Esther 1 and 2
This story is of a time when a great king of Persia ruled over many other countries. He was very rich with lovely gardens and grand palaces; there were big marble pillars in his courts, with colored curtains hung between; the floors also were of marble; the couches, used in those lands instead of chairs, were of gold and silver; and his food was served in golden dishes. He must have had many servants and an abundance of provisions, as he gave feasts, lasting many days, to the people, for he wanted them to see his riches and know his power. This king was one who must be obeyed in whatever he wished, or he would order cruel punishment.
A new queen was to be chosen by this great king, and many beautiful young women were brought from all parts of the empire for him to choose the one who pleased him most.
Among the young women taken for the king’s choice, was a Jewish maiden, named Esther, whose parents, had been brought captives from Judah by another great king. Her father and mother died, and a cousin, named Mordecai, was very kind to her, keeping her as his own daughter.
Esther was a beautiful young woman, not bold or vain, and when her turn came to be presented to the king, he chose her to be the new queen, placed the royal crown on her head, made a feast in her honor, and gave her gifts and servants.
We do not know if Esther was happy in the great palace, for a queen in that land could not g-o about or do as ladies do now, but Esther kept her kindly ways and soon showed herself useful to others. Her cousin, Mordecai, was an officer outside the palace, and he walked each day by the part where Esther lived to hear from her servants of her welfare, but he could not see her. He had told Esther not to let it be known that she was his relative, or that she was of the Jewish race; and although Esther was queen, she obeyed the words of Mordecai. The Jewish people had been kept in that land many years, not as free people, but to work as the kings chose and were often despised; so Mordecai feared for Esther to tell her race, although some of the Jews had proved valuable servants and advisors to the kings, and had been granted special favors.
Not long after this, Mordecai found that two of the guards were so angry at the king that they were planning to kill him. Mordecai sent word of this Queen Esther; she warned the king; and his life was saved. The men were punished and the matter was written in the court record, yet the king sent no thanks or reward to Mordecai for his faithfulness. But we will find that after a time the king rewarded Mordecai. We also find how Queen Esther told the king of her nation.
What was the name of this great king and of his city, and over how many countries, or provinces, did he rule? (Esther 1:1,21Now it came to pass in the days of Ahasuerus, (this is Ahasuerus which reigned, from India even unto Ethiopia, over an hundred and seven and twenty provinces:) 2That in those days, when the king Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which was in Shushan the palace, (Esther 1:1‑2)).
ML 02/18/1940