The Book of Esther (01) – Ahasuerus
Ahasuerus – An image of God
When God removed His earthly seat of government from Israel (1 Chr 29:23), He placed the government in the hands of the nations (Dan 2:31–45; 5:18–19). This period of pagan rule is called “the times of the nationsThe "times of the nations" (Luke 21:24) began in 606 BC. Until then, God ruled through kings in Jerusalem. Due to disobedience, God gave the earthly government into the hands... More” (Luke 21:24). Thus, during this time, various pagan monarchs ruled as extensions of God’s government on earth. In the book of Esther, King Ahasuerus reigns over the known world—“from India to Ethiopia” (Esther 1:1). He is a picture of God, who reigns behind the scenes over the whole worldThe word is used with different meanings. It can mean the whole of humanity (Gen 41:57) or the created world (Rom 1:20), but also a moral system that is opposed... More (Dan. 4:17).
The Feast of Ahasuerus—A Picture of the Gospel of God's GraceTo the one who earns something through performance, the reward is not according to grace but according to debt (Rom. 4:4). Grace is a favor that is not given by... More
The first chapter of Esther tells us that King Ahasuerus held a banquet for everyone, “from the greatest to the least”(Esther 1:1–5). It is a picture of the great banquet that God has prepared for all people in the gospel of his graceTo the one who earns something through performance, the reward is not according to grace but according to debt (Rom. 4:4). Grace is a favor that is not given by... More (Luke 14:16). The purpose of Ahasuerus' banquet is to show “the splendid wealth of his kingdom” and “the glorious splendor of his greatness.” In the same way, the gospel shows us “the surpassing riches of his graceTo the one who earns something through performance, the reward is not according to grace but according to debt (Rom. 4:4). Grace is a favor that is not given by... More in kindness toward us in ChristA title of the Lord Jesus, which is also used as an epithet; Messiah (Hebrew) and Christ (Greek) mean "anointed one". The title refers to the fact that Jesus is... More Jesus” (Eph. 2:7–8). Just as Ahasuerus' banquet lasts “many days,” God, in His long-suffering love and mercy, extends the invitation to His banquet for many days—now for about 2000 years! The guests who accept King Ahasuerus' invitation and come to the feast are called “nobles and princes.” Thus, those who accept God's invitation to the banquet of the gospel through faith are made “kings and priests” (Rev. 1:6).
At the banquet itself, the king provided “cushions of gold and silver” for the guests to rest on (Esther 1:6–8). Silver and gold are symbols of redemptionRedemption is part of God's plan of salvation. Redemption means that someone is freed from bondage. The redemption of Israel from the power of Pharaoh is an example of this.... More and divine justice in Scripture. They give the believer a place where he can find rest for his salvationSalvation is part of God's plan of saving people. Those who are in danger and cannot help themselves need salvation. We owe our salvation to our Savior, who went to... More, and as a result, he has peace with God and rest for his soul (Matthew 11:28; Romans 5:1; 8:6). In addition, there are beautifully colored hangings at this feast for the enjoyment of the guests. They hang down from above and are attached to “silver rings”: a picture of the heavenly blessings that Christians have received through salvationSalvation is part of God's plan of saving people. Those who are in danger and cannot help themselves need salvation. We owe our salvation to our Savior, who went to... More (Eph 1:3). Furthermore, the king gives his guests “royal wine in abundance,” which speaks of the joy that God gives to those who accept and believe the gospel of his graceTo the one who earns something through performance, the reward is not according to grace but according to debt (Rom. 4:4). Grace is a favor that is not given by... More (Judges 9:13; PsalmPsalm simply means "song." In the Old Testament, this word only occurs in connection with the Psalms of David and the Book of Psalms. Singers sang a psalm with instrumental... More 104:15).
