The Study and the Pulpit Esther 1:8-9 And the drinking was according to the law; none did compel: for so the king had appointed to all the officers of his house… Let us draw a comparison between the great Persian feast and the feast of the gospel. I. THE ONE WAS PROVIDED BY THE KING; THE OTHER BY THE KING OF KINGS. II. THE ONE FEAST IS LIMITED TO NOBLES AND PRINCES; THE OTHER IS MADE FOR ALL NATIONS. III. IN THE ONE WE SEE THE FADING GLORIES OF MAN; IN THE OTHER WE SEE THE UNFADING GLORIES OF GOD. IV. THE ONE FEAST CONTINUED FOR SIX MONTHS; THE OTHER CONTINUES THROUGH ALL TIME. V. IN THE ONE CASE SOME WERE OBLIGED TO FEAST IN THE COURT OF THE GARDEN, AS THERE WAS NOT ROOM FOR THEM IN THE PALACE; THE CHURCH OF GOD IS FOR ALL COMERS. VI. IN THE ONE CASE THERE WAS A SEPARATION OF HUSBANDS AND WIVES; BUT IN THE OTHER BOTH ARE WELCOME TOGETHER. VII. THE ONE FEAST ENDED IN CONSTERNATION AND SORROW; BUT THE OTHER SHALL CONTINUE IN JOY AND HAPPINESS. Learn, in conclusion — 1. The insufficiency and instability of all earthly things. 2. The rich grace and goodness of our God. (The Study and the Pulpit.) Parallel Verses KJV: And the drinking was according to the law; none did compel: for so the king had appointed to all the officers of his house, that they should do according to every man's pleasure. |
    |