Topical Bible: Seven: Days: The Feast of Ahasuerus Continued For

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The Feast of Ahasuerus, as recorded in the Book of Esther, is a significant event that highlights the opulence and grandeur of King Ahasuerus's reign. This feast is notable for its duration and the lavishness with which it was conducted. The feast is described in Esther 1:1-9, where King Ahasuerus, who reigned from India to Cush over 127 provinces, held a grand banquet in the third year of his reign.

The feast lasted for a total of 180 days, showcasing the wealth and splendor of his kingdom. However, it is the subsequent seven-day feast that is of particular interest. This seven-day feast was held in the enclosed garden of the king's palace and was specifically for all the people present in the citadel of Susa, from the greatest to the least. Esther 1:5 states, "At the end of this time, in the garden courtyard of the royal palace, the king held a banquet lasting seven days for all the people in the citadel of Susa, from the least to the greatest."

The seven-day feast is characterized by its inclusivity and the king's generosity. The setting was adorned with white and blue linen hangings, fastened with cords of fine linen and purple material to silver rings on marble pillars. Couches of gold and silver were arranged on a mosaic pavement of porphyry, marble, mother-of-pearl, and other costly stones. The abundance of wine was served in golden goblets, each one different from the other, and the royal wine was abundant, in keeping with the king's liberality (Esther 1:6-7).

This feast is significant not only for its extravagance but also for the events that transpired during its course. It was during this time that Queen Vashti was summoned to appear before the king and his guests to display her beauty, but she refused. Her refusal led to a pivotal moment in the narrative, setting the stage for Esther's rise to queenship.

The seven-day feast of Ahasuerus serves as a backdrop to the unfolding drama in the Book of Esther, illustrating the cultural and political dynamics of the Persian Empire. It reflects the king's desire to display his power and wealth, while also highlighting the societal norms and expectations of the time. The feast is a testament to the historical and theological themes present in the narrative, emphasizing the providence and sovereignty of God in the midst of human affairs.

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Esther 1:5
And when these days were expired, the king made a feast to all the people that were present in Shushan the palace, both to great and small, seven days, in the court of the garden of the king's palace;
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Library

The Jewish War and the Destruction of Jerusalem. AD 70
... The prophetic description of the last days by our Lord ... Jesus, appeared in the city
at the Feast of Tabernacles ... But he continued for seven years and five months ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 38 the jewish war.htm

The Historical Books.
... in connection with a fast of three days' continuance. ... auspices of Mordecai and Esther,
of the feast of Purim ... unto Ethiopia, over a hundred and seven and twenty ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xx the historical books.htm

The Order of Thought which Surrounded the Development of Jesus.
... heroic Maccabees, this mother with her seven sons, will ... he went almost annually to
the feast at Jerusalem ... in family companionship[2] during several days in the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/renan/the life of jesus/chapter iv the order of.htm

The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
... which Satan would have them damned.-Eight considerations to clear that.-Seven more
considerations ... compared with his law, but a poor one all thy days; yea, the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the work of jesus christ.htm