Esther 1:1-9
The story of Esther constitutes a quite distinct narrative which can be placed chronologically between the 6th and 7th chapters of the book of Ezra. It introduces on the one hand those Jews who stayed in the Persian empire after the return by some to Jerusalem (the first return); on the other hand, it presents the overlord of that empire, the powerful Ahasuerus, with his court. This king is known to historians as Xerxes, the son of Darius. He is famous for his campaign against the Greeks, marked by the resounding defeat of his fleet at Salamis. Daniel 11:2 alludes to this monarch and his wealth.
The fabulous feast which we see him giving in ch. 1 took place before the war with Greece and had the probable aim of preparing for it. Everything in this chapter is marked by the glory of man, whose pride knows no bounds. While such luxury may not be so fully seen in our day, there is no shortage of feasts or grandiose displays with which men seek to vaunt themselves before and to outdo their neighbours. The faithful child of God has no part in these things. Why? Because it is the power, intelligence and pleasure (v. 8) of man which is here given pride of place.