Bible Character Study: Ahasuerus

[GodIsSalvation]

Well I decided to make this little study inspired in part by lady IS' thread on Nimrod. Like Nimrod the character of Ahasuerus is somewhat ambiguous and controversial both within Christian orthodoxy and in the wider scope of history. Also like Nimrod, Ahasuerus exact identity is a big part of the controversy about him. Also like Nimrod, Ahasuerus, depending on the interpretation of his identity. is widely reviled in the works of the heretics and pagans both modern and ancient.

Unlike Nimrod whom only has four verses that even mention him, King Ahasuerus is a more prominent figure in the Bible, particularly as a central character in the Book of Esther. For myself, I always been a big fan of Esther, both the story itself and her character as a major Bible heroine. Before becoming aware of the controversy over him, I saw Ahasuerus in a favorable light as he is Esther's husband. I became aware of the Ahasuerus controversy some years ago when talking about the Bible on a gamechat lobby lol. A kindly person mentioned to me that Ahasuerus is Xerxes I. Lol this kinda blew me away as that would mean the king so many children play act as in church pageants could quite possibly be the same guy from the movie 300 that wiped out Leonidas. This led to me looking a little more into this character, and indeed it seems quite plausible, but I also learned there is an on-going 2,000+ year old debate whether Ahasuerus is Xerxes or Artaxerxes. Also Ahasuerus is somewhat a title, so for sake of specifics the focus will be on the Ahasuerus of the Book of Esther.

I suppose we can pursue these tangents some more in the days to come on this thread though. So here's the basic rules of the topic. I will allow the unbiblical and extra-biblical sources, but let us agree that the Bible trumps all other sources and that the Bible is our primary source. Let us start the topic by exploring the Bible before we begin exploring extra-biblical sources. I will slowly post the Book of Esther for our primary source reference. For sake of context we may explore side tangents within the Bible, for instance the nature of the Medo-Persian empire as described in the Bible, but not wanting to get too far off topic so I have included Three Main Questions below to give the topic some parameters. Finally, keep in mind we're probably going to disagree on some details and have some debate. It's fine with me to rip apart the ancients and their myths, but we're all alive and here together so let us not hate each other or descend into personal attacks over a guy that's been dead for 2,000+ years.


Three Main Questions to explore:

1. Who exactly is Ahasuerus in Book of Esther? (Xerxes, Artaxerxes, or other?)

2. What does the Bible say about Ahasuerus?

3. Is Ahasuerus a Hero, a Villain, or an Indifferent King?

 

[GodIsSalvation]

To start us off rightly, here is the first chapter of Esther. I will progressively post the whole book of Esther as our primary intra-Biblical source on Ahasuerus.

Esther 1

1 Now it came to pass in the days of Ahasuerus, (this is Ahasuerus which reigned, from India even unto Ethiopia, over an hundred and seven and twenty provinces

