Welcome to Truth for Life, where today we begin a study in the Old Test

book of Esther. This is a story about a beautiful Jewish girl who becomes a

queen of Persia. It's a thrilling tale of political intrigue, suspense and

deliverance. What does it have to do with God or with us in the 21st century?

That's what Alistair Begg is about to explain.

Verse 1 of Esther chapter 1. Now in the days of Ahazuerus, the Ahazuerus who

reign from India to Ethiopia over 127 provinces, in those days when King Ahazuerus

sat on his royal throne in Susa the citadel. In the third year of his reign he

gave a feast for all his officials and servants. The army of Persia and media and

the nobles and governors of the provinces were before him while he showed the

riches of his royal glory and the splendor and pomp of his greatness for many days,

180 days. And when these days were completed the King gave for all the people

present in Susa the citadel, both great and small, a feast lasting for seven

days in the court of the Garden of the King's Palace. There were white

cotton curtains and violet hangings fastened with cords of fine linen and

purple to silver rods and marble pillars and also couches of gold and silver

on a mosaic pavement of porphyry, marble, mother of pearl and precious stones.

Drinks were served in golden vessels, vessels of different kinds and the royal

wine was lavished according to the bounty of the King and drinking was

according to this edict. There is no compulsion for the King had given orders to

all the staff of his palace to do as each man desired. Queen Veshtay also gave a

feast for the women in the palace that belonged to King Ahazuerus. Thanks be to

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