Feast. Wine. Drunken king and nobles. Rash decision. Ludicrous, perplexing decree. These elements make up a captivating narrative in the first chapter of the book of Esther.
However, Esther 1 is more than just a captivating story. The chapter invites us to contemplate on the meaning of the two kinds of feasts: 1) the feast filled by alcohol and ambition that seek conquest and revenge; 2) or the feast inspired by the Holy Spirit’s influence that embraces humility, reflection, and God’s goodness to honor God and love neighbors.
Chapter Summary
In the third year of his rule, King Xerxes showcased his unparalleled wealth and glory to his nobles and princes through an extravagant 180-day exhibition. The culmination of this opulence was a seven-day banquet during which royal wine was liberally distributed to all people at the citadel of Susa.
During this banquet when his spirit was high with wine, he commanded his seven eunuchs to bring his queen, Vashti, to display her beauty to the princes. When Vashti refused to come, Xerxes was furious and gathered his wise men and seven princes to discuss how to deal with this incident.
One of the princes, Memucan, spoke up to make an emphatic point that this incident may result in a nationwide disrespect of husband, and recommended that Queen Vashti be deposed and that someone else be selected as a new queen in her stead. In addition, he was instrumental in making a decree that every husband is to be respected and should be a ruler over his own household throughout the kingdom of Persia.
A Feast of Revenge and Conquest
The grand feast was not merely a display of opulence – it was a statement of revenge and conquest. The feast was an important part of diplomatic and military preparations for war, which was in part to revenge for the defeat that Darius, Xerxes’ father, suffered at the hands of the Greeks at Marathon, approximately 10 years before the feast (490 B.C.). This defeat by Darius fueled the empire’s thirst for retaliation.
The thirst for retribution also revealed the inner workings of the powerful empire’s desire for continual expansion of its empire and asserting its supremacy – even when it was not necessary or economically justifiable. Greece did not pose an existential threat to Persia, nor did they show any intention to invade Persia at that time. In addition, irony shrouded this endeavor for retribution as Persia led by Darius was the aggressor. The feast serves as an embodiment of the empire’s insatiable desire for conquest and exact revenge, taking away the lives of other nations.
The Intoxicated Proclamation and Its Ripple Effects
Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, And whoever is intoxicated by it is not wise.
Proverbs 20:1
The transcendental truth regarding alcohol was made by Solomon in Proverbs 20 remains a powerful reminder for all of us. Rarely any good comes from an intoxicated group of people.
Likewise, this was the case for Xerxes and his noblemen during the feast as a rash decision, fueled by the intoxicating influence of alcohol. King Xerxes’ decision to summon his queen, Vashti, to display her beauty before the noblemen was the first sign of the folly under alcohol’s influence. Vashti’s refusal became a catalyst for a series of subsequent rash decisions. Xerxes convened his council, including seven eunuchs, who were also likely under the influence of alcohol, to come up with a perplexing proclamation to the nation, mandating that a “that every man should be the master in his own house and the one who speaks in the language of his own people (Esther 1:22).”
This episode reveals a folly of decisions made under the haze of wine and implications of impulsive actions. Xerxes, a formidable king who reigned over vast dominion, did not know how to manage his own household. He proved himself to be susceptible to the allure of drink, resulting in a deposed Queen, which he regretted later (Esther 2:1), and a proclamation that attempted to impose respect for the husband through decree rather than earned admiration. On the other hand, Apostle Paul reminds the husbands to “love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her (Eph 5:22-23).” This is the decree of God.
Subtle Mockery of Xerxes the Great
The title “Great” is often used for Xerxes. It was first used by Greek historians, such as Herodotus and Plutarch, to describe his power and ambition. Xerxes was far richer than other Persian kings (Daniel 11:2) and ruled over a vast area of territories of 127 provinces. In terms of power and ambition, he was rightly described as “the Great,” given his power and ambition.
However, this chapter may have been written to imbue a subtle mockery of Xerxes the Great. The pinnacle of the subtle mockery was manifested through the decree that attempted to legislate respect, a notion inherently rooted in earned regard rather than imposed authority (“that man should be master”). Plus, this decree was the product of a combined counsel, including the seven eunuchs, considered the pinnacle of the empire’s intellect. The author appears to be asking “Is this the best that Persia’s, the most powerful kingdom on earth at that time, can come up with?”
Feasts of God vs. Feast of Xerxes
The grandeur of Xerxes’ feast starkly contrasts with God’s ordained feasts outlined in the book of Leviticus. These feasts are characterized by life-giving, humility, self-reflection, and both spiritual and physical nourishment. While Xerxes’ feast was marked by vengeance, boasting, and indulgence, God’s feast served as a central reminder of covenantal relation, in which the identity of God’s people resides. For example, the purpose of the Passover feast was to remind the Israelites of their God whose power was exercised to deliver them out of the unjust slavery bondage. It was a feast to celebrate God’s delivery of His people from the oppressive power of the world. In the Day of Atonement, God wanted to ensure that His people understand the gravity of sin. This was the day of national repentance, reminding them of their utter sinful nature and necessity for forgiveness.
Conclusions
In a world where power, conquest, alcohol, and revenge dictate, the divine feasts present an alternative perspective – one that embraces humility, reflection, and celebration of God’s goodness. The clash between these two feasts invite us to contemplate the meaning and purpose of the feasts. Which kind of feasts would you, followers of Christ, partake in?
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