Topical Bible: Conspiracy: Ahasuerus

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In the biblical narrative, the reign of King Ahasuerus, commonly identified with Xerxes I of Persia, is marked by a significant conspiracy that unfolds in the Book of Esther. This event is pivotal in the account of Esther and highlights themes of providence, justice, and deliverance.

Background

Ahasuerus, the Persian king, ruled over a vast empire stretching from India to Cush, comprising 127 provinces (Esther 1:1). His reign is characterized by opulence and grandeur, as depicted in the lavish banquet he hosted for his nobles and officials (Esther 1:3-4). It is during this time that Esther, a Jewish orphan raised by her cousin Mordecai, becomes queen after the deposition of Queen Vashti (Esther 2:17).

The Conspiracy Against the King

The conspiracy against King Ahasuerus is first introduced in Esther 2:21-23. Mordecai, who sat at the king's gate, overheard a plot by two of the king's eunuchs, Bigthan and Teresh, who were doorkeepers. They sought to assassinate Ahasuerus. Mordecai informed Queen Esther of the plot, who in turn reported it to the king, crediting Mordecai. The matter was investigated, found to be true, and the conspirators were hanged on a gallows. This incident was recorded in the book of the chronicles in the king's presence (Esther 2:23).

Haman's Conspiracy Against the Jews

A more extensive conspiracy unfolds with Haman, an Agagite and a high-ranking official in Ahasuerus's court. Haman harbored a deep-seated hatred for Mordecai, who refused to bow to him (Esther 3:2). In his wrath, Haman devised a plan not only to kill Mordecai but to annihilate all the Jews in the Persian Empire. He manipulated King Ahasuerus into issuing a decree for the destruction of the Jews, casting lots (Purim) to determine the date of their execution (Esther 3:5-7).

Divine Intervention and Deliverance

The conspiracy against the Jews set the stage for divine intervention. Esther, risking her life, approached the king to plead for her people. In a series of providential events, the king's sleepless night led him to review the chronicles, where he was reminded of Mordecai's earlier act of loyalty in saving his life (Esther 6:1-3). This led to Mordecai's honor and Haman's downfall.

At a banquet prepared by Esther, she revealed Haman's plot to the king, who was enraged and ordered Haman to be hanged on the very gallows he had prepared for Mordecai (Esther 7:9-10). Subsequently, Mordecai was elevated to a position of power, and a new decree was issued, allowing the Jews to defend themselves against their enemies (Esther 8:11).

Significance

The conspiracies during Ahasuerus's reign underscore the biblical themes of justice and divine providence. Mordecai's uncovering of the plot against the king and the subsequent deliverance of the Jews from Haman's scheme illustrate the protective hand of God over His people. The Feast of Purim, established to commemorate this deliverance, serves as a lasting reminder of God's faithfulness and the triumph of righteousness over evil (Esther 9:20-22).

Nave's Topical Index

Esther 2:21-23
In those days, while Mordecai sat in the king's gate, two of the king's chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, of those which kept the door, were wroth, and sought to lay hands on the king Ahasuerus.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Appendix. The Apocryphal Books of the Old Testament.
... in the canonical Esther"a dream of Mordecai with its interpretation; an account
of the conspiracy of the two eunuchs to destroy Ahasuerus; a pretended copy ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/appendix the apocryphal books of.htm

Britain's Mercies, and Britain's Duty
... for a state to be delivered from a worse than a Catiline's conspiracy, or a ... unto
Israel." Even a Pharaoh could prefer a deserving Joseph, Ahasuerus a Mordecai ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/britains mercies and britains duty.htm

Book iii.
... [5322] Sleep was removed from the eyes of Ahasuerus, whom the ... ministers and come
upon Mordecai, by whose evidence he was delivered from a conspiracy; and that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book iii.htm