Esther I - I
Act One -Based on the first book of Esther
Introduction- Setting the Stage.
I- the author, was born and raised in a middle class family in Nigeria. There were certain things my mom told us not to tell anyone, not deathly secrets like the primary school she went to or date of birth, iykyk. However, when she was pregnant, it had to be a secret. When our dad was out of the country, that too was a secret.
What you cherish, you protect. And that protection sometime looks like privacy or a secret. I’ve noticed this pattern in good relationships, however, this concept of privacy can also be scripturally defended.
In the 20th chapter of the second book of Kings, from verse 12, Hezekiah, a king of Judah welcomed guests from a far away land, Babylon (or as Pidgin go call dem, village people). These guests, really strangers. The King showed them all the precious treasures of his kingdom. There is a lot to unpack, and I believe a story to tell as well. In Matthew 7:6 we are told not to cast our pearls amongst swine, there is a real reason for this.
As time goes on, we further learn that all the treasures that King Hezekiah showed these Babylonians, were lost to the Babylonians, in a war not in his lifetime. Interesting.
Scene One.
In the courtroom of King Xerxes Ahasuerus, there is a heated debate amongst the King’s royal advisors, wise men who could discern the times of then.
Carshena : My King, a week long banquet is extravagant, and risky. Our opps may send spies to us especially because they know that there will less security, and not to mention, our men are just recovering. We need to use this period to sharpen our swords, not to make merry. My King may you live forever.
Marsena : My King, I agree with Carshena, all manner of people will be at the banquet to honor you, and it may cause some of the nations under our foothold to rebel from your rule. In addition, I don’t think it is a great idea to showcase your spoils and precious treasures. The feast alone is risky, showcasing our riches, is even more risky. My King may you live forever.
Memucan: My King, a lot of this nations, have not seen a splendor like yours, a reign like yours. This banquet is the perfect opportunity to showcase all your greatness, and if I may be informal, Step on their necks. My King may you live forever.
Meres: My King I like the idea of a banquet, Carshena and Marsena have spoken wisely on this issue, but I don’t like the idea of showcasing the hidden treasures of all the lands for all to see. My King may you live forever.
Tarshish: My King I agree with Memucan, you rule over 127 provinces, from India to Cush, and this is the third year of your reign. I believe that if a rebellion emerges, your troops are equipped to put an end to it. The same with any enemy that may try to scout. To set up a security committee is any easy thing, so I vote you should have your banquet and showcase as much as you want. You are after all, King, and no one can speak against you. My King may you live forever.
Admatha and Shethar glare at Tarshish who glares back at them. Tarshish had played the ultimate joker card, inflating the King’s ego with his pride. Carshena gave a nodding approval. It was okay for them to stay silent, the King had decided in his heart.
King Xerxes: Adamatha, your face is full of words, yet I hear nothing from your lips.
Admatha: My King, the matter has been debated, I would be re-echoing Carshena’s words if I were to speak, and I know how much my King would not like that. My King may you live forever.
King Xerxes looks to Shethar
Shethar: My King, Meres has spoken wisely that we should hold a banquet alone. The Jews that we now rule over, first were under the Babylonians. And their people have record that their own King showcased their riches to the Babylonians, not in a feast, but still led to their destruction. My King may you live forever.
Memucan: My King our gods are not the God of the Jews, and you have far more horses and chariots than they ever had. What is a stumbling block to them, is a pea to you O great King, My King may you live forever.
King Xerxes: That is enough, I have seen that you all have spoken wisely. I have decided to showcase my greatness, and then hold a week long feast. Memucan and Tarshish, you shall advise on how to go about showcasing the riches of the land. Admatha and Carshena, you shall advise on how to enforce security in the region, especially in my fortress, Susa. Meres and Shethar, you shall advise on the feast and all the matters concerning it. Make sure you do your best, I will not be a laughing stock to the guests afar. And someone send for Hatach.
The advisors are dismissed after the King’s decision is proclaimed. As they leave his presence, Hatach walks in. He is tasked to send word to Queen Vashti that the King would be visiting her harem, tonight.
Queen Vashti: Hatach, are you sure?
Hatach: My Queen, may you always be blessed. The King would be visiting your harem tonight, however, he has decided to go ahead with the feasts, and display his wealth to all.
Queen Vashti: Very well, thank you. My maids and I shall prepare accordingly.
That night, Queen Vashti obtained permission from her husband, the King, to also host a banquet for the women of the palace. For she thought, if she seperated their affairs, it would minimize the damage of drunken, power-filled men who did not have control for their actions.
Glossary.
Carshena, Admatha, Meres, Memucan, Tarshish, Marsena, Shetha- Royal special advisors to the King, also known as wise men who understood the times.
Carshena means “Illustrious”, “lamp”, “Sleep”.
Admatha means a testimony to them.
Meres means worn out; sorrowful; bruised; worthy.
Memucan means upright; true; honorable; dignity; authority.
Tarshish means His Excellency Breaking, Subjection White Dove, Search For Alabaster Courage, Confidence.
Marsena means dignified man; man of nobility; worth while; worthy; honorable.
Shetha means putrefied; searching.
Hatach - This is an eunuch recorded to have served in Queen Esther’s harem. However, him also serving Queen Vashti is an assumption/ addition of fiction to the story. Hatach means “verily” or “person official”.
King Hezekiah - He was a king of Judah, and a son of King Ahaz. Hezekiah means Yahweh Strengthens or Yahweh is my strength.
References.
Holman Bible Staff. (2017). CSB Apologetics Study Bible, hardcover. Holman Bibles.