Esther 1:20
“And when the king’s decree which he shall make shall be published throughout all his empire, (for it is great,) all the wives shall give to their husbands honour, both to great and small.”
Context:The book of Esther is set during the time when the Jews were living in exile in Persia. King Ahasuerus (also known as Xerxes I) ruled over a vast empire, which extended from India to Ethiopia. The story revolves around Esther, a Jewish orphan who becomes queen and plays a crucial role in saving her people from destruction.
The King’s Decree:In this verse, the king’s decree refers to an incident that took place earlier in the chapter. King Ahasuerus hosted a grand feast for all his officials, servants, and nobles that lasted for 180 days. Afterward, he held a seven-day banquet for all the people in the citadel of Susa, including both great and small. On the final day of the banquet, when the king’s heart was merry with wine, he commanded his seven eunuchs to bring Queen Vashti before him to display her beauty. However, Queen Vashti refused to come, which angered the king.
The Implication of the Decree:As a result of Queen Vashti’s disobedience, the king sought counsel from his advisors on how to handle the matter. They suggested that a royal decree be issued, proclaiming that Vashti would be removed from her position as queen and that her royal position would be given to another woman who was more worthy. The verse in question highlights that the king’s decree, once published throughout the empire, would require all wives to honor their husbands, both great and small.
Honor in Marriage:The concept of giving honor to one’s spouse is a recurring theme in the Bible. Ephesians 5:33 states, “However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.” This verse encourages husbands to love their wives selflessly and wives to respect their husbands. Honoring one’s spouse involves showing respect, appreciation, and consideration in the marital relationship.
Lessons from Esther 1:20:
Respect and Submission:While the king’s decree may seem oppressive to some, it reflects the cultural norms and expectations of that time. The verse highlights the importance of wives to respect their husbands. This cultural backdrop helps readers understand the historical setting of the passage.
Crucial Role of the King’s Decree:The decree served as a public statement that reinforced the authority of the king and the societal structure of the ancient Near East.
Application:Modern readers can consider how respect and honor function within their own marriages, recognizing that cultural contexts differ while the principle of mutual respect remains timeless.
Application:The verse challenges modern believers to reflect on how they honor one another in marriage, encouraging a balanced approach where both husband and wife demonstrate love, respect, and responsibility toward each other.
