King Xerxes power

The Persian king Xerxes continued to exert his power and authority during the four years between Vashti’s banishment and Esther’s arrival as queen. He consolidated his rule over the vast Persian Empire by appeasing local rulers, expanding his military forces, and engaging in various building projects to display his wealth and prestige. Xerxes also focused on maintaining alliances with neighboring kingdoms through strategic marriages and diplomatic efforts. Additionally, he dealt with internal power struggles within his own court, ensuring that no threat to his rule could arise. Overall, Xerxes spent these years solidifying his control over the empire while also preparing for future conquests and challenges that lay ahead. His actions during this period laid the foundation for the events that would ultimately lead to Esther becoming queen and playing a crucial role in Persian politics.

Vashti and Esther

The elapsed time between Vashti’s dethronement and Esther’s ascension to the throne as queen of Persia is a critical period in the biblical narrative. According to the Book of Esther, Vashti was deposed by King Xerxes in his third year of reign while Esther became queen in his seventh year, suggesting a four-year gap between the two events. This timeframe plays a significant role in shaping the subsequent events, as it allowed for Esther’s gradual rise from an orphaned Jewish girl to the influential queen who ultimately saved her people from the threat of extermination. The elapsed time also underscores Xerxes’ need for a new queen after disposing of Vashti, leading to Esther’s selection as the most suitable candidate for this prestigious position. Overall, understanding the timeline between Vashti and Esther becoming queens provides valuable context for interpreting their respective roles and actions within the larger narrative framework of the Book of Esther.

Susa

Susa, one of the ancient capitals of the Persian Empire, was a sprawling city covering an area of approximately 600 hectares. Its monumental architecture and impressive fortifications stood as a testament to the power and grandeur of the Achaemenid dynasty. The city boasted a network of palaces, temples, and administrative buildings showcasing Persian society’s wealth and sophistication. The Royal Palace in Susa was particularly renowned for its opulence and intricate decorations, symbolizing royal authority. With its strategic location along important trade routes, Susa played a crucial role in facilitating communication and commerce within the empire. The vast size and significance of Susa solidified its place as a vital political and cultural center in ancient Persia.

Why Mordecai did not bow to Haman

Why Mordecai would not bow to Haman

Exodus 20 3-5 3 “You shall have no other gods before me. 4 “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. 5 You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me.

Mordecai was a Jew. Jews kept the Ten Commandments no matter where they were. More than likely Haman wore a medallion around his neck or a symbol on his turban of an idol. So, Mordecai being a Jew would not bow to Haman.

The prohibition in the Bible only applies to bowing down to or to showing respect for other gods. But to respect or submit to other individuals in places of authority (Kings, prophets or parents). The Bible sees these actions as appropriate for Believers. When Abraham bought a burial plot from the Hittite people he bowed to them twice (Genesis 23:7, 12). Joseph bowed down to his father, Jacob just before he blessed Joseph’s children Ephraim and Manasseh (Genesis 48:12). Ruth bowed to Boaz (Ruth 2:10). Here are more examples of bowing https://www.openbible.info/topics/bow_down