Esther 2:18

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Esther 2:18 describes the grand feast held by King Ahasuerus to celebrate the coronation of Esther as his new queen, following the extensive search for a successor to Vashti. This lavish event, termed "Esther's feast," was a public declaration of her royal status and was accompanied by a "release" (likely a remission of taxes or a general amnesty) to the provinces and the distribution of generous gifts, all conducted "according to the state of the king," signifying his immense wealth, power, and benevolence. The verse marks a pivotal moment in the narrative, solidifying Esther's position as God's chosen instrument for the future deliverance of His people, even as divine providence remains unstated.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Esther 2:18 marks the culmination of the process initiated in [Esther 2:1-4](/esther/2-1 "Esther 2:1-4 - The Search for a New Queen") to find a new queen for King Ahasuerus after the deposition of Vashti in [Esther 1](/esther/1 "Esther 1 - Vashti's Refusal and Deposition"). The preceding verses ([Esther 2:5-17](/esther/2-5 "Esther 2:5-17 - Esther's Introduction and Favor")) detail Esther's background as a Jewish orphan, her adoption by Mordecai, her entry into the king's harem, and her remarkable favor in the eyes of Hegai, the king's eunuch, and ultimately the king himself. Her selection as queen, despite her hidden Jewish identity, is presented as a divinely orchestrated event. This feast, therefore, is not merely a social gathering but a formal, public act of legitimization, solidifying her new status and setting the stage for the dramatic events of Haman's plot and the deliverance of the Jews, which unfold in subsequent chapters, particularly from [Esther 3](/esther/3 "Esther 3 - Haman's Plot Against the Jews") onwards.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Esther take place within the vast Achaemenid Persian Empire during the reign of King Ahasuerus, widely identified with Xerxes I (486-465 BC). Persian monarchs were known for their immense wealth, elaborate court rituals, and grand displays of power, often manifested through lavish banquets and public acts of generosity. The feast described in [Esther 1:3-8](/esther/1-3 "Esther 1:3-8 - King Ahasuerus's Grand Feast") provides a precedent for the scale of such royal gatherings. The practice of granting a "release" (likely a temporary remission of taxes, a general amnesty for certain offenses, or a holiday from forced labor) to the provinces was a common strategy for ancient Near Eastern kings to mark significant occasions, such as coronations or military victories, to curry favor with their subjects, and to assert their benevolent rule and prosperity. Similarly, the distribution of gifts underscored the king's boundless resources and his ability to bestow favor upon his officials and the populace, reinforcing his authority and generosity.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Esther. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Providence**, even though God is never explicitly mentioned. Esther's elevation to queen, culminating in this celebratory feast, is clearly presented as a crucial step in God's hidden plan to protect His people. Her position at the pinnacle of power, though seemingly accidental, is a testament to God's sovereign hand orchestrating events for the good of His people, a theme echoed in [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good"). Secondly, the verse underscores the **Sovereignty of the King and the Display of Royal Power**. Ahasuerus's ability to host such a grand feast, grant a "release," and distribute gifts "according to the state of the king" emphasizes his absolute authority and immense wealth, which paradoxically, God uses for His purposes. Thirdly, it speaks to the theme of **Celebration and Legitimacy**. "Esther's feast" publicly validates her queenship, ensuring her acceptance by the court and the empire, a necessary step for her future role as a deliverer. This public affirmation is vital for the unfolding narrative, as it solidifies her position from which she will later intercede for her people, as seen in [Esther 7](/esther/7 "Esther 7 - Esther's Second Banquet and Haman's Downfall").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Release (Hebrew, _hanakhah_):** The Hebrew word הֲנָחָה (*hanakhah*) is derived from the root נוּחַ (nuakh), meaning "to rest," "to settle," or "to give rest." In this context, it signifies a "remission," "cessation," or "relief" from burdens. While its exact nature is not specified, it most likely refers to a royal decree granting a temporary suspension of taxes, a general amnesty for minor offenses, or a holiday from compulsory labor. This act of royal grace would have been a significant boon to the provinces, fostering goodwill and loyalty towards the king and marking the occasion as one of widespread relief and celebration.
* **According to the state of the king (Hebrew, _k'yad ha'melekh_):** The Hebrew phrase כְּיַד הַמֶּלֶךְ (*k'yad ha'melekh*) literally translates to "according to the hand of the king." The "hand" here is a common idiom in Hebrew for power, authority, and generosity. Thus, "according to the state of the king" conveys the idea that the gifts and the "release" were given on a scale commensurate with the king's immense wealth, power, and boundless generosity. It emphasizes the lavishness and magnificence of the occasion, reflecting the king's vast dominion and resources, reinforcing his image as a benevolent and powerful ruler.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then the king made a great feast unto all his princes and his servants,"**: This clause establishes the central event: a grand royal banquet. The attendees—"all his princes and his servants"—indicate the high-ranking officials and key personnel of the Persian court, emphasizing the public and official nature of the celebration. Such feasts were not merely social gatherings but significant political events, demonstrating the king's power and ability to gather and entertain his vast retinue.
* **"[even] Esther's feast;"**: This parenthetical or appositional phrase clarifies the specific purpose and honoree of the feast. It was not just *a* great feast, but *the* feast dedicated to Esther, marking her official coronation and public recognition as the new queen. This naming convention underscores her new, elevated status and the significance of her entry into the highest echelons of power.
* **"and he made a release to the provinces,"**: This clause describes a specific act of royal benevolence accompanying the feast. The "release" (as detailed in Key Word Analysis) was a tangible benefit extended to the entire empire, not just the court. This act would have been widely welcomed and served to enhance the king's popularity and legitimize Esther's ascension in the eyes of the populace across the vast Persian dominion.
* **"and gave gifts, according to the state of the king."**: Complementing the "release," the king also distributed "gifts." These would have been valuable presents, likely to his officials and perhaps other favored individuals, again demonstrating his immense wealth and generosity. The phrase "according to the state of the king" (as detailed in Key Word Analysis) emphasizes the extraordinary scale and lavishness of these gifts, befitting the power and resources of the Persian monarch.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices that enrich its meaning. **Symbolism** is prominent, as the "great feast," the "release to the provinces," and the "gifts" all symbolize King Ahasuerus's immense power, wealth, and benevolent authority. These acts are not just literal events but represent the king's absolute dominion and his capacity to bestow favor. There is also a subtle layer of **Dramatic Irony** at play; the king, in his grand display of power and generosity, unknowingly elevates a Jewish woman who will later use her position to thwart a genocidal plot against her people, a plot that the king himself will unwittingly authorize. The entire scene also functions as **Foreshadowing**, setting the stage for Esther's future pivotal role. Her public legitimation through this feast is a necessary precursor to her ability to intercede for the Jews, highlighting that even seemingly secular events are part of a larger, divinely orchestrated narrative. The **Absence of God's Name** throughout the book, including this verse, is itself a powerful literary device, emphasizing God's hidden yet active providence, working behind the scenes through human choices and political machinations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Esther 2:18 powerfully illustrates the theme of divine providence, a cornerstone of biblical theology. Even in a book where God's name is conspicuously absent, His sovereign hand is undeniably at work, orchestrating seemingly mundane or politically motivated events to achieve His redemptive purposes. Esther's elevation to queen, celebrated by this grand feast, is not merely a stroke of luck but a divinely appointed moment that positions her as the instrument for the future deliverance of the Jewish people from Haman's wicked scheme. This verse reminds us that God's plans are often executed through ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances, and His work can be discerned even in the hidden currents of history and human affairs. It encourages believers to look beyond the visible and recognize God's active presence, even when His methods are subtle or His name is not overtly invoked.

* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in God's Hand")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good")
* [James 1:17](/james/1-17 "James 1:17 - Every Good and Perfect Gift")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Esther 2:18 offers rich ground for reflection on God's sovereignty and our role within His grand narrative. It encourages us to cultivate an awareness of God's providential hand, even in the "secular" spaces of life—our workplaces, political landscapes, and personal circumstances. Just as Esther's elevation was celebrated with a feast and gifts, we are called to recognize and celebrate the moments of divine favor and blessing in our own lives, acknowledging that every good and perfect gift comes from above, regardless of the earthly channels through which it arrives. This verse also implicitly challenges us to consider how God might be positioning us, perhaps in unexpected ways, for His purposes. It calls us to faithfulness and courage, knowing that even our seemingly small actions or positions can be part of God's larger plan to bring about justice, protection, or blessing for others. Finally, it reminds leaders, in any sphere, of the power of generosity and benevolence, reflecting that true authority is often best exercised through acts of grace and care for those under one's charge.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the implicit nature of God's providence in Esther challenge or affirm your understanding of how God works in the world today?**
* **In what "ordinary" or "secular" circumstances of your life can you discern God's hidden hand at work, orchestrating events for a greater purpose?**
* **What does "Esther's feast" teach us about the significance of public celebration and the legitimization of new roles or seasons in life?**
* **How can you, in your own sphere of influence, emulate the king's benevolence by offering "release" or "gifts" (whether tangible or intangible) to those around you?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of "Esther's feast" beyond a mere celebration?**

