Day 1King Xerxes was one of the most powerful men in the world. Werecognize him for building a bridge across Hellespont or invading Greece,fighting the legendary Spartans at Thermopylae. He ruled from India toEthiopia, and 127 provinces under his command. The book of Estherbegan during the third year of his reign, just before his invasion ofGreece.

In order to impress his subjects and make himself popular beforeengaging in a difficult war, Xerxes threw festivities that lasted half ofa Persian year. Yet, in the midst of his plans that would have a lastingimpact on history, God was at work to save His people who were inexile. He had not forgotten them in spite of their failure to rememberHim; and through an unlikely young girl, He would save them once again.

How You Can PrayPray that God will continue to be glorified in the way that even theevilest intentions of men are used for good (Gen. 50:20). Praise Him forHis intimate involvement in the lives of His people throughout all ofhuman history.

Esther 1:1-3 Setting the Stage

ApplicationWe often fail to remember that God is the God of history. As we see electionscome and go, powerful nations battling for economic and political supremacy,and natural disasters changing our world, we cannot lose sight of the fact thatour Sovereign God is in control, taking care of His people for His glory. Whenthings seem bleak we must remind ourselves that He is at work.

Daily ChallengeWhat are the some things you have heard in the news that worry you ormake you feel like the world is spinning out of control? Take each one ofthose things and remind yourself that none of them are beyond God’s controland that He is at work even now to carry out His plan of redemption.

Day 2Throwing a banquet for a small group of people could be expensive inXerxes’ time. Putting together a seven day feast where people could drinkas much as they wanted and there were hundreds if not thousands presentcost a fortune. Yet, Xerxes spared no expense. He had the finest linens andfurniture at the tables, as well as an individualized cup of gold for eachguest.

The entire point of this banquet was for Xerxes to show off his greatnessand majesty before his subjects. The whole event was a vanity fair andwas an illustration of idolatry on display. For seven days, peasants couldlive as kings, and the king basked in the glory of himself as he eagerly tookin the compliments, oaths, and gifts brought to him. To quote Paul Tripp,Xerxes was basking in “his wants, his needs, and his feelings.”

How You Can PrayPray that you will seek building God’s Kingdom rather than your own.Pray that His Word will be a lamp unto your feet and light unto yourpath, directing you to Him and away from the distractions of this worldand your own kingdom.

Idolatry on Display Esther 1:4-8

ApplicationAlthough we do not have the riches of Xerxes, we still desire our ownvanity fairs. While each of our idols may look slightly different, they allserve the same purpose: to build our kingdom and fulfill our wishes insteadof God’s. We may not want a seven day feast, but we all want somethingthat makes us look good in front of other people.

Daily ChallengeThink about the things that serve as your idols. If you’re not sure whatthey are, then ask yourself what you want that you believe will makeyou happier than you are now. Are you willing to lose all of those thingsto serve the Kingdom of God?

Day 3King Xerxes was a demanding man who was unafraid to abuse power orhumiliate subject to get his way. On the last day of the feast, aftereveryone had too much to drink, Xerxes told his men to fetch QueenVashti to show off her beauty. While he had the legal right as king todemand this, as a husband he was placing his wife in an immodestposition, where other men could stare lewdly at her and Xerxes couldmake himself look grander.

The contrast between Xerxes and God, the King of Kings, is immeasurable.The Lord protects His bride, and rescues her out of her own adulterousliving to clothe her in His righteousness. Whereas Xerxes would use anddiscard women on a whim, Christ died for His bride so that she would beredeemed and promised to never leave her or forsake her.

How You Can PrayPray that you see yourself as the spotless bride of Christ, not for whatyou have done, but because while you were still a sinner, Jesus Christdied for you. Praise Him for the hope He has given you.

Esther 1:9-12 Comparison of Kings

ApplicationAll of us deal with men like Xerxes. Whether it be a micromanaging boss, acontrolling spouse, or a manipulative family member, there are alwayspeople who try to use and abuse us for gain. We have to remember that inspite of this, we have a King who loves us and calls us His own.

Daily ChallengeRead Ephesians 5:22-32, focusing on what Jesus Christ has done for you.Think about areas where you feel like injustice is being perpetrated againstyou or people use or abuse power towards you. Pray that in those situations,you will find strength in the reality that you are redeemed and loved by God.

Day 4Xerxes, embarrassed by Vashti’s refusal to reveal her beauty at hisbanquet, turned to his seven chief advisors for counsel. The most powerfulmen in the nation apart from the king were supposed to use their wisdomand learning to rule justly. But instead of seeking a solution that wouldplease God, they sought to please man. Lange comments here that “Thequeen’s act, which was at the most but a trivial mistake, is now stampedas a dark crime.”

