MPV Commentary

Ahasuerus Makes Royal Feasts.

1. Ahasuerus is believed by most scholars to be the same Xerxes who appears in Greek history.

3. The king hosted a grand feast for all his princes and servants. Such lavish banquets were common among Eastern monarchs, both ancient and modern. Initially, the celebration focused on entertainment, showcasing the palace's magnificence and treasures. It concluded with a seven-day feast within the royal gardens. Archaeological discoveries have confirmed that the ancient palace of Susa, where this event likely took place, had a grand marble-pillared hall matching the description.

6. The interior decorations featured colorful hangings suspended from hooks or removable at will. The beds were made of gold and silver, with ornate couches on elevated floors of multi-colored marble.

7. Guests drank from golden vessels, suggesting that this was more of a banquet than a traditional feast.

9. Vashti, the queen, also hosted a separate celebration for the women, as was customary in Oriental society to keep men and women apart.

10-12. On the seventh day, when the king's intoxication reached its peak, he ordered the seven chamberlains, who oversaw the royal harem, to bring Vashti before him. Her refusal to comply with this order, which would have required her to expose herself in front of drunken men, was a display of modesty and dignity fitting for her rank as queen.

13-19. The king consulted his wise advisors, likely including the magi, who played a crucial role in advising Persian kings on important matters. These seven counselors were part of the state ministry (compare Ezra 7:14). They collectively advised the king on how to respond to Vashti's unprecedented disobedience. The assembled nobles were shocked and concerned about potential consequences for themselves and their households. However, they ultimately agreed with Memucan's counsel that Vashti should be degraded from her royal status as a punishment. This decision was made known throughout the empire.