Esther’s heritage was of the tribe of Benjamin who happened to be the last son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham the father of the Israelite race. King Saul, first king of Israel, King Saul, was also a Benjaminite.
She was amongst the Jews who did not return to Jerusalem. It was not up to her, she was still under the guardianship of her older cousin, Mordecai.
Life threw her a curve ball early, she was still a little girl when her parents died, and it fell on him to adopt her. We do not have any record of other family members or why it had to be Mordecai that would take her in. as his We can assume that he was her only family, at least in Persia. He took her in and raised her as his own, became her guide through the various bends of her life.
They lived in Susa the capital city of the Persian empire. Biblical records tell us that the Israelites were in captivity for over seventy years, so, we can assume that Mordecai was born in Persia. The Jews tradition made sure that no matter where that found themselves, they retained their culture. They told their history and passed the same on to the next generation. So, let us imagine that Mordecai’s parents taught him the laws of the God of Israel and he in turn is taking pains to do same with Esther.
To believe that life for foreigners in Persia was easy would be to ignore the many glaring facts. This kingdom ruled over 127 others, surely, they did not get those kingdoms by round table talks, they must have done so by conquest and there would be measures in place to keep the conquered territories in subjection. It then stands to reason that foreigners were not likely to own the choice portions of land nor would they hold prominent positions except of course if providence decided to wade in.
King Ahasuerus, the ruler of over 127 provinces in the land of Persia was a very powerful king. We learnt that his kingdom was under threat by the Greek empire, but that did not take away from the might of his kingdom. He was also a very temperamental king who loved to party.
In the third year of his reign, he threw a banquet for his officials and the party lasted for 180 days. When he was done with that, he threw another one for an additional week, for the people in the capital city of Susa. There was a lavish display of wealth and the guests could eat and drink their fill. The royal gardens were beautifully decorated with all kinds of expensive fabric and jewelry. There was no expense spared as the guests were served with golden chalices. The King also ensured that there was no limit to what the guests could have.
Men and women lived in separate chambers in those days, so separate parties were held, As the king was wining and dining with his officials, the queen was also having her own ball in her quarters. The meals were spread, and the wine was royal. It was party like none other and the whole of Susa was merry.
Let us stop to ponder awhile. What kind of a people would spend half a whole year partying? What kind of a state indulges in wine and revelry for that long? What good can we expect from drunk and temperamental lawmakers and what hope for the people who are under subjection to their whims and caprices. Surely, the people cannot be living in peace as they never knew what new laws the next day would bring and how it would affect their everyday lives. Such was the state of affairs in the land of Persia. If it was not the threat of war, it would be the effects of wine.
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BOOKS BY Anne Ajadi:
YOU WILL MARRY WELL
GODS LADY IN WAITING
WALK WITH ME IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF JESUS
STRENGTH FOR THE JOURNEY
HEART MATTERS, LIFE MATTERS
