"A Crown With Purpose" | The Queen's Dismissal

SCRIPTURE: Esther 1:10-22 

SHOW NOTES: This story is set in a vast empire under the rule of a pagan king. Described as one who ruled the entire known world, the king spent half a year engaged in strategic meetings with his government officials and military leaders. Now, King Ahasuerus hosts a lavish seven day banquet for these leaders while Queen Vashti hosts a feast in the palace for the women. 

In Esther, chapter one we read, “On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha and Abagtha, Zethar and Carkas, the seven eunuchs who served in the presence of King Ahasuerus, to bring Queen Vashti before the king with her royal crown, in order to show the peoples and the princes her beauty, for she was lovely to look at.” 

However, the queen refused to appear before the king and all of these men who were “merry with wine” after seven days of feasting. Her decision to defy the command of King Ahasuerus stirred great anger in his heart. The counsel of seven advised that Vashti would never again come before King Ahasuerus and her royal position should be given to another woman. 

What has happened here? This is a king who ruled with an iron fist and demanded complete obedience. 

We read in 1 Peter 2:16, “Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.” 

SONG: "King of Kings" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Of5IcFWiEpg