The Book Of Esther: The Plot Thickens And Memucan's Misongyny Is Exposed.

Esther 1:10-12

Seventh day, heart of the King was merry with wine, told Mehuman, Bizzetha, Harbona, Bigtha Abagtha, Zethar, Carcas, seven eunuchs serving presently King Ahasuerus, bring Queen Vashti before the King, Royal Crown, to display beauty to all princes, very pleasing. Queen Vashti refused to come, Kings’s command delivered by Eunuchs. King became angry and wrath burned within.

After seven days of drinking, the King was clearly drunk. I know how the Hebrew puts it, the King was very merry with wine. Yep, I would be very happy with actor seven days of wine drinking myself. LOL For those who don't think that the wine of the Bible doesn't have any alcoholic content, this clearly shows the opposite. He then gets it in his mind, that it would be a great idea to have the seven eunuchs, which were serving him, go and fetch the Queen.

Now, there are two schools of thought here. Was the Queen drunk too and not thinking straight or did she out and out disobey the King? Either way, the queen decided she was going to have nothing to do with the Kings banquet or being paraded around as a posession of the king. Obviously, she refused and the king became very angry at her disobedience.

Esther 1:10-15

King spoke, Wise men understanding the times, speaking of the King in such a manner to all who understood law and justice, closest, Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, Memucan, seven princes of Persia and Media, beholding king's face, who sat first in the kingdom, dwelling first in the Kingdom. By the Law, what can be done Queen Vashti, upon that commandment King Ahasuerus eunuchs.

Being angered by Vasti’s disobedience, Ahasuerus immediately consulted his seven right hand men, men who were first in the kingdom. At first thought, you think, “Why does the king need to consult these wise princes? He’s the king." Why doesn’t he just have her beheaded, imprisoned or whatever he chooses. His response actually gives us an insight into that Kingdom and their laws.

When the Persian kings conquered a people, they didn’t run rough shod over them. The Persian Royalty would incorporate the people into their society. Even though he was King over the Empire, the Empire was ran like a confederation, where the Empire was a loose confederation of provinces, which were ran independently by princes, who answered to the king. Far too many times, if a queen or king or some popular officer was murdered, the Empire could easily be facing an uprising. Even though the armies of these provinces were loyal to the King, the King didn’t want to test that loyalty based on a whim or unpopular edict. Therefore, it was smart politics for the King to get the advice of his underlings.

So, the King asked these Princes, what could be done legally to the queen or without much mumbling from the masses. 

As an interesting side note, if you look in Strong's Concordance, you'll find the meanings of the seven princes, you'll find that you get a prophetic sentence. The exception is Tarshish, which you have to dig into the root meanings. Also, an interesting sidenote is that Tarshish can also mean Yellow Jasper, which is a Semitic term, pointing to Israel. Either way, the following sentence works.

Carshena means, The Illustrious One and it also means A Sleeping Lamb.

Shethar means, A Star
Admatha means, will be his testimony to them
Tarshish means, sea coast
Meres means, He will be Lofty
Marsena means, He will be Worthy
Memucan means, He will be Dignified

Putting it all together, it means:

The Illustrious One, A Sleeping Lamb. A Star will be his testimony to them at the sea coast. He will be Lofty, Worthy and Dignified.

This gives us another example of God working behind the scenes and communicating to us, because here, God sends us a message about the time of the Messiah and his coming onto the scene. Amazing Stuff.

Esther 1:16-18

In the presence the king and the princes, Memucan said, "Queen Vashti committed iniquity not only the king, but all princes, all the peoples who are in provinces King Ahasuerus.” “King, Word will go back and forth, all women will look contempt husbands saying, “King Ahasuerus ordered Queen Vashti, come in his presence, come not.” This day, princesses of Persia and Media who heard queen word will speak all the king princes, much contempt and wrath.”

Here, Memucan, not only answers the King, but stirs the pot, which makes you wonder if he already had a problem with Vashti. Remember, Vashti was a daughter of the Babylonian King, a long time enemy of everyone. So, it's not hard to imagine, Memucan has an agenda, which will come to fruition with the King's coming referendum.

Anyway, back to the story, Memucan indicates that not only did Vashti insult and commit an egregious infraction against the King, but all the people, especially the men, who have independent thinking wives. It has been mentioned, in more places than one, that Memucan must have been hempecked and he finally had a chance to get back at his wife. Well, that may be true, but there is no evidence to that.

However, Memucan does appear to be a misogynist and he uses the Vashti incident to not only to put an end to Vashti, but get his digs in to all the women of the empire. He basically tells the King, that if he lets Vashti get away with this infraction against the King, the woman of the empire will cause all kinds of problems for the men of the Kingdom and he surely can't have this issue and be remembered as a Great King.

