What kind of display would go on for six months (Esther 1:45)?
Its purpose may have been to make plans for his Greek campaign. All his nobles and the military and political leaders of Persia and Media were present. Historical sources confirm huge numbers of guests (as many as 69,574) at banquets put on by the Persian kings. The NIV Bible Commentary Why did Mordecai reveal his nationality when he had told Esther to conceal (Esther 3:4)? Mordecai s command to his adopted daughter was for her own protection; however, his refusal to obey a direct command of the king required an explanation (3:3). Since Mordecai s only reason for refusing to honor Haman was the ancient enmity of Jews and Amalekites, Mordecai told them he was a Jew. The Quest Study Bible Couldn t the queen escape such an edict (Esther 4:14)? A royal edict in ancient Persia was irrevocable and no respecter of status. It s possible that some of Esther s attendants may have suspected she was a Jew. Given the king s treatment of Vashti, it s unlikely Esther would have been spared. The Quest