These men had an opportunity to calm the king and find a reasonable excusefor Vashti’s unwillingness to appear. Instead, they used their influence toplease the king. Furthermore, they used ridiculous speculation that all thewives in the kingdom would rise up in disobedience, to back their claims.

How You Can PrayPray that God will use you in the lives of those around you as He givesyou opportunities to give advice and to be an influence. Pray that youwill be humble, honest, and loving in the way that you interact withthem, and that you will bring Him glory.

Ripple Effect Esther 1:13-18

ApplicationWhen God places us in a position to give advice or influence someone else,how do we handle it? Do you answer your boss with flattery, your friendwith ambiguity, or your relative with a half-truth? Or, do you seek toplease God and give sound advice that is both loving and honest?

Daily ChallengeWho are the people in your life that come to you for input? What are someways that you can make sure you are answering them out of a desire toplease God rather them? Pray about what you might say the next time thatask for your advice on a project, paper, budget, or a relationship problem.

Day 5Xerxes appeared to be in control as he made decisions about deposingVasthi. His advisors removed Queen Vashti from power by means of anirrevocable law for his pride. Instead of Vashti, another woman who hadto be both beautiful and obedient, would be found as a replacement. Thisway, Xerxes would be happy with a new queen and the advisors who gotrid of Vashti never had to fear vengeance from her.

There is more is at work than a simple transition among the Persianroyalty. This whole situation took place just prior to an event thatendangered all of God’s people throughout the entire Empire. Without theright person in place to save the day, all hope would have been lost forHis people and His promises would have been empty.

How You Can PrayPray this verse aloud, trusting what it says: 2 Cor. 1:20-21: “For nomatter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. Andso through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. Now itis God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ.”

Esther 1:19-20 Who is in charge?

ApplicationWe profess the truth that God is a God who keeps His promises. Yet, when weare faced with hard times, we often question His involvement and care forus. If we truly believe that He is at work in our lives in order to fulfill Hisdecrees and purposes, we must understand His sovereignty.

Daily ChallengeRead or write out the following verses: Psalm 46:1; Proverbs 3:5-6; Isaiah26:3; John 10:27-29. These are just a few of the promises God gives to Hispeople. Do you believe them today? Pray through them and keep them onyour mind this week.

Day 6A royal edict was serious business. When the king issued a proclamationthat was meant to be heard throughout the empire, it had to be written inthe local language of each province in order to be understood. In addition,messengers had to be dispatched, the word had to be proclaimed aloud andin public, and then the law had to be enforced. Once written, an edict couldnot be undone or the king would appear foolish.

When asked to choose which law of God was most important, Christ insteaddistilled the whole law down to two principles: love God and love others.God made these commands understandable, communicated them to usthrough Christ and the Word, remaining in effect today.

How You Can PrayPray that God will grow you in your love for His Word. Pray that it willguide your steps as a lamp unto your feet and a light for you path, andthat in all things, you will see Him directing you and drawing younearer to Him.

Royal Edict Esther 1:21-22

ApplicationThe idea of a royal edict is an important reminder for us. We live under alegal system where laws change daily and truth is often seen as relativerather than absolute. It is good for us to have a reminder that God’s lawdoes not change with human whims and emotions. Instead, His Word to Hispeople is timeless and relevant.

Daily ChallengePsalm 119 is daunting at 176 verses, but it is also a beautiful Psalm thatmentions the law and statues of God dozens of times. Read through it thisweek and meditate on how much the Psalmist loved God’s Word andcommands. Do you feel the same?

Day 7Iaian Duguid summarizes three helpful things we should take away afterreading the first chapter of Esther. First, when we see the vanity andfixation on wealth that Xerxes had, we need to remember we are not sodifferent. “The empire of this world is a glittering hologram that has noreal substance.” We may seek our happiness different things, but we arejust as materialistic as Xerxes was.

Second, we need to be patient in order to see what God is doing. WhileEsther 1 does not directly mention God, He is clearly at work. Finally,we must see the contrast between the kingdom of God and the kingdomof Xerxes. God is a great king interested in redeeming His people; Xerxesonly seeks to serve Himself.

How You Can PrayPray that you will rejoice in the Lord and trust in your God and Saviorregardless of your circumstances (Hab. 3:18-19). Pray that you willwait patiently for Him and trust His Word.

Overview: What does chapter 1 teach us?

ApplicationThese three points ought to point us to our own lives. Are we fixated onestablishing the wealth of our own kingdom or do we want to build God’s? Arewe waiting patiently for the Lord even when it isn’t obvious that He is atwork? Are we willing to put aside our own kingdom to serve the true king?

Daily ChallengeOne of the ways to measure your own answer to the questions above is bythinking about specific situations in your life. When you have a hard timeseeing God at work in the details of your life, what do you do that shows youare patiently waiting for Him? What could you be doing differently?

Esther - a Devotional and Prayer Guide

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