“The Golden Scepter”
Ahasuerus was a Persian King (monarch) whose empire stretched from “India to Ethiopia” (Esther 1:1;8:9. He reigned from 486-465 B.C.). His leadership was troubled especially during a period of time when some of his chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh (doorkeepers) plotted against him to kill him (Esther 2:21). His chamberlains were also eunuchs. The eunuchs are described as highly trusted and influential officials. You might recall that the Ethiopian eunuch served under Queen Candace and it appears he was in charge of her royal treasury (Acts 8:7) Seeing that was the case, he was her treasurer. We know from our everyday experience to be a treasurer is highly respected and a trustworthy position. You may get a better understanding and glimpse of who were the chamberlains, and treasurer were based on how they are defined. Other titles used for them: porters and gatekeepers (essential security guards who stood at the entrance of public buildings, the temple and the homes of public officials (John 18:17) and the wealthy (Mark 13:34) Jesus highly regarded doorkeepers by mentioning them holding the position of doorkeeper at the entrance to the sheepfold, a humble position, but requiring trust (John 10:3). These chamberlains; doorkeepers, eunuchs, gatekeepers required them to be trusted, watchful and alert to handle sudden, treacherous developments. The Psalmist writes: (Psalm 84:10), “I would rather be a doorkeeper than dwell in wicked places.” The “eunuchs” mentioned in Esther 1:10-15 are described as guarding the king’s bedroom harem. They were castrated and therefore, removed all possibility of unfaithfulness (Is. 56:3). King Ahasuerus was richer than rich as his feast description shows (Esther 1:1-8). To even think of anything as extravagant as this during these times is unthinkable: for example, his feast showed his generosity toward his officials, but also permission for his officers to indulge in wine and other “goodies.” This feast lasted seven days. The riches of his glorious kingdom and the riches of his glorious kingdom were on display lasting 180 days in all. The feast was held in the court of the garden of the king’s palace. The finest linen curtains, silver rods, marble pillars, couches of gold and silver and drinks served in golden vessels. We then might ask, “What was happening in the kingdom while all this was going on?” According to that history, there would be dancing, music and other sensuous entrapments. They could do according to each man’s pleasure and according to the law. The queen also decided to hold a feast for the women (Esther 1:9). And as the custom was, on the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded those eunuchs who served in the presence of King Ahasuerus to bring Queen Vashti wearing her royal crown so he could show off her beauty to the people and the officials. It’s like Queen Vashti said, “Enough is enough!” I’m not going. I refuse to do it this time.” He called those who were closest to, seven princes (Carshena, Shethar Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marshena and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, who had access to the king’s presence and ranked highest in the kingdom. To Be Continued Thanks for reading! Jeanette Grattan Parker is Founder-Superintendent of Today’s Fresh Start Charter School 4514 Crenshaw BL-323-293-9826 www.todaysfreshstart.org -articles are copyright © all rights reserved “Inquiring Minds Want To Know” www.askdrjeanetteparker.com [email protected]