Esther Study Guide – Esther 1:1-12
• King Ahasuerus, also known as Xerxes, reigned from 486 to 465 BC, 21 years.
Ahasuerus reigned over 127 provinces (Esther 1:1).
Sarah died at the age of 127 (Genesis 23:1).
Can we understand this connection?
Sarah represents Jerusalem which is above (Galatians 4:26).
Which is the mother of us all (Galatians 4:26).
Do we understand “us all”?
Who would king Ahasuerus represent?
Did Ahasuerus reign over all the world of that day?
Literally or spiritually?
Is it possible that an unsaved king represents God? (Song of Solomon 1:1-4, 1st Samuel 10:1-13, 1st Samuel 11:1-15)
• “In those days”: at what point in time does this story begin? (Esther 1:2)
What does Shushan the palace represent?
Which entity represents the visible congregation?
In the third year of his reign he made a feast for whom? (Esther 1:3)
Who do all his princes and all his servants represent?
Literally it is not a feast, but a banquet of wine.
Would God glorify a heathen king in the Bible? (Esther 1:4)
180 – The completeness of the atonement is in view.
• For 7 days there was a feast in Shushan the palace for whom? (Esther 1:5)
Both great and small, masters and slaves, old and young (Galatians 3:28)
What is the meaning of “No respecter of persons”? (Acts 10:34)
What are the 7 days representing? (Esther 1:6)
What is the perfect number of days for feasting?
What are the feasts of the LORD? (Leviticus 23)
• What does the drinking of wine represent? (Esther 1:7)
What does John 6:53-56 represent?
According to the hand of the king?
Why was the drinking according to the Law? (Esther 1:8)
What does the Law represent?
None did compel!
Those who have received a regenerated soul gladly partake of this drinking.
• Who does Vashti represent? (Esther 1:9)
Why is national Israel called beautiful?
What does the 7th day represent? (Esther 1:10)
What was the last day of the feast?
The 7 chamberlains were 7 eunuchs
What do eunuchs represent?
• Was Vashti beautiful to look at? (Esther 1:11)
Think of the Tabernacle in the wilderness.
Think of the Ark of the Covenant, and of the temple.
But Vashti disobeyed the King’s commandment (Esther 1:12).
National Israel adopted a works gospel.
What was that works gospel?
That brought them in trouble with God (Romans 9:31-33).
What were the consequences thereof?
Jesus is LORD! 
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