Esther 1:19-22

If please king, royal edict go forth, let it be inscribed, laws of Persia and Media, never revoked, that Vashti shall not come before King Ahasuerus, let the king give her royal position to another who is better than she. Kings verdict, when heard throughout kingdom, entirely, women shall give honor to their husbands, great and small." Words well pleased King and Princes, King did Memucan said, sent letters all king's provinces, every province, as scripted, all people, every man master in his household, speaking according language of all people.

Memucan continues, by recommending that the King not only punish Vashti, but banish her and find someone else to replace her. He goes on to suggest that the King put the "Submission of Women"  into the Law of the Empire. He drives it home by suggesting that the "Women Submission Act" be entered as never to be revoked.

His misogyny then seethes out like the stink of a rotten carcass. He uses this time of the Kings anger to say to reveal his agenda. He tells him that when the King's decree is heard, all the women will not only submit to their men, but give honor. Can't you just see his mischievous smirk on his face?

Well, bottom line, the King did all of what Memucan suggested, by sending out letters to every province and in every language. You could almost imagine that there were posters on every direction sign and street post, within the kingdom. This is a great example why we need to take a step back, when we become angry become responding. Clearly the King went way overboard, in his reaction. Also, it shows that Satan will utilize even our closest allies to guide you into the sin of over-reaction and possibly lashing out at our loved ones. Don't let your anger get the best of you and beware of evil advisors with evil agendas.

Also, we find out, in the next verse, that Vashti is casted out, but that is for next time.

Why Is The Media Ignoring This??? And The Killing Continues!!!

Shame on the US media. While they are utilizing the recent mass murder in New Zealand for their own political agenda against President Trump, they are ignoring a mass genocide in the world, specifically Africa. Why? Because they are Christians. Just last year, almost 8000 Christians have been killed for living their faith. In the span of the last eight weeks, 200-600 Christians have been killed in Africa. My friends, most of the media has become the propaganda arm of the anti-Christian and anti-Semitic spirit within the world today. Another sign of the End Times. Now, even more than ever, it's time to put on your Spiritual Armor and get into the Word of God for the Truth of our times.

Christians Killed In Attacks In Nigeria

What's worse are the Left Wing Fact Checkers, like Snopes, trying to cover it up. Deep in their articles, they don't deny it happening, they just say things like "It can't be verified by local sources." Of course not, the local sources are anti-Christian. They are not going to verify it, because they are the ones killing the Christians....and the killing continues.

It's time for us to get down on our knees and show the Mighty Power of God's Spirit, in Prayer. We are Echad. This has to stop. Come Lord Y'shua....Come Quickly.

Messiah Watch: Syria Vows To Reclaim Golan Heights

As most news watchers saw last Thursday, the United States became the first nation to recognize Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights. If you remember, the Golan Heights was seized by Israel from Syria during the Six-Day War of 1967. Well, Friday, the Syrian government vowed to take back the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, as its allies and enemies multilaterally condemned President Trump sovereignty decree.

Most of the time, this is just saber rattling, for show, in the news. However, with the Syrian Civil War winding down and the fact that Syrian President Bashar Assad was rushing to meet with Russian President Putin today gets my attention. Afterwards, President Assad appeared on a Russian news show, vowing to take back the Golan Heights. This is usually done to garner public support.

Not very often do we see many actual events that make my ears perk up, but this news show comment and vow by Syrian President Bashar Assad and their allies, could embolden them to stir up a conflict. Keep in mind, presently Syria, Iran and Russia are the big boys in this area and three major players, in the biblical end times scenario. Could this be the first salvo across the bow of Israel, in events leading up to the conflict, known as the Battle of Armageddon and the Return of the Messiah? Keep your eyes on the sky.

Amazing Prophecy Found In The First Chapter Of Esther

Did you know or have you ever wondered how the kings, from the east, knew about the star, under which the Messiah would be born? Many scholars have conjectured that it was Daniel, who told them. This was due to Daniel being in charge of the Magi. However, you can find an amazing prophecy, in the first chapter of Esther, which is pointed to, in the end ceremony of Purim.

As the celebration of Purim draws to a close, many non-rabbinic Jews, who believe in the Messiah Y’shua, takes a step back and dwells on a story about a King, who divorces his disobedient wife, and through a sevenfold counsel decrees that he will take a virgin bride, who’s father is Abihail, which means “My Father is Mighty”. His divorced wife is “gazar”, divided, cut off, casted out of the King’s house.

At the end of Purim, there are many questions asked, but one is most intriguing.

How does this Bride come to the King?

This is answered by the congregation citing the names of the seven “Partam Sar” Noble Princes or Chief Prince, which are

Carshena
Shethar
Admatha
Tarshish
Meres
Marsena
Memucan

Taking the meaning of their names, we get:

The Illustrious One, A Sleeping Lamb. A Star will be his testimony to them at the sea coast. He will be Lofty, Worthy and Dignified.

Is this the true meaning of Esther, chapter one. Check out the rest, with us, as we go through the rest of the Book.