[SUP]2 [/SUP]That in those days, when the king Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which was in Shushan the palace,
[SUP]3 [/SUP]In the third year of his reign, he made a feast unto all his princes and his servants; the power of Persia and Media, the nobles and princes of the provinces, being before him:
[SUP]4 [/SUP]When he shewed the riches of his glorious kingdom and the honour of his excellent majesty many days, even an hundred and fourscore days.
[SUP]5 [/SUP]And when these days were expired, the king made a feast unto all the people that were present in Shushan the palace, both unto great and small, seven days, in the court of the garden of the king's palace;
[SUP]6 [/SUP]Where were white, green, and blue, hangings, fastened with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rings and pillars of marble: the beds were of gold and silver, upon a pavement of red, and blue, and white, and black, marble.
[SUP]7 [/SUP]And they gave them drink in vessels of gold, (the vessels being diverse one from another,) and royal wine in abundance, according to the state of the king.
[SUP]8 [/SUP]And the drinking was according to the law; none did compel: for so the king had appointed to all the officers of his house, that they should do according to every man's pleasure.
[SUP]9 [/SUP]Also Vashti the queen made a feast for the women in the royal house which belonged to king Ahasuerus.
[SUP]10 [/SUP]On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas, the seven chamberlains that served in the presence of Ahasuerus the king,
[SUP]11 [/SUP]To bring Vashti the queen before the king with the crown royal, to shew the people and the princes her beauty: for she was fair to look on.
[SUP]12 [/SUP]But the queen Vashti refused to come at the king's commandment by his chamberlains: therefore was the king very wroth, and his anger burned in him.
[SUP]13 [/SUP]Then the king said to the wise men, which knew the times, (for so was the king's manner toward all that knew law and judgment:
[SUP]14 [/SUP]And the next unto him was Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, which saw the king's face, and which sat the first in the kingdom; )
[SUP]15 [/SUP]What shall we do unto the queen Vashti according to law, because she hath not performed the commandment of the king Ahasuerus by the chamberlains?
[SUP]16 [/SUP]And Memucan answered before the king and the princes, Vashti the queen hath not done wrong to the king only, but also to all the princes, and to all the people that are in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus.
[SUP]17 [/SUP]For this deed of the queen shall come abroad unto all women, so that they shall despise their husbands in their eyes, when it shall be reported, The king Ahasuerus commanded Vashti the queen to be brought in before him, but she came not.
[SUP]18 [/SUP]Likewise shall the ladies of Persia and Media say this day unto all the king's princes, which have heard of the deed of the queen. Thus shall there arise too much contempt and wrath.
[SUP]19 [/SUP]If it please the king, let there go a royal commandment from him, and let it be written among the laws of the Persians and the Medes, that it be not altered, That Vashti come no more before king Ahasuerus; and let the king give her royal estate unto another that is better than she.
[SUP]20 [/SUP]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.
[SUP]21 [/SUP]And the saying pleased the king and the princes; and the king did according to the word of Memucan:
[SUP]22 [/SUP]For he sent letters into all the king's provinces, into every province according to the writing thereof, and to every people after their language, that every man should bear rule in his own house, and that it should be published according to the language of every people.

 

[Magenta]

Hello GIS Is Esther the only book of the Bible that does not directly mention God? Oh, I see that Song of Solomon does not, either. Some say Esther is included to show the reason for the Purim festival. Being given the legal right to defend one's self against one's enemies does seem an important gain. I have been reading this:

What Is Purim? - Chabad.org

 

[GodIsSalvation]

Hello GIS Is Esther the only book of the Bible that does not directly mention God? Oh, I see that Song of Solomon does not, either. Some say Esther is included to show the reason for the Purim festival. Being given the legal right to defend one's self against one's enemies does seem an important gain. I have been reading this:

What Is Purim? - Chabad.org

Yes, I have heard this before and I agree to much of it, though I do believe Book of Esther is inspired and thus deserves to be canonical. We're not totally restricted to Book of Esther, but merely I'll use it as the primary intra-biblical source for information on Ahasuerus. One of the hard things about determining Ahasuerus' identity is other Persian kings in the Bible are also called Ahasuerus, as the name is something of a title also meaning king/prince/royalty. This is also the meaning of Xerxes' personal name, which then makes it additionally hard to figure out if the Ahasuerus of Esther is indeed Xerxes or merely one of the other Persian rulers simply given the same title, lol. A hint is given in the first verse of Esther 1, saying "this is the same Ahasuerus which reigned from India even unto Ethiopia, over an hundred and seven and twenty province." This hint sort narrows it down to Xerxes or Artaxerxes reigning at the height of the Medo-Persian Empire.

Many interesting facets to Ahasuerus personality also in chapter 1. I have heard that modern feminists look to Vashti as some sort of hero, and therefore they see Ahasuerus as a kinda macho bad guy. Though I would think quite the opposite, Ahasuerus was after all the king, so not only was Vashti defying her husband, but she was also defying the king. We can see from the response of the nobles in verses 15-22 that perhaps Ahasuerus' punishment of Vashti was moreso towards appeasing his own people rather than any personal malice.

I'm going to post chapter 2, but everyone should feel free to refer back to any of the chapters. Just merely trying to get the book of Esther posted early on for more ease to reference.

