This verse from Esther 2:18 describes King Ahasuerus's celebration after Esther was chosen as his new queen. Let's break it down:
"Then the king made a great feast for all his princes and his servants, even Esther’s feast..." This indicates that the king threw a large and lavish party to celebrate Esther becoming queen. The phrase "Esther's feast" emphasizes that the party was specifically in her honor.
"...and he proclaimed a holiday in the provinces..." This means the king declared a day off for everyone in the provinces, likely to share in the joy and celebration of his new queen. This was a common way for rulers to demonstrate their power and generosity.
"...and gave gifts according to the king’s bounty." This shows that the king generously distributed gifts. "According to the king's bounty" means that the gifts were given generously and liberally, reflecting the king's immense wealth and power.
In essence, this verse illustrates:
The King's Approval and Happiness: The feast and holiday signify the king's delight in choosing Esther as his queen.
A Display of Royal Power: Proclaiming a holiday and distributing gifts were ways for the king to display his wealth and authority, and to gain favor with his subjects.
Esther's Elevated Status: The fact that the feast was "Esther's feast" highlights her newfound position of power and influence as the queen.
Therefore, Esther 2:18 portrays a picture of celebration, generosity, and a consolidation of Esther's new status within the Persian empire. It sets the stage for her later role in saving the Jewish people.
This verse from Esther 2:18 describes King Ahasuerus's celebration after Esther was chosen as his new queen. Let's break it down:
"Then the king made a great feast for all his princes and his servants, even Esther’s feast..." This indicates that the king threw a large and lavish party to celebrate Esther becoming queen. The phrase "Esther's feast" emphasizes that the party was specifically in her honor.
"...and he proclaimed a holiday in the provinces..." This means the king declared a day off for everyone in the provinces, likely to share in the joy and celebration of his new queen. This was a common way for rulers to demonstrate their power and generosity.
"...and gave gifts according to the king’s bounty." This shows that the king generously distributed gifts. "According to the king's bounty" means that the gifts were given generously and liberally, reflecting the king's immense wealth and power.
In essence, this verse illustrates:
The King's Approval and Happiness: The feast and holiday signify the king's delight in choosing Esther as his queen.
A Display of Royal Power: Proclaiming a holiday and distributing gifts were ways for the king to display his wealth and authority, and to gain favor with his subjects.
Esther's Elevated Status: The fact that the feast was "Esther's feast" highlights her newfound position of power and influence as the queen.
Therefore, Esther 2:18 portrays a picture of celebration, generosity, and a consolidation of Esther's new status within the Persian empire. It sets the stage for her later role in saving the Jewish people.