480 B.C.
We read of a king throwing a party with no expense spared on making the palace, gardens and kingdom look jolly spiffing (1:6). The cups were gold and the wine was unceasingly poured into them (1:7).
We read of the drunken king call for his wife (with some Rabbis claiming she was to come 'wearing only her crown') to show off her beauty (most likely in an erotic dance) before the people.
She was 'beautiful to look at' and he wanted to flaunt what he enjoyed!
Later, after her refusal and de-crowning, the king wants another queen/wife and so they look for a girl with outstanding
Even Esther is in this competition, not because of her outstanding character or virtue (though this is true of her), but because she 'had a beautiful figure and was lovely to look at'. Anyway, she wins this 'sex-factor' competition and becomes queen.
2010 A.D.
Materialism, good looks, excessive wealth and sexuality seem to be the main kingdom priorities in Esther's day, and so they are in ours. A glimpse of the magazines in a newsagents proves this as the covers will most likely display something of these categories.
Our culture, like that of 480 B.C. looks no further than the skin, and perhaps no higher than the chest, as we are consumed by materialism, fashion, beauty and sex.
Hope & Pray
But there is hope. Without being said (though hinted at), it is evident that God was still sovereign and was indeed working, even within this backdrop, for the glory of His name and the good of His people.
LORD, would you be gracious to us in similar cultural backdrops. Look down and redeem us from the midst of that which would destroy us. Glorify yourself and set Your people apart as living vessels of glory for Your use.