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.
[SUP]2 [/SUP]Then said the king's servants that ministered unto him, Let there be fair young virgins sought for the king:
[SUP]3 [/SUP]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:
[SUP]4 [/SUP]And let the maiden which pleaseth the king be queen instead of Vashti. And the thing pleased the king; and he did so.
[SUP]5 [/SUP]Now in Shushan the palace there was a certain Jew, whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite;
[SUP]6 [/SUP]Who had been carried away from Jerusalem with the captivity which had been carried away with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away.
[SUP]7 [/SUP]And he brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle's daughter: for she had neither father nor mother, and the maid was fair and beautiful; whom Mordecai, when her father and mother were dead, took for his own daughter.
[SUP]8 [/SUP]So it came to pass, when the king's commandment and his decree was heard, and when many maidens were gathered together unto Shushan the palace, to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was brought also unto the king's house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women.
[SUP]9 [/SUP]And the maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness of him; and he speedily gave her her things for purification, with such things as belonged to her, and seven maidens, which were meet to be given her, out of the king's house: and he preferred her and her maids unto the best place of the house of the women.
[SUP]10 [/SUP]Esther had not shewed her people nor her kindred: for Mordecai had charged her that she should not shew it.
[SUP]11 [/SUP]And Mordecai walked every day before the court of the women's house, to know how Esther did, and what should become of her.
[SUP]12 [/SUP]Now when every maid's turn was come to go in to king Ahasuerus, after that she had been twelve months, according to the manner of the women, (for so were the days of their purifications accomplished, to wit, six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odours, and with other things for the purifying of the women
[SUP]13 [/SUP]Then thus came every maiden unto the king; whatsoever she desired was given her to go with her out of the house of the women unto the king's house.
[SUP]14 [/SUP]In the evening she went, and on the morrow she returned into the second house of the women, to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king's chamberlain, which kept the concubines: she came in unto the king no more, except the king delighted in her, and that she were called by name.
[SUP]15 [/SUP]Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in unto the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king's chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favour in the sight of all them that looked upon her.
[SUP]16 [/SUP]So Esther was taken unto king Ahasuerus into his house royal in the tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign.
[SUP]17 [/SUP]And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti.
[SUP]18 [/SUP]Then the king made a great feast unto all his princes and his servants, even Esther's feast; and he made a release to the provinces, and gave gifts, according to the state of the king.
[SUP]19 [/SUP]And when the virgins were gathered together the second time, then Mordecai sat in the king's gate.
[SUP]20 [/SUP]Esther had not yet shewed her kindred nor her people; as Mordecai had charged her: for Esther did the commandment of Mordecai, like as when she was brought up with him.
[SUP]21 [/SUP]In those days, while Mordecai sat in the king's gate, two of the king's chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, of those which kept the door, were wroth, and sought to lay hands on the king Ahasuerus.
[SUP]22 [/SUP]And the thing was known to Mordecai, who told it unto Esther the queen; and Esther certified the king thereof in Mordecai's name.
[SUP]23 [/SUP]And when inquisition was made of the matter, it was found out; therefore they were both hanged on a tree: and it was written in the book of the chronicles before the king.

 

[Is]

Well I decided to make this little study inspired in part by lady IS' thread on Nimrod. Like Nimrod the character of Ahasuerus is somewhat ambiguous and controversial both within Christian orthodoxy and in the wider scope of history. Also like Nimrod, Ahasuerus exact identity is a big part of the controversy about him. Also like Nimrod, Ahasuerus, depending on the interpretation of his identity. is widely reviled in the works of the heretics and pagans both modern and ancient.

Unlike Nimrod whom only has four verses that even mention him, King Ahasuerus is a more prominent figure in the Bible, particularly as a central character in the Book of Esther. For myself, I always been a big fan of Esther, both the story itself and her character as a major Bible heroine. Before becoming aware of the controversy over him, I saw Ahasuerus in a favorable light as he is Esther's husband. I became aware of the Ahasuerus controversy some years ago when talking about the Bible on a gamechat lobby lol. A kindly person mentioned to me that Ahasuerus is Xerxes I. Lol this kinda blew me away as that would mean the king so many children play act as in church pageants could quite possibly be the same guy from the movie 300 that wiped out Leonidas. This led to me looking a little more into this character, and indeed it seems quite plausible, but I also learned there is an on-going 2,000+ year old debate whether Ahasuerus is Xerxes or Artaxerxes. Also Ahasuerus is somewhat a title, so for sake of specifics the focus will be on the Ahasuerus of the Book of Esther.