Y’shua said, “You search the scriptures and in them, you think you have found eternal life, but they are which testify of me.”

Happy Purim!

Chag Purim Sameach!!!

Happy Purim!

If you're wondering, it's in the Book of Esther, to celebrate the relief of the Death Sentence against all Jews, within the Empire at that time.

The Book Of Esther: The Big Banquet And Oh What A Big Party It Was For All.

Esther 1:3-4

Third year, King produced feast. All princes, servants, Army of Persia, Medes, Nobleman of the Provinces of Persia, were present to see riches, glory of the kingdom, preciousness, great majesty, abundance, a long time, 180 days.

Now, in the third year of King Xerxes reign, he had a feast, to show off the riches and glory of his kingdom. For six months, the king held a feast. 

Notice in verse two that there were 127 provinces. At the bare minimum, there were 127 princes, 127 servants, the army of Persia and so on. That was a lot of people and lot of resources, for a Feast that lasted 180 days. Most Bible versions refer to both the banquet and the feast as the "banquet". However, the Hebrew shows that it was a feast for 180 days, six months and then there was a banquet for seven days, as clearly seen in the following verses

As a side note, please notice that the Medes were mentioned. The Medes are referred, by Josephus, as direct descendants of Japheth, through his Son, Madai. Part of this group of people became the Ashkenazi Jews of today.

Esther 1:5-6

When the time was over, the King provided a banquet for seven days. All people were found Palace Shushan, great and small, court, garden and house. White, fine cotton, and blue, embroidered with cords of linen purple, on silver rods and marble columns; couches of gold silver, on pavement of green, white, shell, onyx marble.

As I said, there was a banquet held, after the Feast, for seven days. Everyone was there, from the noblemen to the peasants. As a quick side note, even though peasant is now considered an ignorant, rude, or unsophisticated person, a person of low social status, in the days of Esther, a peasant was a poor farmer of low social status who owned or rented a small piece of land for cultivation.

Everyone was at the palace and spread out into the court and garden. Everyone!! Now, according to the archeologists, the palace was fifteen hectares in size. Image that... a Palace, the size of 37 acres or 149,733 m².  That was humongous and plenty of room for the people invited to this banquet. The following is a model of the Palace at Susa.

The columns and pavement were extravagantly decked out. To give you an idea of the size of the garden columns, please look at the following picture.

Esther 1:7-8

Drinks offered, served golden vessels different kinds, royal wine plentiful by the king’s hand. Drinking, by decree, lacked not, nor constrained. In this manner the King gave orders , to all the multitude within his house, to make happen to the pleasure of each person.

The historians tell us that Xerxes was the typical over indulgent king. This banquet was no different. Drinking was made available to all and the King gave orders for everyone to enjoy themselves according to their own pleasure. No holds barred, as they say. This was also indicative by the many rooms, within the palace and the garden area. Historians indicated that Xerxes loved the company of women and expected his constituents to act the same way.

It was definitely a big party.

Esther 1:9

Queen Vashti also made banquet for women in the palace of King Ahasuerus.

Even though it doesn't say it, the text implies that Queen Vashti, followed suit and overindulged with a women only style party, of her own.

The Book Of Esther: Chapter One-The Background

Esther 1:1-2

Coming to pass, in the time of Ahasuerus (Xerxes I) whose kingdom, India to Ethiopia, 127 provinces. Those days King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I) had his abode, sovereign power, throne, palace in Shushan.

Please notice that we are continuing to use the Word for Word translation, where, in this case, the Hebrew is translated Word for Word, with no additional words added or taken away. 

The Book of Esther plays out, with the Achaemenid Persian Empire, which was found by Cyrus the Great, as its background. This empire had its eastern border at India and it stretched all the way to the land of Cush, which is the land on both the east and west side of the Red Sea, which included modern day Ethiopia and stretching up to the land of Greece, as seen in the following map.

It's interesting to note that there were 117 provinces or mini-kingdoms, within the Persian Empire, each with a prince to rule over them, all under the divine rule of the King. Keep this in mind, as we get into the next few verses about the Feast and Banquet. 

In our story, the King's throne or center of power was in Susa, as seen in the map above. However, further investigation reveals that it was just one of seven palaces. Susa is considered the Winter Palace.

In the Book of Esther, the king was Ahasuerus, known by his famous Greek name, Xerxes the Great. Esther is the Hebrew name of our heroine, while in history, she is known as Amestris. It should be noted that history has not been so kind to the memory of Esther. To her credit, most scholars take the Greek histories with a grain of salt, because they tend to skew the image of their enemies. It has been found that the Greek historians out and out lied about their adversaries, showing them in a very bad and false light.

The Achaemenid Persian Empire existed between 550 to 330 BC. To give you a timeline, Adam and Eve was about 4000 BC. Noah and the flood was about 2500 BC. Abraham was about 2100 BC, David was about 1000 BC. Daniel lived 620–538 B.C. and our story begins around 483 BC.