Esther 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.”
Esther 2:1 (KJV):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.
Historical Context:The book of Esther is set during the time when the Jews were in exile in Persia. King Ahasuerus (also known as Xerxes I) ruled over a vast empire, and the events in the book of Esther take place during his reign.
The Wrath of King Ahasuerus:Prior to Esther 2:1, Queen Vashti had disobeyed the king’s command to appear before him and his guests during a royal banquet. Her refusal led to her removal as queen. The verse states that after some time had passed, and the king’s anger had subsided, he remembered Vashti and what she had done.
Divine Providence:Although the name of God is not explicitly mentioned in the book of Esther, His providential hand is evident throughout the story. It is important to note that the events leading to Vashti’s removal as queen and Esther’s subsequent rise to become queen set the stage for God’s deliverance of the Jewish people.
The Selection of Esther:Following the king’s recollection of Vashti, the search for a new queen began. Young virgins from throughout the kingdom were brought to the palace for a beauty contest. Esther, a Jewish girl who had been raised by her cousin Mordecai, was among the candidates. In verse 7, we learn that Esther was beautiful and found favor in the eyes of the custodian of the women, Hegai, who oversaw the selection process.
The Hand of God:As the story unfolds, it becomes evident that God’s hand was at work in Esther’s life. She ultimately wins the favor of King Ahasuerus and is chosen to be the new queen, although her Jewish identity is kept secret at Mordecai’s instruction.
Overall, Esther 2:1 introduces us to the events that led to Esther’s rise as queen and sets the stage for the subsequent events in the book of Esther, which include the plot to annihilate the Jewish people and Esther’s role in their deliverance.