I suppose we can pursue these tangents some more in the days to come on this thread though. So here's the basic rules of the topic. I will allow the unbiblical and extra-biblical sources, but let us agree that the Bible trumps all other sources and that the Bible is our primary source. Let us start the topic by exploring the Bible before we begin exploring extra-biblical sources. I will slowly post the Book of Esther for our primary source reference. For sake of context we may explore side tangents within the Bible, for instance the nature of the Medo-Persian empire as described in the Bible, but not wanting to get too far off topic so I have included Three Main Questions below to give the topic some parameters. Finally, keep in mind we're probably going to disagree on some details and have some debate. It's fine with me to rip apart the ancients and their myths, but we're all alive and here together so let us not hate each other or descend into personal attacks over a guy that's been dead for 2,000+ years.


Three Main Questions to explore:

1. Who exactly is Ahasuerus in Book of Esther? (Xerxes, Artaxerxes, or other?)

2. What does the Bible say about Ahasuerus?

3. Is Ahasuerus a Hero, a Villain, or an Indifferent King?

I don't see how we are going to come to any logical conclusion by using Scripture only since there is a lot of history that pertains to this that just flat isn't covered in the Book of Esther, and it's probably because none of it has any bearing on Israel.

 

[Is]

Hello GIS Is Esther the only book of the Bible that does not directly mention God? Oh, I see that Song of Solomon does not, either. Some say Esther is included to show the reason for the Purim festival. Being given the legal right to defend one's self against one's enemies does seem an important gain. I have been reading this:

What Is Purim? - Chabad.org

A lot of people discount Purim since it is a man made holiday that doesn't exist in the commandments of God.

 

[GodIsSalvation]

I don't see how we are going to come to any logical conclusion by using Scripture only since there is a lot of history that pertains to this that just flat isn't covered in the Book of Esther, and it's probably because none of it has any bearing on Israel.

I think we can come to some logical conclusions using the Bible only. For instance on the character of Ahasuerus, and obviously what the Bible says about him. The hardest point in my opinion to conclude would be whether he is Xerxes or Artaxerxes. I personally lean moreso to Ahasuerus of Esther being Xerxes as it would seem to be more fitting to the timeline given that Mordecai or one of his ancestors in Esther 2:5-6 is described as being taken into the captivity of the jews during Nebuchadnezzar.

Though you may use the unbiblical sources I have said, though I will indeed try to cut the floor out from beneath them, but let's try to cover the Bible first since there is quite a bit of material on Ahasuerus within the Bible. Lol I am quite aware of how the unbiblical sources portray Xerxes, I have Herodotus' Histories lol. It's basically in a nutshell like the movie 300 but more x-rated. Does kinda blow one's mind that one of the Bible's biggest heroines, Esther, was perhaps married to this guy.

 

[Buzzard]

Bold and Color by Buzzard

I don't see how we are going to come to any logical conclusion by using Scripture only since there is a lot of history that pertains to this that just flat isn't covered in the Book of Esther, and it's probably because none of it has any bearing on Israel.

"any bearing on Israel"

OH; But it does;

But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of,
knowing of whom thou hast learned them;15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures,
which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine,
for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.​

ie:

And let the maiden which pleaseth the king be queen instead of Vashti.​

//

 

[Is]

Where did you put this? I have to keep going back into my post to link to it.

 

[GodIsSalvation]

Where did you put this? I have to keep going back into my post to link to it.

Third paragraph of the OP:

I will allow the unbiblical and extra-biblical sources, but let us agree that the Bible trumps all other sources and that the Bible is our primary source.

