Queen Esther is often highlighted in the celebration of Purim however the day is called Purim after the lot and also called Mardocheus Day. Why then is the day focused on Esther in the Western world? In this lesson I answer this question and ultimately show from scriptures why the day is named after Mordecai.
The Political Climate at the Time
- Esther 1:1-3, 9-13, 15-20 & 21-22
- Vashti, disrespected the king in front of all his rulers and subjects setting a bad example for all the women in the empire
- Ahasuerus aka Artaxerxes[1],[2] puts Vashti away
- Esther 2:1-4
- A new queen was being sought for the king
Who was Mordecai?
- A Guardian to Esther
- Esther 2:5-7 & 11
- A Benjamite who lived in Shushan
- Esther 2:5 He was also a Benjamite
- A former slave of Nebucadnezzer
- Esther 2:6
Who was Esther?
- Mordecai’s cousin
- Esther 2:7
- A humble & very obedient Israelite woman
- Esther 2:10
- Esther 2:20
- Esther 2:21-23
- A very beautiful sister
- Esther 2:15
- Esther 2:7
- Queen Vashti’s Replacement
- Esther 2:17
- Remember why Vashti was replaced!
- Disobedience, disrespect & setting a bad example
- Esther 1:10-12
Esther’s Acts
- She tried to comfort her cousin after he learned that Haman, an Edomite Ruler, tricked the king Artaxerxes into decreeing the annihilation of the Isaelites.
- Esther 4:1-4
- She disobeyed Mordecai to save her own life
- Esther 4:5-11
- She proclaimed a 3 day fast that she may be spared before the king
- Esther 4:15-17
- She petitioned the king
- Esther 7:3
- Esther 8:3-6
- She set a trap for Haman an Edomite
- Esther 5:1-5
- Esther 6:14 - 7:2
- She got Haman killed
- Esther 7:6-10
- She killed all Haman's sons
- Esther 9:12-14
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahasuerus - sourced Feb 23rd 2024
Numerous scholars have proposed theories as to who Ahasuerus represents. Most scholars today identify him with Xerxes I, as did 19th-century Bible commentaries.[9] Three factors, among others, contribute to this identification:
- It is believed the Hebrew 'Ahasuerus' descended from the Persian names for Xerxes I.
- Historian Herodotus describes Xerxes I as being susceptible to women and in the habit of making extravagant offers to them, just as he did to Esther ("up to half my kingdom"). Herodotus mentions that the Persian empire stretched from India to Ethiopia and also refers to the magnificent royal palace in Shushan (Susa), corroboration of what is stated in the Book of Esther. In addition Herodotus mentions an assembly of Persian nobles called by Xerxes to advise him on the proposed war against Greece. Although Herodotus does not give the location of this assembly, the date – "after Egypt was subdued" – corresponds to Xerxes' third year when Esther records an assembly of Persian nobility at a feast. (Histories VII.8) Herodotus also mentions that following his defeat at Salamis Xerxes I became involved in harem intrigues involving his wife Amestris and his daughter-in-law, with whom he became enamoured. (Histories IX.108) Herodotus relates this occurred in the tenth month of his seventh year as king – the same time Ahasuerus was choosing beautiful women for his harem (Esther 2:16).
- Annals from the reign of Xerxes I mention an otherwise unattested official by the name of "Marduka", which some have proposed refers to Mordecai, as both are mentioned serving in the king's court.
[2] Identification of "Ahasuerus" as Artaxerxes I[edit]
While today the king of Esther is usually identified as Xerxes I, the ancient traditions identify him with his son, Artaxerxes I. The Septuagint, the Vulgate, the Midrash of Esther Rabbah, I, 3 and the Josippon identify him as Artaxerxes. Many historians and exegetes from ancient times and the middle ages also identified Ahasuerus with Artaxerxes I, including, most notably, Josephus,[10] who relates that "Artaxerxes" was the name by which he was known to the Greeks.[11] The Ethiopic text calls him Arťeksis, usually the Ethiopic equivalent of Artaxerxes.
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