, he is reminded of Mordecai’s heroic deed. When Haman arrives, king asks how to honor one
whom the king desires to honor. While Haman came to king to request Mordecai’s hanging, thinking he
himself will be the honored one, king commands him honor Mordecai. (3) After honoring his enemy,
Haman goes home in shame and mourning. His wife and friends foretell ruin.

Esther’s 2nd Banquet (7) With warning in the air, officials arrive to bring Haman to the 2nd banquet.
When Xerxes repeats offer, Esther requests her life and reveals Haman’s plot to destroy, kill, annihilate
her people- this wicked Haman! As Haman begs for his life, he appears to be assaulting Queen Esther.
Informed of his plot against Mordecai, Xerxes orders that Haman be hanged on his own gallows.

Mordecai’s Appeal (8) The King gives his seal to Mordecai, in Haman’s place. They appeal to king to
avert genocide. Since the law cannot be revoked, a 2nd law issued that gave permission for the Jews to
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destroy, kill, annihilate those seeking their harm. The initial confusion at 1 decree is turned to
celebration at 2nd decree. Out of fear, many Persians declared themselves Jews!

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