I'll allow the unbiblical sources, as they are the source of the controversy regarding whether or not Ahasuerus is a hero, villain, or indifferent. Obviously, if we operate under the assumption that Ahasuerus is indeed Xerxes then the unbiblical sources being mostly the ancient greeks and later Western heretics around the renaissance era cast him as quite the villain. Merely wanting to remember though Bible is our primary source and that it will trump all other sources.

Also speaking of which, I suppose I shall posit another chapter of Esther.

Esther 3

1 After these things did king Ahasuerus promote Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, and advanced him, and set his seat above all the princes that were with him.
[SUP]2 [/SUP]And all the king's servants, that were in the king's gate, bowed, and reverenced Haman: for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence.
[SUP]3 [/SUP]Then the king's servants, which were in the king's gate, said unto Mordecai, Why transgressest thou the king's commandment?
[SUP]4 [/SUP]Now it came to pass, when they spake daily unto him, and he hearkened not unto them, that they told Haman, to see whether Mordecai's matters would stand: for he had told them that he was a Jew.
[SUP]5 [/SUP]And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full of wrath.
[SUP]6 [/SUP]And he thought scorn to lay hands on Mordecai alone; for they had shewed him the people of Mordecai: wherefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews that were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, even the people of Mordecai.
[SUP]7 [/SUP]In the first month, that is, the month Nisan, in the twelfth year of king Ahasuerus, they cast Pur, that is, the lot, before Haman from day to day, and from month to month, to the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar.
[SUP]8 [/SUP]And Haman said unto king Ahasuerus, There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of thy kingdom; and their laws are diverse from all people; neither keep they the king's laws: therefore it is not for the king's profit to suffer them.
[SUP]9 [/SUP]If it please the king, let it be written that they may be destroyed: and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver to the hands of those that have the charge of the business, to bring it into the king's treasuries.
[SUP]10 [/SUP]And the king took his ring from his hand, and gave it unto Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the Jews' enemy.
[SUP]11 [/SUP]And the king said unto Haman, The silver is given to thee, the people also, to do with them as it seemeth good to thee.
[SUP]12 [/SUP]Then were the king's scribes called on the thirteenth day of the first month, and there was written according to all that Haman had commanded unto the king's lieutenants, and to the governors that were over every province, and to the rulers of every people of every province according to the writing thereof, and to every people after their language; in the name of king Ahasuerus was it written, and sealed with the king's ring.
[SUP]13 [/SUP]And the letters were sent by posts into all the king's provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day, even upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, and to take the spoil of them for a prey.
[SUP]14 [/SUP]The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published unto all people, that they should be ready against that day.
[SUP]15 [/SUP]The posts went out, being hastened by the king's commandment, and the decree was given in Shushan the palace. And the king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city Shushan was perplexed.

 

[Buzzard]

Third paragraph of the OP:

I will allow the unbiblical and extra-biblical sources, but let us agree that the Bible trumps all other sources and that the Bible is our primary source.

I'll allow the unbiblical sources, as they are the source of the controversy regarding whether or not Ahasuerus is a hero, villain, or indifferent. Obviously, if we operate under the assumption that Ahasuerus is indeed Xerxes then the unbiblical sources being mostly the ancient greeks and later Western heretics around the renaissance era cast him as quite the villain. Merely wanting to remember though Bible is our primary source and that it will trump all other sources.

Also speaking of which, I suppose I shall posit another chapter of Esther.

