Esther 1:1 says, Now it came to pass in the days of Ahasuerus, (this is Ahasuerus which reigned, from India even unto Ethiopia, over an hundred and seven and twenty provinces. Esther was written during the same time frame as Ezra and Nehemiah, but was written about those people of Israel who did not have enough zeal for Jerusalem and the Temple to return to rebuild them. It tells of God’s providence in saving them from destruction even though they were not being faithful to Him. They were not spared because of their worthiness but because of God’s promise to Abraham. We are still saved by that same promise that was fulfilled when Jesus Christ died for our sins, but for it to benefit us, we must accept Him individually as our Savior and Lord. God spares us until we have a chance to do so. Matthew Henry says that the book was most likely written by Mordecai though we aren’t really told who wrote it. As this verse states, it was written during the reign of Ahasuerus over Persia, though as Matthew Henry states, we are not sure exactly who he was. I am sure that some people who do not believe in God would say that since we cannot find mention of Ahasuerus anywhere else that this proves the Bible is wrong, but we either put our faith in the word of God regardless of any earthly proof or we don’t. Google says it is a transliteration of the name Xerxes or Artaxerxes. The Persians ruled over a great deal of the country at that time.
Verse two adds, That in those days, when the king Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which was in Shushan the palace, This verse simply repeats that Ahasuerus ruled over Persia when this was written.
Verse three continues, 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: In the third year of his reign, he made a feast for all his princes and servants in Persia and Media. I believe this was to glorify himself before all the princes and nobles who served under him. Matthew Henry says that they weren’t all present at the same time, but came a few at a time throughout this period so he would always have someone present to praise him. I believe that as Christians we should always be wary of anyone who needs everyone around him or her to praise them. We may still have rulers in the world today who have if not feasts then parades to glorify themselves and everyone under their rule is expected to participate. As followers of Christ, we cannot glorify any earthly ruler.
Verse four concludes, When he shewed the riches of his glorious kingdom and the honour of his excellent majesty many days, even an hundred and fourscore days. This feast celebrating the glory of Ahasuerus lasted for a hundred and eighty days. They celebrated for almost half a year honoring him. We cannot spend even one day glorifying anyone but God if we are a Christian.