We dive into the dramatic opening of Esther, where King Xerxes throws an extravagant 180-day party to display his wealth and power before Queen Vashti's defiant refusal sets the stage for a royal crisis. This colorful introduction reveals the Persian king's pride and pompous character while highlighting the courage of a queen who stood her ground against an unreasonable demand.

• King Xerxes (also called Ahasuerus) ruled the Persian Empire over 127 provinces
• The king hosts an excessive 6-month banquet to showcase his wealth and power
• Queen Vashti refuses to appear before the king and his drunken guests
• Vashti's refusal may have been based on cultural norms or personal dignity
• The king becomes furious at being publicly embarrassed
• This confrontation sets up the circumstances that will eventually bring Esther into the story

Suggested Resources:

BIBLE PLAN - Trusting God's Plan When You Don't See Him: Lessons From the Book of Esther

PODCAST - Genesis to Revelation Bible Reading

TOOLS - Refresh Your Spirit through God's Word

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Episode 43 - The Esther Series: Royal Pride and Defiance (Esther 1:1-12 NIV)

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