Answer: "Esther's feast" was far more than a simple party; it was a strategically significant event. Firstly, it served as a public and official declaration of Esther's new status as queen, solidifying her legitimacy in the eyes of the Persian court, including all the princes and servants. This formal recognition was crucial for her to wield influence later in the narrative. Secondly, by accompanying the feast with a "release to the provinces" and the distribution of gifts, King Ahasuerus used the occasion to display his immense power, wealth, and benevolence across his vast empire. This act of royal grace would have fostered goodwill and loyalty towards the crown, indirectly strengthening Esther's position as well. Theologically, while unstated, it was a pivotal moment in God's providential plan, positioning Esther for her future role as the deliverer of her people, as seen in [Esther 4](/esther/4 "Esther 4 - Mordecai's Plea to Esther").

**What kind of "release" did the king make to the provinces?**

Answer: The Hebrew word for "release" (הֲנָחָה, *hanakhah*) suggests a "rest," "remission," or "cessation" of burdens. In the context of ancient Near Eastern monarchies, such a "release" on a grand occasion like a coronation typically referred to a royal decree that granted a temporary suspension or remission of taxes, a general amnesty for minor offenses, or a holiday from compulsory labor or military service. It was a common way for kings to demonstrate their generosity, alleviate the burdens of their subjects, and gain popularity and loyalty throughout their dominion. This act of grace would have been a significant and tangible benefit to the people in the provinces, marking Esther's ascension with widespread relief and celebration.

**Why is God not explicitly mentioned in the book of Esther, even in such a pivotal moment of divine providence?**

Answer: The absence of God's explicit mention in the book of Esther is a unique literary and theological feature, making it the only book in the Hebrew Bible where this is the case. Despite this, God's providential hand is undeniably central to the narrative. Scholars propose several reasons for this: it may reflect the historical reality of the Jewish exiles in Persia, living in a pagan land where direct divine intervention was less overtly perceived, or it might be a literary choice to emphasize God's hidden yet active work behind the scenes, orchestrating events through human choices and seemingly coincidental circumstances. The story powerfully conveys that God is at work even when He is not seen or named, subtly guiding history to protect His people. Esther's elevation in [Esther 2:18](/esther/2-18 "Esther 2:18 - Esther's Coronation Feast") is a prime example of this "hidden providence," where human actions (the king's feast, his choice of queen) serve God's ultimate, unstated purposes. This theme resonates with passages like [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - The Lord Directs Our Steps"), which speaks to God's guidance in human plans.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Esther's elevation to queen, celebrated by a grand feast and royal benevolence, serves as a powerful, albeit implicit, foreshadowing of Christ's ultimate reign and the glorious feast of salvation. Just as Esther was chosen and elevated to a position of power for the deliverance of her people, so too was Jesus, the true King, chosen and exalted by God the Father, not merely to rule a kingdom but to deliver humanity from the dominion of sin and death. His coronation, not with an earthly crown but through His resurrection and ascension, secured eternal "release" for all who believe—a release from the bondage of sin, the curse of the law, and the fear of death, far surpassing any temporary tax remission ([Romans 8:2](/romans/8-2 "Romans 8:2 - Freedom from the Law of Sin and Death")). The "gifts" distributed by King Ahasuerus pale in comparison to the spiritual gifts and the gift of eternal life that Christ bestows upon His servants, given "according to the state of the King of kings," whose riches are inexhaustible ([Ephesians 4:8](/ephesians/4-8 "Ephesians 4:8 - Christ's Gifts to the Church")). Ultimately, Esther's feast points forward to the ultimate celebration, the Marriage Supper of the Lamb, where Christ, the Bridegroom, will feast eternally with His redeemed bride, the Church, in a kingdom of everlasting joy and perfect peace ([Revelation 19:9](/revelation/19-9 "Revelation 19:9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")). Her story, therefore, is a testament to God's hidden providence working through human history to prepare for the coming of the one true Deliverer, Jesus Christ, who brings the ultimate and eternal salvation.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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: