The Search For A Queen (Part 1) Series

The Search for a Queen (Part 1)

Esther 2: 1-9

As we studied chapter one, we discovered a detailed picture of what life was like within the Persian Empire. King Ahasuerus was a man of great wealth and power. He sought to expand the kingdom, and nothing was off limits in his pursuit to do so, not even the integrity and dignity of his wife. After refusing to submit to the king’s ridiculous command, Vashti was removed from the throne as queen over the vast empire.

Our text today reveals the search for a new queen to replace Vashti. While many think these verses deal primarily with historical and social information regarding the Persian Empire, we must not miss the sovereign hand of God in the lives of His people during this time. They had been carried away captive due to their rebellion and rejection of the Lord, but they were not forsaken.

We are not faced with physical captivity, but we all deal with adversity and struggles in life. We must remember however, even in our darkest moments, we are never forsaken or abandoned by the Lord. While it may appear at times that our lives are spiraling out of control, the Lord remains sovereign over our lives. Let’s examine the facets of this search for Vashti’s replacement as we consider: The Search for a Queen.

I. The Scrutiny in the Search (1-4) – Here we discover the details of the endeavor to find a new queen. Consider:

A. The Perspective (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. The text simply says: after these things. We don’t know exactly what things are referred to, but we do have a general idea of how much time has passed. The party that preceded Vashti’s removal was held during the third year of the reign of Ahasuerus. We know that Esther was crowned queen in the seventh year of his reign. There was a period of preparation that lasted 12 months, prior to her acceptance as queen. It appears there was a period of nearly three years between the removal of Vashti and the crowning of Esther. Many historians believe Ahasuerus was consumed with invading Greece and expanding the empire during this time.

While three years is not an unreasonable timeframe to secure a replacement for the queen, I am also reminded of our impatience. We live in a fast-paced world and are accustomed to getting results quickly. We must remember that God does not work according to our schedule. He works according to His divine will, properly preparing us for what He is calling us to perform.

B. The Perimeters (2-3) – These verses reveal that the king’s servants approached him with a plan to find Vashti’s replacement. Enough time had expired for the king to have settled down and apparently they felt as if it was time to find Vashti’s successor. These advisors proposed that fair, young virgins be sought throughout all the provinces as a replacement for Vashti. These would be brought to the palace for a time of purification and preparation. When that time was ended, Ahasuerus would choose one of the young virgins to succeed Vashti as queen. This plan pleased the king and the search began to find a new queen.

Considering the details of V.1, some assume Ahasuerus may have been having second thoughts about removing Vashti. This seems possible; and if that were the case, these advisors sought to devise a plan that would move Ahasuerus away from considering restoring Vashti. (As we will discover, God was already at work behind the scenes. He was using the servants of Ahasuerus to secure His sovereign will.)

C. The Pleasure (4) – And let the maiden which pleaseth the king be queen instead of Vashti. And the thing pleased the king; and he did so. According to the servants’ plan, Ahasuerus would select the virgin that pleased him to succeed Vashti as queen. The king was pleased with their proposal and the search for a new queen began.

It appears this search was based solely on outward appearance. We will see God’s sovereign hand at work in the process, but the servants were only looking for those who met certain physical criteria. There is no mention of any examination of moral character or requirements regarding integrity. Sadly our world operates much the same way today. Fleshly desire and pleasures dictate many decisions and often have devastating effects.

II. The Sovereignty in the Search (5-7) – The king’s servants were completely unaware of the sovereign plan God had for the new queen in Persia. He was working behind the scenes to orchestrate His choice to succeed Vashti. Consider: