1 Now in the days of Ahasuerus, the Ahasuerus who reigned from India to Ethiopia over 127 provinces, 2 in those days when King Ahasuerus sat on his royal throne in Susa, the citadel, 3 in the third year of his reign he gave a feast for all his officials and servants. The army of Persia and Media and the nobles and governors of the provinces were before him, 4 while he showed the riches of his royal glory and the splendor and pomp of his greatness for many days, 180 days. 5 And when these days were completed, the king gave for all the people present in Susa the citadel, both great and small, a feast lasting for seven days in the court of the garden of the king’s palace. 6 There were white cotton curtains and violet hangings fastened with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rods and marble pillars, and also couches of gold and silver on a mosaic pavement of porphyry, marble, mother-of-pearl, and precious stones. 7 Drinks were served in golden vessels, vessels of different kinds, and the royal wine was lavished according to the bounty of the king. 8 And drinking was according to this edict: “There is no compulsion.” For the king had given orders to all the staff of his palace to do as each man desired. 9 Queen Vashti also gave a feast for the women in the palace that belonged to King Ahasuerus.
Esther 1:1-9
In the span of 9 verses, the Book of Esther recorded 3 banquets. One for the king’s officials, servants, the leaders of the army, nobles, and governors; one for all the people in Susa; and one given by the queen for the women. Banquets or meals have always been one of the important tools in human business. It is how people close their deals. The king threw these parties not because of his generosity or love for the people. These were his “bribing” tools for the leaders and people to do what he wanted. He eventually got what he wanted – a war against Greece. This included the famous story of the 300 Spartan warriors. The banquets may get people to do what they want, but this can never guarantee results. The only reliable way is to trust God.
It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes.
Psalms 118:8-9
These 2 verses are the 2 verses right in the middle of the Bible. Thus some considered this the heart of what we should do.
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