Esther: For Such a Time as This! Session 1
Class Introduction:
I suppose the real life story found in this book fulfills every woman's dream--a peasant girl, (who is really descended from royalty!) becomes queen, and lives in a palace, and also becomes the heroine who saves her people from destruction. Most importantly, she has the love and support of the king, and is able to overthrow the evil villain in the story. Of course she has help from God, who answers her prayers, and the prayers of Mordecai, her cousin, and the rest of her people as well.
Unquestionably, this book contains one of the most thrilling narratives in the entire Bible. It helps us to remember that God is always working behind the scenes on behalf of his people, even though we may not recognize his handiwork at the moment. At any time, He can change our circumstances overnight, or call us for "such a time as this" to be his representatives for good in this mixed up world.
The book of Esther is no piece of fiction. These are real, historical events. The Greek historian, Herodotus (485-425 BC) also wrote of these events! The entire book takes place in the kingdom of Persia during the years 483 to 473 BC. On the biblical timeline, Esther's narrative occurs between chapters 6 and 7 in the book of Ezra. In this six session class we will study the book of Esther in its historical context.
During each lesson, we will watch a clip of the Bible Collection movie of the book of Esther. Then we will read the chapter out loud, discussing the scriptures using the Commentary Book by Chuck Missler as we go. We will also discuss the text using the questions posted on this website. Finally, we will explore the historical context of the book through the use of supplemental videos, articles, and maps, also posted on this website. If you would like a copy of my lesson plans for each of the six lessons, Click HERE. To obtain Chuck Missler's book, Click HERE. This book is a reference for the information presented in this class.
Class Outline
Session 1: Background, and the Dethroning of Vashti. 0:00-14:32. (Chapter 1)
Session 2: Esther is Chosen Queen. 14:32-36:46. (Chapter 2)
Session 3: Haman's Conspiracy. 36:46-59:01 (Chapters 3 and 4)
Session 4: Esther's Banquet #1, Mordecai is Honored. 59:01-1:08:42. (Chapters 5 and 6)
Session 5: Esther's Banquet #2, Haman Exposed, A New Decree. 1:08:40- 1:18:40. (Chapters 7 and 8)
Session 6: The Feast of Purim. 1:18:40 -1:27:08. (Chapters 9 and 10)
Session 1:
Strangely, chapter 1 of this biblical narrative is not about Queen Esther--not yet! First we are introduced to King Xerxes, the leader of the Persian Empire. King Xerxes (the name in the Greek) or King Ahasuerus (in the Hebrew) was the fifth king of the Median-Persian Empire. He was the son of Darius the Great. When Xerxes ascended the throne in 486 BC he became the ruler of a vast empire that reached across continents, from India to Ethiopia, and everything in between.
At an early age, he married Vashti, a granddaughter of the famous Babylonian king, King Nebuchadnezzar.
Now, Xerxes' father had attempted to expand the empire to the west, attacking the Greeks, but his attempts failed. So, Xerxes determined to finish what his father started. Upon taking the throne, he began to assemble a vast army... one that was so imposing his victory against the Greeks would be assured. Xerxes was a vain man. He loved parades and ostentatious exhibits of his military might and wealth. Soon, the army under his command boasted 2 million soldiers.
Xerxes lived with Vashti and his advisors in Susa, or Shushan, the capital city of the empire. The citadel, which was a castle-like fort in the center of the city included the palace and surrounding buildings, while the city proper surrounded the citadel. His father, Darius the Great, had built the palace during his reign.( A French archeologist, Dieulafoy, excavated the site in 1884, and located the ruins. See the video below.)
Now in the third year of Xerxes' reign, he had a feast for all of his officials and servants from across the empire-- one hundred twenty seven provinces! Gearing up for war, he wooed his leaders and nobles across the empire with an impressive display of his wealth, the riches of the kingdom, and the power of his military might. According to Herodotus, this would have included palace walls draped with gold, marble pillars, rich hangings, and possibly the gold stored in the treasury. (Herodotus 7:29,3:96.) As officials came and went from every corner of the Persian Empire, this went on for six months, 180 days in all.
After these days were finished, whoever was remaining in Susa of his servants and guests were invited to a week long feast in the court of the garden of the palace. This courtyard was large enough to hold thousands of people.(350 feet by 250 feet!). This is where our story begins...Don't miss watching the movie below! Then, study the scriptures and journal or discuss the questions. To enhance chapter 1, check out the attached supplemental videos as well.
Session 1: Background, and the Dethroning of Vashti. 0:00-14:32. (Chapter 1)
Discussion Questions: Session 1, Chapter 1
Why did Vashti refuse to obey the king's summons?
Do you think the punishment fit the crime? Why or why not?
What part did the king's advisors play in this drama?
What things do you notice in this narrative that are unique to the Persian way of life?
What is a royal decree? Why did it have to be written in so many languages?
What part of this lesson stands out to you the most?
What does Chapter 1 teach about the role of women vs. the role of men during this period of history? Do you believe Vashti's response was wise? Was it biblical? Why or why not?
What can we learn from Vashti’s situation?
Do you think Xerxes is accurately portrayed in the film? Why or why not?
Interested in Xerxes and his military history? This 22 minute history gives more background on Xerxes.
Don't miss this 5 minute video of what the palace excavations look like today!
More on Vashti!
Becoming intrigued about Queen Vashti, I decided to do more research about her. In the Persian records, King Xerxes was married to a woman named Amestris at a young age, which most scholars would agree was the Vashti of the bible. She gave birth to Artaxerxes, who was fully grown when Xerxes had been in power only 7 years. Now in Persia, men and women did not take their meals together in public, only in private life.
There is much discussion about the Jewish legend that Vashti was commanded to appear naked in front of all of the men, ONLY wearing her crown, although the bible text does not clearly state that that is the case. Taking that point of view, many people commend Vashti as the "first feminist" and that holding her ground was a noble and correct thing to do.
However, taking the opposite point of view, Vashti's refusal to obey her husband can also be seen as willful and rebellious, as well as impulsive. Not considering the severe consequences of her refusal, she was destined to banishment, not only from the king, the women's palace and its corresponding luxuries, but banishment from her son as well. Is this not a huge price to pay for making a point? In that case, was this a wise or foolish decision? What can we learn from Vashti about insisting about having our own way in a matter, even though we may be "right? "
If indeed Vashti had been requested to appear naked before the men, this would have violated all cultural protocols in place during this time. It is highly doubtful Xerxes would command such a thing. It is also doubtful that the leading men would not have recommended the king publicly parading his request, and her refusal, since many of his subjects would have clearly been offended by his drunken request.
Vashti's impulsive refusal sets the stage for a different sort of queen. A queen that we can all model our behavior after. Enter our heroine.... Queen Esther! Don't miss Session 2!
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