The Decadence Of The King Series

The Decadence of the King

Esther 1: 1-9

The opening chapter of Esther reveals the ungodly condition of the society in which God’s people were dwelling. It was a culture that possessed and promoted unbridled lusts and insatiable appetites. The people within Media and Persia had one goal in life: satisfy the flesh at all costs.

This is the environment Esther, Mordecai, and the Jewish captives found themselves trying to survive and maintain their devotion to God. It is from such an environment that God would prove Himself mighty in their midst, preserving them against unmeasurable odds. Although the culture was contrary to a godly lifestyle, the Lord enabled His people to flourish.

As we examine our text today, you will discover many similarities to the modern culture within America. While we are forced to live within the world, we must remember that we are not of the world. We must resist the urges promoted by society, strive to maintain spiritual purity, while leaning on the Lord for strength and guidance. The Jews would have never survived their captivity apart from the divine provision of God. We stand in desperate need of His grace and power today. As we will discover as we move through this precious book, we do not have to conform to the dictates of society. Just as God provided the means of escape from our bondage in sin prior to salvation, He continues to provide the means of escape from the temptations we face.

Let’s consider the details of the text as we think on: The Decadence of the King.

I. The Authority of Ahasuerus (1-2) – Here we have information regarding the reign of the king. Notice:

A. His Dominion (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:) Ahasuerus reigned over a vast kingdom, totaling 127 provinces from India to Ethiopia. The palace was located in Shushan, located 150 miles north of the Persian Gulf, 250 miles east of ancient Babylon and 275 miles southeast of Baghdad, in modern day Iran. There were other palaces, but this was the primary palace and residence for the king.

Ruling such a vast empire, covering such a large geographic area, Ahasuerus had dominion and influence over countless people. Their lives were influenced and dictated by his desires. He ruled over much of the known world. The enemy stands as the god of this world, dominating and influencing the lives of billions today.

B. His Dynasty – These verses don’t specifically mention the dynasty of which Ahasuerus was a part, but he stood among a long line of kings. His grandfather was King Cyrus (550-530 BC,) who conquered Babylon and allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem, Ezra 1:1-4. His father, King Darius reigned from 520-486 BC. Ahasuerus reigned from 486-465 BC, followed by his son, King Artaxerxes, who reigned during the days of Nehemiah from 465-425 BC. The family of Ahasuerus enjoyed a long reign in Persia.

II. The Agenda of Ahasuerus (3-4) – These verses describe the great feast Ahasuerus held in Shushan for all the princes, servants, and nobles. The feast was held fairly early in the reign of Ahasuerus, during his third year as king. This was not just a good will gesture by the king for his servants; Ahasuerus had an agenda for this feast. It was:

A. Prompted by Arrogance (4) – When he shewed the riches of his glorious kingdom and the honour of his excellent majesty many days, even an hundred and fourscore days. Being lifted up with pride, Ahasuerus called the princes and nobles from all the provinces to show off the great wealth and riches the family dynasty had amassed. He desired their recognition and submission as the excellent majesty of the kingdom. Unlike his father and grandfather, it appears Ahasuerus was more interested in promoting himself and receiving the praise of men than helping those within the kingdom. He sought to make a name for himself among the rulers of the world.

Sadly, much of the suffering and mistreatment of people within the world today is the result of arrogance. Many are more interested in promoting themselves and their agenda than helping others in need. We live in an arrogant, self-centered society that cares little for the needs of others. This is one of the great characteristics of the enemy. His fall was the result of pride and arrogance, desiring to be like God and receive the worship He alone was worthy of. Christ our Lord came to earth as the eternal God-Man. If anyone deserved to be worshiped and treated as royalty, He did. He was despised and rejected of His own, and yet He set the example of humility and service for all to follow. He willingly went to the cross, bearing the sin of the world, and enduring the righteous judgment He did not deserve. Those who deny Christ and walk according to the flesh are often filled with pride and arrogance.