Esther 1 Commentary

The book of Esther takes place during the third year of the reign of the Persian king Ahasuerus (Xerxes 1), grandson of Cyrus the Great. Ahasuerus hosts a lavish banquet in the capital city of Susa, a banquet which lasts half a year, for the lords and princes in his empire. 

In the final week of the banquet, Ahasuerus opens his courtyard to the common folk of Susa. The most extravagant finery decorates the palace garden. Unlimited wine is served in golden cups to anyone and everyone, though no one is forced to drink. Anyone may have as much as they like, but no one is pressured to partake. Ahasuerus's wife, Queen Vashti, holds a banquet in a separate part of the palace for the women.

On the last day of the banquet, Ahasuerus is quite drunk. He commands seven servants to fetch his wife Queen Vashti to show off her beauty to the men at his party. Vashti refuses the insulting demand. Ahasuerus is humiliated and angry. 

Ahasuerus's counselors are summoned to advise him concerning Vashti's disobedience. His wiseman, Memucan, reframes the insulting matter as an affront to all men in the Persian Empire, saying that Vashti's action will influence all wives to disrespect their husbands. An official message should be sent abroad informing the subjects that Vashti has been demoted of her queenship. This will inspire women to respect their husbands.

Ahasuerus approves of Memucan's counsel. A message goes to every province of Persia in every language of its citizens, informing the people that Vashti is no longer queen, as well as declaring that men are the master of their own house.