Esther 2:18

Then the king made a great feast unto all his princes and his servants, [even] Esther's feast; and he made a release to the provinces, and gave gifts, according to the state of the king.

Then the king {H4428} made {H6213} a great {H1419} feast {H4960} unto all his princes {H8269} and his servants {H5650}, even Esther's {H635} feast {H4960}; and he made {H6213} a release {H2010} to the provinces {H4082}, and gave {H5414} gifts {H4864}, according to the state {H3027} of the king {H4428}.

The king then gave a great banquet in Ester's honor for all his officers and servants, decreed a holiday for the provinces and distributed gifts worthy of royal bounty.

Then the king held a great banquet, Esther’s banquet, for all his officials and servants. He proclaimed a tax holiday in the provinces and gave gifts worthy of the king’s bounty.

Then the king made a great feast unto all his princes and his servants, even Esther’s feast; and he made a release to the provinces, and gave gifts, according to the bounty of the king.

Historical and Cultural Context

The book of Esther unfolds within the vast Persian Empire during the reign of King Ahasuerus, often identified with Xerxes I (486-465 BC), who ruled from India to Ethiopia. Following the removal of Queen Vashti (as described in Esther 1:19), a search was initiated to find a new queen for the empire. Esther 2:18 marks the culmination of this search, celebrating the selection and coronation of Esther, a Jewish orphan who had found favor in the king's eyes. Royal feasts were common displays of power and wealth in ancient Persia, as evidenced by the elaborate banquet described at the beginning of the book (Esther 1:3). The practice of granting a "release to the provinces" and giving gifts was a traditional way for monarchs to mark significant occasions, curry public favor, and assert their benevolence and prosperity.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Celebration and Legitimacy: The "Esther's feast" is a public declaration of her new status as queen, solidifying her position within the royal court and throughout the empire. It serves to legitimize her rule in the eyes of the princes, servants, and the wider populace.
  • Royal Benevolence and Power: King Ahasuerus demonstrates his immense wealth and authority not only through the lavish feast but also by granting a "release" (likely a remission of taxes or a general amnesty) to the provinces and distributing gifts. This act highlights the king's generosity and the vastness of his dominion, reflecting the "state of the king."
  • Divine Providence (Implicit): While God is not explicitly mentioned in the book of Esther, His hand is clearly at work behind the scenes. Esther's elevation to queen is a crucial step in His plan to protect His people, the Jews, from the impending threat of Haman's decree (Esther 3:6). This feast, therefore, is a divinely orchestrated milestone.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "made a release to the provinces" uses the Hebrew word הֲנָחָה (hanakhah), which can mean a "rest," "remission," or "cessation" (of burdens). In this context, it strongly suggests a royal pardon, a suspension of duties, or a tax holiday given to the various regions of the empire. This act of grace would have been widely welcomed and served to boost the king's popularity. The phrase "according to the state of the king" is from the Hebrew כְּיַד הַמֶּלֶךְ (k'yad ha'melekh), literally "according to the hand of the king," emphasizing the king's bountiful generosity and the magnificent scale of his giving, consistent with his immense wealth and power.

Practical Application

Esther 2:18 reminds us that even in seemingly ordinary or politically motivated events, God can be at work, orchestrating circumstances for His greater purposes. For believers, it underscores the theme of God's subtle yet powerful providence, even when His name is not spoken. It also offers a picture of leadership that, at times, extends grace and generosity to its people, celebrating significant moments with acts of benevolence. For us today, it encourages acknowledging moments of blessing and recognizing that every good gift comes from above (James 1:17), even if delivered through earthly channels.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Esther 9:22

    As the days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day: that they should make them days of feasting and joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor.

  • Luke 14:8

    When thou art bidden of any [man] to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him;

  • Nehemiah 8:11

    So the Levites stilled all the people, saying, Hold your peace, for the day [is] holy; neither be ye grieved.

  • Song Of Solomon 5:1

    ¶ I am come into my garden, my sister, [my] spouse: I have gathered my myrrh with my spice; I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey; I have drunk my wine with my milk: eat, O friends; drink, yea, drink abundantly, O beloved.

  • Revelation 11:10

    And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth.

  • Revelation 19:9

    And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed [are] they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.

  • Esther 1:3

    In the third year of his reign, he made a feast unto all his princes and his servants; the power of Persia and Media, the nobles and princes of the provinces, [being] before him:

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