Esther 1:20

The edict the king issues will be heard throughout his vast kingdom--and so all women, from the least to the greatest, will honor their husbands."

Study Bible

The edict the king issues
In the context of the Persian Empire, royal edicts were binding and carried the authority of the king. This reflects the absolute power of the monarch, similar to the decrees seen in Daniel 6:8-9. The king's edict in Esther 1:20 is a response to Queen Vashti's refusal to appear before him, highlighting the cultural expectations of obedience and submission within the royal court.

will be heard throughout his vast kingdom
The Persian Empire was extensive, stretching from India to Ethiopia, as noted in Esther 1:1. This phrase underscores the reach and influence of the king's command, emphasizing the centralized power and communication systems of the empire. The vastness of the kingdom also reflects the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham about the nations (Genesis 12:3), as the Jewish people were dispersed throughout these regions.

and so all women, from the least to the greatest
This phrase indicates the societal hierarchy and the pervasive nature of the edict. It reflects the patriarchal structure of ancient societies, where women were expected to be subordinate to men. The mention of "from the least to the greatest" suggests that the edict was intended to affect all social classes, similar to the universal nature of God's laws which apply to all people (Romans 2:11).

will honor their husbands
The concept of honoring one's husband is rooted in the cultural and religious traditions of the time, aligning with the teachings found in Ephesians 5:22-24, where wives are instructed to submit to their husbands as to the Lord. This reflects the order established in creation (Genesis 2:18-24) and the typology of Christ and the Church, where the Church submits to Christ in love and respect.

Persons / Places / Events

1. King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I)
The Persian king who reigned over a vast empire from India to Cush. His decision to issue an edict regarding the behavior of women in his kingdom sets the stage for the events in the Book of Esther.

2. Queen Vashti
The queen who defied King Ahasuerus by refusing to appear before him and his guests, leading to her removal and the subsequent search for a new queen.

3. The Persian Empire
A vast and diverse empire where the events of Esther take place, highlighting the cultural and political dynamics of the time.

4. The Royal Edict
A decree issued by King Ahasuerus, influenced by his advisors, to ensure that women throughout the empire honor their husbands.

5. Memucan
One of the king's advisors who suggested the edict to prevent other women in the empire from following Queen Vashti's example.

Teaching Points

Cultural Context and Divine Sovereignty
Understand the cultural context of the Persian Empire and how God’s sovereignty is at work even in secular decrees.

Respect and Honor in Relationships
Reflect on the biblical principles of respect and honor in marital relationships, as seen in the broader biblical account.

The Role of Influence and Counsel
Consider the impact of advisors and counsel in decision-making, both in biblical times and today.

God’s Providence in Human Affairs
Recognize how God can use even flawed human decisions to fulfill His divine purposes, as seen in the unfolding account of Esther.

The Importance of Character and Integrity
Emphasize the importance of character and integrity in relationships, beyond mere adherence to cultural norms.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the cultural context of the Persian Empire influence the events in Esther 1:20, and what can we learn from this about living in a diverse society today?

2. In what ways does the edict in Esther 1:20 contrast with the New Testament teachings on marriage found in Ephesians 5 and 1 Peter 3?

3. How can we apply the principle of seeking wise counsel in our own decision-making processes, as seen in the influence of Memucan on King Ahasuerus?

4. What does the account of Esther teach us about God’s providence and His ability to work through human decisions, even those made with questionable motives?

5. How can we cultivate respect and honor in our relationships today, drawing from both the Old and New Testament teachings?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Ephesians 5:22-33
This passage discusses the relationship between husbands and wives, emphasizing mutual respect and love, which can be contrasted with the edict in Esther 1:20.

1 Peter 3:1-7
Offers guidance on the conduct of wives and husbands, focusing on inner beauty and understanding, providing a New Testament perspective on marital relationships.

Proverbs 31:10-31
Describes the qualities of a virtuous woman, offering a biblical standard for women that transcends cultural edicts.