Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, feasts given by kings serve as significant events that often reflect the power, wealth, and political strategies of monarchs. These feasts are not merely social gatherings but are imbued with religious, cultural, and political implications. They provide insight into the customs and governance of ancient kingdoms, as well as the character and intentions of the kings who host them.Feast of Ahasuerus (Xerxes I): One of the most elaborate feasts recorded in the Bible is that of King Ahasuerus, also known as Xerxes I, in the Book of Esther. This feast is described as lasting 180 days, showcasing the king's immense wealth and the splendor of his kingdom. The feast culminates in a seven-day banquet for all the people present in the citadel of Susa, from the greatest to the least. The opulence of the event is detailed in Esther 1:6-7 : "There were white and blue linen hangings fastened with cords of fine linen and purple material to silver rings on marble pillars. Gold and silver couches stood on a mosaic pavement of porphyry, marble, mother-of-pearl, and other costly stones. Beverages were served in golden vessels, each of which was different from the other, and the royal wine flowed freely, according to the king’s bounty." This feast sets the stage for the events that follow in the book, including Queen Vashti's dismissal and Esther's rise to queenship. Feast of Belshazzar: Another notable royal feast is that of King Belshazzar, as recorded in Daniel 5. This feast is marked by sacrilege, as Belshazzar uses the gold and silver vessels taken from the temple in Jerusalem to drink wine and praise the gods of gold and silver. The feast is abruptly interrupted by the mysterious handwriting on the wall, which Daniel interprets as a divine message foretelling the fall of Babylon. Daniel 5:1 states, "Later, King Belshazzar held a great feast for a thousand of his nobles, and he drank wine with them." This event underscores the theme of divine judgment against pride and impiety. Feast of Solomon: King Solomon, known for his wisdom and wealth, also hosted grand feasts. In 1 Kings 4:22-23 , the daily provisions for Solomon's household are described, indicating the scale of his feasting: "Solomon’s provisions for a single day were thirty cors of fine flour, sixty cors of meal, ten fat oxen, twenty pasture-fed cattle, a hundred sheep, and goats, besides deer, gazelles, roebucks, and fattened poultry." These feasts were a testament to the prosperity and peace during Solomon's reign, reflecting the fulfillment of God's promise to David regarding his son. Feast of Herod Antipas: In the New Testament, the feast given by Herod Antipas, tetrarch of Galilee, is infamous for the beheading of John the Baptist. Herod's birthday celebration is marked by revelry and the dance of Herodias's daughter, which pleases Herod and leads to his rash promise to grant her any request. Mark 6:21-22 recounts, "On Herod’s birthday, her opportunity arose. Herod held a banquet for his nobles and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee. When the daughter of Herodias came and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests." This feast illustrates the moral corruption and political intrigue of Herod's court. Cultural and Theological Significance: Feasts given by kings in the Bible often serve as turning points in the narrative, revealing the character of the monarchs and the divine intervention in human affairs. They highlight themes of pride, judgment, providence, and the fulfillment of God's purposes. These events also reflect the broader cultural practices of the ancient Near East, where feasting was a means of displaying wealth, securing alliances, and demonstrating the king's favor or displeasure. Nave's Topical Index 1 Samuel 20:5And David said to Jonathan, Behold, to morrow is the new moon, and I should not fail to sit with the king at meat: but let me go, that I may hide myself in the field to the third day at even. Nave's Topical Index 1 Samuel 25:36 2 Samuel 9:10 1 Kings 2:7 1 Kings 4:22 1 Kings 18:19 Esther 1:3-8 Daniel 5:1-4 Library The Journey of the Three Holy Kings to Bethlehem Whether it is Lawful to Give and Receive Money for Spiritual ... The Building of the Golden House. The Sacred Officers and Sacred Occasions. Second Great Group of Parables. Whether the Third Precept of the Decalogue, Concerning the ... The History Books Prayer to the Most High The Millennium in Relation to Israel. Influences that Gave Rise to the Priestly Laws and Histories Resources What was the significance of the new moon in Bible times? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Feast of Trumpets? | GotQuestions.org What is the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Feasts were Presided Over by a Master of Ceremonies Feasts: (Instituted by Moses) by Jesus Feasts: (Instituted by Moses) by Paul Feasts: (Instituted by Moses): Aliens (Non-Jews) Were Permitted to Attend Feasts: (Instituted by Moses): All Males Were Required to Attend Feasts: (Instituted by Moses): Appointed Feasts Feasts: (Instituted by Moses): Attended by Women Feasts: (Instituted by Moses): Designated As Solemn Feasts Feasts: (Instituted by Moses): Divine Protection Given During Feasts: (Instituted by Moses): First and Last Days Were Sabbatic Feasts: (Instituted by Moses): Holy Convocations Feasts: (Instituted by Moses): Kept With Rejoicing Feasts: (Instituted by Moses): Set Feasts Feasts: Ancient Customs At: Men Alone Present At Feasts: Celebrations by Birthdays Feasts: Celebrations by Coronations Feasts: Celebrations by National Deliverances Feasts: Guests Arranged According to Age Feasts: Marriage Feasts Provided by the Bridegroom the Anniversary Feasts were a Time of Thankfulness the Anniversary Feasts were Seasons of Christ Attended the Anniversary Feasts were Seasons of Entertainments the Anniversary Feasts were Seasons of Illustrative of General Assembly of the Church the Anniversary Feasts were Seasons of Joy and Gladness the Anniversary Feasts were Seasons of Rendered Unavailing by the Impiety of the Jews the Anniversary Feasts were Seasons of Sacrificing the Anniversary Feasts were Seasons of The Jews Dispersed in Distant Parts often Attended the Anniversary Feasts were Seasons of The Ten Tribes Seduced by Jeroboam from Attending the Anniversary Feasts: All Males to Attend the Anniversary Feasts: Called: Appointed Feasts the Anniversary Feasts: Called: Feasts of the Lord the Anniversary Feasts: Called: Solemn Feasts the Anniversary Feasts: Called: Solemn Meetings the Anniversary Feasts: Children Commenced Attending, when Twelve Years Old the Anniversary Feasts: Enumerated the Anniversary Feasts: Females often Attended the Anniversary Feasts: Instituted by God the Anniversary Feasts: Offerings to Made At the Anniversary Feasts: The Dangers and Difficulties Encountered in Going up To, the Anniversary Feasts: The Jews Attended Gladly the Anniversary Feasts: The Jews Went up To, in Large Companies the Anniversary Feasts: The Land Divinely Protected During The Feasts of Trumpets: A Holy Convocation and Rest The Feasts of Trumpets: A Memorial of Blowing of Trumpets The Feasts of Trumpets: Held the First Day of Seventh Month The Feasts of Trumpets: Sacrifices At Related Terms Marriage-feasts (6 Occurrences) Meal-offerings (9 Occurrences) Drink-offerings (31 Occurrences) Free-will-offering (9 Occurrences) Freewill-offering (14 Occurrences) Meat-offerings (10 Occurrences) Burnt-offerings (86 Occurrences) Peace-offerings (82 Occurrences) |
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