Esther 1-2

The story of Esther takes place during the Persian Empire, the reign of Xerxes
Chronologically, it is placed b/w Zechariah's final prophecies & Ezra's leadership

From 1:1 - 2:4, we read nothing of Israel/Jews

Profile: Xerxes
--Head of Persian
--Ruler of 127 provinces from India to Cush (upper nile)
--Reigned from citadel of Susa
--Hosted extravagant 180 day banquet for all his officials
--Hosted a 7 day banquet afterwards
--His queen, Vashti, held a parallel banquet for the women
--Xerxes demanded that Vashti showcase her beauty at his banquet
--Vashti refused

Why did Vashti refuse?
1. For a woman to stand before men other than her husband went against her culture
2. He made his request in a drunken state
3. She may have been pregnant

Fearing that the other women of the Empire would follow Vashti's disobedience, she was put away at the suggestion of Xerxes legal experts. Later, however, Xerxes remembered Vashti and a search was made for a new queen. All the beautiful young virgins of the empire were to be brought to Susa as candidates. One such girl, already living in Susa, was named Esther. She gained the favor of the official Hegai. Her relative, Mordecai, forbid her to reveal her Jewish identity. Upon being presented to the King, Esther was selected as the new Queen. Meanwhile, Mordecai discovered a plot to kill Xerxes and reported it, saving the King's life.

Chapter 2 concludes with 2 Jews as the victors
1. Mordecai successfully saving the King's life
2. Esther successfully becoming the new Queen