Esther 3

1 After these things did king Ahasuerus promote Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, and advanced him, and set his seat above all the princes that were with him.
[SUP]2 [/SUP]And all the king's servants, that were in the king's gate, bowed, and reverenced Haman: for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence.
[SUP]3 [/SUP]Then the king's servants, which were in the king's gate, said unto Mordecai, Why transgressest thou the king's commandment?
[SUP]4 [/SUP]Now it came to pass, when they spake daily unto him, and he hearkened not unto them, that they told Haman, to see whether Mordecai's matters would stand: for he had told them that he was a Jew.
[SUP]5 [/SUP]And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full of wrath.
[SUP]6 [/SUP]And he thought scorn to lay hands on Mordecai alone; for they had shewed him the people of Mordecai: wherefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews that were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, even the people of Mordecai.
[SUP]7 [/SUP]In the first month, that is, the month Nisan, in the twelfth year of king Ahasuerus, they cast Pur, that is, the lot, before Haman from day to day, and from month to month, to the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar.
[SUP]8 [/SUP]And Haman said unto king Ahasuerus, There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of thy kingdom; and their laws are diverse from all people; neither keep they the king's laws: therefore it is not for the king's profit to suffer them.
[SUP]9 [/SUP]If it please the king, let it be written that they may be destroyed: and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver to the hands of those that have the charge of the business, to bring it into the king's treasuries.
[SUP]10 [/SUP]And the king took his ring from his hand, and gave it unto Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the Jews' enemy.
[SUP]11 [/SUP]And the king said unto Haman, The silver is given to thee, the people also, to do with them as it seemeth good to thee.
[SUP]12 [/SUP]Then were the king's scribes called on the thirteenth day of the first month, and there was written according to all that Haman had commanded unto the king's lieutenants, and to the governors that were over every province, and to the rulers of every people of every province according to the writing thereof, and to every people after their language; in the name of king Ahasuerus was it written, and sealed with the king's ring.
[SUP]13 [/SUP]And the letters were sent by posts into all the king's provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day, even upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, and to take the spoil of them for a prey.
[SUP]14 [/SUP]The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published unto all people, that they should be ready against that day.
[SUP]15 [/SUP]The posts went out, being hastened by the king's commandment, and the decree was given in Shushan the palace. And the king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city Shushan was perplexed.

#1: --- king Ahasuerus promote Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite,
#2: -----his seat above all the princes that were with him.
#3: -----Haman sought to destroy all the Jews

And the letters were sent by posts into all the king's provinces,
to destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all Jews, both young and old, little children and women,
in one day, even upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar,
and to take the spoil of them for a prey.[SUB][/SUB]

 

[GodIsSalvation]

king Ahasuerus promote Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite,
his seat above all the princes that were with him.Haman sought to destroy all the Jews

And the letters were sent by posts into all the king's provinces,
to destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all Jews, both young and old, little children and women,
in one day, even upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar,
and to take the spoil of them for a prey.

I am guessing you're making the point for Purim as a holiday. I'd note also in verse 7 "they cast Pur, that is, the lot". Not definitely sure, but this I thought was the origin of the name of Purim.

To tie into the topic of Ahasuerus this is an interesting episode in trying to determine his character. Is he a villain or indifferent for promoting and allowing Haman to try to carry out his evil scheme? Or in my view knowing the rest of the book; could one could deem Ahasuerus a fairly liberal king and put the fault squarely upon Haman for being an evil counselor? Is definitely an interesting chapter and good points to be made from which you highlighted.

 

[Buzzard]

The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published

unto all people, that they should be ready against that day.
[SUP]15 [/SUP]The posts went out, being hastened by the king's commandment,
and the decree was given in Shushan the palace.
And the king and Haman sat down to drink;
but the city Shushan was perplexed.

 

[GodIsSalvation]

The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published

unto all people, that they should be ready against that day.
[SUP]15 [/SUP]The posts went out, being hastened by the king's commandment,
and the decree was given in Shushan the palace.
And the king and Haman sat down to drink;
but the city Shushan was perplexed.

I like the points to bring up. I'm curious to your personal thoughts pertaining to this episode in relation the 3 OP questions about Ahasuerus before I advance to the next chapter.

 

[Buzzard]

Well I decided to make this little study inspired in part by lady IS' thread on Nimrod.........


Three Main Questions to explore:

1. Who exactly is Ahasuerus in Book of Esther? (Xerxes, Artaxerxes, or other?)

Ezra 4:6
And in the reign of Ahasuerus, in the beginning of his reign,
wrote they unto him an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem.

7 And in the days of Artaxerxes wrote Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel,
and the rest of their companions, unto Artaxerxes king of Persia;
and the writing of the letter was written in the Syrian tongue,
and interpreted in the Syrian tongue.​

 

[Is]

Where are the "isles of the sea" in chap.10 that Ahasuerus laid a tribute on?

