Chapter 1

Definitely dated during the reign of Ahasuerus. Says he reigned from India to Ethiopia, 127 provinces.  This is a huge area.  Pretty much the area that Alexander eventually conquers.  I always thought Alexander had the biggest territory ever up to that point, but it seems that all he really did was take over what Xerxes already had.   (See the two maps below.  Alexander conquered Persia, and nothing else.  I have been giving him far too much credit.)  Even tells us it is the third year of his reign. 

The book opens on the scene of a lavish 7 day feast following 180 days of showing off his riches, his pomp and his greatness to the civil and military officials in Ahasuerus' kingdom.  Special decorations and seating have been set up, the royal wine is unrestricted - IF one wants to participate, but it was not required.  An odd thing to mention.  The picture is of opulence and pomp.  Vashti the Queen holds a parallel feast for the women who are there.  On the last day of the feast, Ahasuerus orders the eunuchs to bring Vashti to him, so that he can show off her beauty.  The King is "merry with wine", but after so much showing off, this seems a reasonable request on his part.  But she refuses to come.  This upsets the king - greatly.

He shows some restraint though.  Instead of doing something reactive, he consults with the seven princes of Persia, those next in the kingdom after him.  Their names are given.  These are human princes. 

2023 - Even so...it is interesting that such a kingdom would have seven eunuchs reporting to the king and 7 princes advising the king.  Perhaps this is modeled after God's organization of the whole world, into seven different dominions, each overseen by a different archangel?

They knew the law of the Medes and Persians, but they also were there for consultation.  These interesting verses:

17 For the queen's behavior will be made known to all women, causing them to look at their husbands with contempt, since they will say, 'King Ahasuerus commanded Queen Vashti to be brought before him, and she did not come.' [Est 1:17 ESV]

The implication being that we cannot have wives looking contemptuously at their husbands.  They were likely taking into account that Vashti had chosen to publicly rebuff the King of the biggest kingdom on the planet.  After all, she was giving her own party, and there were women from all over the kingdom there.  She didn't just say no to a bedtime invitation.  She made a show of her refusal to usurp the power of the King.  This was worthy of death, I am sure.  But Ahasueras instead calmed himself down, and had a chat about it with his advisors.  He had been shamed and embarrassed, but still, he took his time.  This man has amazing self control for one with so much power.  I think I might like to know more about him.

And this verse, which contains the recommendation:

19 If it please the king, let a royal order go out from him, and let it be written among the laws of the Persians and the Medes so that it may not be repealed, that Vashti is never again to come before King Ahasuerus. And let the king give her royal position to another who is better than she. [Est 1:19 ESV]  What a great response.  Don't put her to death and make her a martyr and hero to women everywhere for all time.  No, don't do that.  Let her live - alone - out of the public eye.  Turn her from Queen of all that was to nobody at all.  Take her position, her wealth, her power, and set her aside.  Proclaim to all the kingdom, including the women before whom she defied the king, that a better woman is to take her place, because such behavior is unworthy of a great Queen.

Ahasuerus didn't have her killed, and so make a martyr for women's rights out of her.  He responded to that which had led to her refusal to appear in the first place.  Her pride.  She could never again have an audience with the King.  Her access was denied.  Even the Eunuchs could see the king, but she could not. AND, she was also to lose the royal position she had as Queen.  Taken from her, and given to another.  The expected interpretation of this command was this:

20 So when the decree made by the king is proclaimed throughout all his kingdom, for it is vast, all women will give honor to their husbands, high and low alike." [Est 1:20 ESV]

The point being made was bigger than Vashti.  It was a message to all the women in the kingdom.  Contempt will have consequences exactly opposite of what you hope to accomplish.