Day 61 – Obedience

Esther 1:1 Now it happened in the days of Ahasuerus (this was the Ahasuerus who reigned over one hundred and twenty-seven provinces, from India to Ethiopia), 2 in those days when King Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which was in Shushan the citadel, 3 that in the third year of his reign he made a feast for his officials and servants—the powers of Persia and Media, the nobles, and the princes of the provinces being before him— 4 when he showed the riches of his glorious kingdom and the splendor of his excellent majesty for one hundred and eighty days.

 5 When these days were completed, the king made a feast lasting seven days for the people who were present in Shushan the citadel, from great to small, in the court of the garden of the king’s palace.

 6 There were white and blue linen curtains fastened with cords of fine linen and purple on silver rods and marble pillars; and the couches were gold and silver on a mosaic pavement of alabaster, turquoise, and white and black marble.

 7 They served drinks in golden vessels, each vessel being different from the other, with royal wine in abundance, according to the generosity of the king. 8 In accordance with the law, drinking was not compulsory; for so the king had ordered the officers of his household, that they should do according to each man’s pleasure.

 9 Queen Vashti also made a feast for the women in the royal palace which belonged to King Ahasuerus.

 10 On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas, seven eunuchs who served in the presence of King Ahasuerus, 11 to bring Queen Vashti before the king, wearing her royal crown, in order to show her beauty to the people and the officials, for she was beautiful to behold.

 12 However, Queen Vashti refused to come at the king’s command brought by his eunuchs; therefore, the king was furious, and his anger burned within him.

 13 Then the king said to the wise men who understood the times (for this was the king’s manner toward everyone who knew law and justice, 14 those closest to him being Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, who had access to the king’s presence, and who ranked highest in the kingdom), 15 “What will we do to Queen Vashti, according to law, because she did not obey the command of King Ahasuerus brought to her by the eunuchs?”

 16 Memucan answered before the king and the princes, “Queen Vashti has not only wronged the king, but also the princes, and the people who are in the provinces of King Ahasuerus. 17 For the queen’s behavior will become known to every woman, so that they will despise their husbands in their eyes, when they report, ‘King Ahasuerus commanded Queen Vashti to be brought in before him, but she did not come.’ 18 This very day the noble ladies of Persia and Media will say to the king’s officials they have heard about the behavior of the queen. Thus, there will be excessive contempt and wrath. 19 If it pleases the king, let a royal decree go out from him, and let it be recorded in the laws of the Persians and the Medes, so that it will not be altered, that Vashti will come no more before King Ahasuerus; and let the king give her royal position to another who is better than she. 20 When the king’s decree which he will make is proclaimed throughout his empire (for it is great), wives will honor their husbands, both great and small.”

 21 The reply pleased the king and the princes, and the king did according to the word of Memucan.

 22 Then he sent letters to the king’s provinces, to each province in its own script, and to every people in their own language, that each man should be master in his house, and speak in the language of his people.

God’s names:

Yeshuwa – Jesus

Elohiym – Supreme God

JEHOVAH – Self-existent, Eternal

Qodesh Ruwach – Sacred, Hallowed, Holy, Violent Wind, Breath, Spirit

God’s character:

King

Sovereign

What do you do when someone disobeys you? You punish them. Most of the time, you don’t cast them from your life but let them know how they dishonored you.

Nowhere in the book of Esther is Elohiym’s name mentioned. However, you see His character throughout the book.

When JEHOVAH gave the Law to Moses, it was to teach them obedience to Him in everything, for them to trust Him and rely on Him. However, the people disobeyed Him until He cast them from the land He promised them.

Vashti dishonored Ahasuerus, the king. When she did, he asked the council of his advisors who told him to get rid of her and put another person in her place, and he did.

Israel is Elohiym’s bride, His queen. His love toward her will never fade away. Yet, He will not allow disobedience to come before Him and cast Her out of the Promised Land until she acknowledged Him as King and gave Him honor.

When you accepted Yeshuwa as Savior and Lord, you acknowledged Him as King and Sovereign in your life. You promised to obey Him in everything He told you. When you disobey Him, you feel His absence in your life. Not because He left you, but because you left Him.

In his prayer of repentance, David asked Elohiym not to cast him from His presence or take the Qodesh Ruwach from him.

Psalm 51:11 Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Qodesh Ruwach from me.

When you sin against Yeshuwa, you need to confess your sin. When you do, you will feel Yeshuwa’s presence in your life once again.

Vashti had no hope when Ahasuerus cast her out as his queen. However, you have hope when you repent. Yeshuwa will forgive you and bring you back into right standing with Him.

Everyone sins. Don’t let your sin keep you from Yeshuwa’s presence in your life. Confess your sin today and know the fellowship of His love for you.

Let’s pray: Father, thank you for loving me so much that when I confess my sin, You forgive me and bring me back into fellowship with You. Let my heart always be in tune with You and give You praise and worship because You are my King and my God. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Copyright © 20 March 2025 by Valerie Routhieaux