 

[Buzzard]

Where are the "isles of the sea" in chap.10 that Ahasuerus laid a tribute on?

lets not get ahead of ourselves
we are still in ch. 3

 

[GodIsSalvation]

Ezra 4:6
And in the reign of Ahasuerus, in the beginning of his reign,
wrote they unto him an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem.

7 And in the days of Artaxerxes wrote Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel,
and the rest of their companions, unto Artaxerxes king of Persia;
and the writing of the letter was written in the Syrian tongue,
and interpreted in the Syrian tongue.​

Aye this is a good reference. The only problem is in the Bible several Persian kings are given the title Ahasuerus also as Ahasuerus/Xerxes means king/prince/royalty. Ezra was indeed the book I was thinking upon when I had noted this in post #4. I think though in keeping with surrounding information about Medo-Persia the Books of Ezra and Nehemiah as well as the latter parts of Daniel will indeed be very handy secondary intra-biblical sources. Good looks!

EDIT: Guess I'll advance book of Esther some more before we get to page 2 also for ease in referencing lol. Remember can always refer back to any of the chapters.

Esther 4

1 When Mordecai perceived all that was done, Mordecai rent his clothes, and put on sackcloth with ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and cried with a loud and a bitter cry;
[SUP]2 [/SUP]And came even before the king's gate: for none might enter into the king's gate clothed with sackcloth.
[SUP]3 [/SUP]And in every province, whithersoever the king's commandment and his decree came, there was great mourning among the Jews, and fasting, and weeping, and wailing; and many lay in sackcloth and ashes.
[SUP]4 [/SUP]So Esther's maids and her chamberlains came and told it her. Then was the queen exceedingly grieved; and she sent raiment to clothe Mordecai, and to take away his sackcloth from him: but he received it not.
[SUP]5 [/SUP]Then called Esther for Hatach, one of the king's chamberlains, whom he had appointed to attend upon her, and gave him a commandment to Mordecai, to know what it was, and why it was.
[SUP]6 [/SUP]So Hatach went forth to Mordecai unto the street of the city, which was before the king's gate.
[SUP]7 [/SUP]And Mordecai told him of all that had happened unto him, and of the sum of the money that Haman had promised to pay to the king's treasuries for the Jews, to destroy them.
[SUP]8 [/SUP]Also he gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given at Shushan to destroy them, to shew it unto Esther, and to declare it unto her, and to charge her that she should go in unto the king, to make supplication unto him, and to make request before him for her people.
[SUP]9 [/SUP]And Hatach came and told Esther the words of Mordecai.
[SUP]10 [/SUP]Again Esther spake unto Hatach, and gave him commandment unto Mordecai;
[SUP]11 [/SUP]All the king's servants, and the people of the king's provinces, do know, that whosoever, whether man or women, shall come unto the king into the inner court, who is not called, there is one law of his to put him to death, except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden sceptre, that he may live: but I have not been called to come in unto the king these thirty days.
[SUP]12 [/SUP]And they told to Mordecai Esther's words.
[SUP]13 [/SUP]Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king's house, more than all the Jews.
[SUP]14 [/SUP]For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?
[SUP]15 [/SUP]Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer,
[SUP]16 [/SUP]Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.
[SUP]17 [/SUP]So Mordecai went his way, and did according to all that Esther had commanded him.

 

[GodIsSalvation]

Just advancing book of Esther a bit here. Hope you all doing well today.

