Esther Chapter 2

Esther Chapter 2

Distributed by: KJV Bible Studies

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Memory verses for this week: 1Jn 1:5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

Introduction: We continue our study on the book of Esther this week as the king chooses a new queen.

The kings name is Ahasuerus which is pronounced heavy on the "E" as Assuerus.

THE KING CHOOSES A NEW QUEEN

The events in the book of Esther fall neatly between Ezra chapters 6 and 7. In Ezra 6, we read about Darius the Persian king. In Ezra 7, we read about Artaxerxes king of Persia. This father and his son ruled for many years. Darius had a plan to conquer Greece, and no doubt would eventually have tried for all of Europe. The Persian army, by far out numbered the Greeks. In the plains of Marathon (famed for the Marathon races), they were soundly defeated in 490 B.C. When Artaxerxes came to the throne in 486 B.C. he had the same ambition of his father. In 480 B.C. his large fleet of warships was defeated at the battle of Salamis.

Keep in mind that king Ahasuerus in Esther is the Artaxerxes in Ezra, and he is known in history as Xerxes. The book of Esther has great historical value because it falls in a period of history where some of the decisive events that would determine the future destiny of Western civilization. The future of Europe was settled in two decisive battles fought during this period of time. It is believed that the events of this chapter did not happen until after the king returned from his war against the Greeks.

I. DIVINE PROVIDENCE IN A PLAN

Est 2:1 After these things, when the wrath of king Ahasuerus was appeased, he remembered Vashti, and what she had done, and what was decreed against her.

Est 2:2 Then said the king's servants that ministered unto him, Let there be fair young virgins sought for the king:

Est 2:3 And let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the fair young virgins unto Shushan the palace, to the house of the women, unto the custody of Hege the king's chamberlain, keeper of the women; and let their things for purification be given them:

The king remembers his wife, the beautiful Vashti. He may have regretted his foolish decision to put the queen away for her actions, but it could not be altered.

Dan. 6:15, "Then these men assembled unto the king, and said unto the king, Know, O king, that the law of the Medes and Persians is, That no decree nor statute which the king establisheth may be changed."

As in last week's lesson, the wicked advisers came up with another plan. They point out that there are many beautiful virgins in the kingdom, and they could seek them out. So the king appoints officers to gather all the fair young virgins to be brought to his Shushan palace.

Est 2:4 And let the maiden which pleaseth the king be queen instead of Vashti. And the thing pleased the king; and he did so.

The advisors point out that he could look over this vast number of young women, and pick out the new queen. The king was pleased by the plan. Remember that this was a wicked heathen king and his advisers were also wicked. God is not responsible for what wicked men do, but God in His divine providence can turn it to His glory and purpose. These advisers would not want Vashti to be restored, because she could have resorted to revenge on them because of their original advise in having here removed. No matter what may happen in this life, it is wise for us to always remember that God is in charge, and may well be working behind the scenes.