Esther 5

1 Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king's house, over against the king's house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the gate of the house.
[SUP]2 [/SUP]And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favour in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre.
[SUP]3 [/SUP]Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what is thy request? it shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom.
[SUP]4 [/SUP]And Esther answered, If it seem good unto the king, let the king and Haman come this day unto the banquet that I have prepared for him.
[SUP]5 [/SUP]Then the king said, Cause Haman to make haste, that he may do as Esther hath said. So the king and Haman came to the banquet that Esther had prepared.
[SUP]6 [/SUP]And the king said unto Esther at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed.
[SUP]7 [/SUP]Then answered Esther, and said, My petition and my request is;
[SUP]8 [/SUP]If I have found favour in the sight of the king, and if it please the king to grant my petition, and to perform my request, let the king and Haman come to the banquet that I shall prepare for them, and I will do to morrow as the king hath said.
[SUP]9 [/SUP]Then went Haman forth that day joyful and with a glad heart: but when Haman saw Mordecai in the king's gate, that he stood not up, nor moved for him, he was full of indignation against Mordecai.
[SUP]10 [/SUP]Nevertheless Haman refrained himself: and when he came home, he sent and called for his friends, and Zeresh his wife.
[SUP]11 [/SUP]And Haman told them of the glory of his riches, and the multitude of his children, and all the things wherein the king had promoted him, and how he had advanced him above the princes and servants of the king.
[SUP]12 [/SUP]Haman said moreover, Yea, Esther the queen did let no man come in with the king unto the banquet that she had prepared but myself; and to morrow am I invited unto her also with the king.
[SUP]13 [/SUP]Yet all this availeth me nothing, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king's gate.
[SUP]14 [/SUP]Then said Zeresh his wife and all his friends unto him, Let a gallows be made of fifty cubits high, and to morrow speak thou unto the king that Mordecai may be hanged thereon: then go thou in merrily with the king unto the banquet. And the thing pleased Haman; and he caused the gallows to be made.

 

[GodIsSalvation]

This next chapter is very interesting in how God can turn some of our biggest adversities around to help his people in the end. Indeed a common theme throughout Book of Esther, and indeed the entire Bible, praise Jesus. I suppose trying to keep to the topic somewhat, notice how God uses Ahasuerus to turn around Haman's own pride against himself to exalt his biggest foe Mordecai. Reminds me of Proverbs 21, particularly verse one; "The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will."

Esther 6

1 On that night could not the king sleep, and he commanded to bring the book of records of the chronicles; and they were read before the king.
[SUP]2 [/SUP]And it was found written, that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king's chamberlains, the keepers of the door, who sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus.
[SUP]3 [/SUP]And the king said, What honour and dignity hath been done to Mordecai for this? Then said the king's servants that ministered unto him, There is nothing done for him.
[SUP]4 [/SUP]And the king said, Who is in the court? Now Haman was come into the outward court of the king's house, to speak unto the king to hang Mordecai on the gallows that he had prepared for him.
[SUP]5 [/SUP]And the king's servants said unto him, Behold, Haman standeth in the court. And the king said, Let him come in.
[SUP]6 [/SUP]So Haman came in. And the king said unto him, What shall be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour? Now Haman thought in his heart, To whom would the king delight to do honour more than to myself?
[SUP]7 [/SUP]And Haman answered the king, For the man whom the king delighteth to honour,
[SUP]8 [/SUP]Let the royal apparel be brought which the king useth to wear, and the horse that the king rideth upon, and the crown royal which is set upon his head:
[SUP]9 [/SUP]And let this apparel and horse be delivered to the hand of one of the king's most noble princes, that they may array the man withal whom the king delighteth to honour, and bring him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaim before him, Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delighteth to honour.
[SUP]10 [/SUP]Then the king said to Haman, Make haste, and take the apparel and the horse, as thou hast said, and do even so to Mordecai the Jew, that sitteth at the king's gate: let nothing fail of all that thou hast spoken.
[SUP]11 [/SUP]Then took Haman the apparel and the horse, and arrayed Mordecai, and brought him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaimed before him, Thus shall it be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour.
[SUP]12 [/SUP]And Mordecai came again to the king's gate. But Haman hasted to his house mourning, and having his head covered.
[SUP]13 [/SUP]And Haman told Zeresh his wife and all his friends every thing that had befallen him. Then said his wise men and Zeresh his wife unto him, If Mordecai be of the seed of the Jews, before whom thou hast begun to fall, thou shalt not prevail against him, but shalt surely fall before him.
[SUP]14 [/SUP]And while they were yet talking with him, came the king's chamberlains, and hasted to bring Haman unto the banquet that Esther had prepared.