The king and his princes were pleased with this counsel;This phrase indicates the approval of King Xerxes (Ahasuerus) and his officials regarding the advice given by Memucan. In the context of the Persian Empire, the king's court was a place of significant political influence, and the approval of the princes suggests a consensus among the ruling elite. This reflects the hierarchical structure of the Persian government, where the king's decisions were often influenced by his advisors. The cultural context of the time placed a high value on maintaining order and authority, especially within the royal household. The approval of the counsel also highlights the importance of unity among the king's advisors, which was crucial for the stability of the empire.
so the king did as Memucan advised.
This part of the verse shows the king's decision to act on the advice given by Memucan, which involved deposing Queen Vashti. This action underscores the absolute authority of the king in the Persian Empire, where his word was law. It also reflects the cultural norms regarding the role and behavior of women in the royal court, emphasizing obedience and submission. The decision to follow Memucan's counsel can be seen as a means to reinforce the king's authority and prevent any perceived challenges to his rule. This event sets the stage for Esther's rise to queenship, which is a pivotal moment in the narrative, demonstrating God's providence and the unfolding of His plan for the Jewish people. The king's compliance with Memucan's advice also illustrates the theme of divine sovereignty, where God uses human decisions to fulfill His purposes, as seen throughout the biblical narrative.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I)The Persian king who ruled over 127 provinces from India to Cush. He is central to the events of the Book of Esther.
2.
MemucanOne of the seven princes of Persia and Media who had access to the king's presence and sat first in the kingdom. He advised the king on matters of state, including the situation with Queen Vashti.
3.
Princes of Persia and MediaHigh-ranking officials who served as advisors to King Ahasuerus. They played a role in the decision-making process regarding Queen Vashti.
4.
Queen VashtiThe queen who refused the king's command to appear before him and his guests, leading to her removal from her position.
5.
Susa (Shushan)The capital of the Persian Empire where the events of the Book of Esther take place.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Wise CounselSeeking advice from trusted and wise individuals is crucial in making sound decisions. As believers, we should surround ourselves with godly counsel.
The Influence of LeadershipLeaders have a significant impact on the direction and morale of their people. It is vital for leaders to act with integrity and wisdom, as their decisions affect many.
The Consequences of DecisionsEvery decision has consequences, both immediate and long-term. We must consider the potential outcomes of our actions and seek God's guidance in our choices.
Respect and AuthorityThe account highlights the dynamics of respect and authority within relationships. Understanding and respecting roles can prevent conflict and promote harmony.
God's Sovereignty in Human AffairsEven in secular settings, God's hand is at work. The events in Esther demonstrate that God can use any situation to fulfill His purposes.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Esther 1:21?
2.How does Esther 1:21 illustrate the importance of wise counsel in decision-making?
3.What role does submission to authority play in Esther 1:21's context?
4.How can Esther 1:21 guide us in respecting leadership within the church?
5.In what ways does Esther 1:21 connect with Romans 13:1 on authority?
6.How can we apply the principle of unity from Esther 1:21 today?
7.How does Esther 1:21 reflect the cultural norms of ancient Persia?
8.What does Esther 1:21 reveal about the role of women in the biblical narrative?
9.How does Esther 1:21 align with the overall theme of authority in the Book of Esther?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Esther 1?
11.If the heavenly messenger was so powerful, why would it take 21 days to overcome the opposing force, as implied in Daniel 10:13?
12.How do we explain the sudden divine mercy shown to Ahab in 1 Kings 21:27-29 when his earlier actions were so thoroughly condemned?
13.How historically reliable is the vast domain of King Ahasuerus described in Esther 1:1, from India to Ethiopia?
14.What historical documentation supports or contradicts the swift execution of Naboth described in 1 Kings 21:13-14?What Does Esther 1:21 Mean
The king and his princes“The king and his princes” shows that Xerxes did not act in isolation (Esther 1:21).
• Royal decrees in Persia required the backing of counselors (cf.Daniel 6:15–16).
• Scripture highlights the weight of rulers surrounding themselves with trustworthy advisers—seeProverbs 11:14; 29:12.
• The princes’ involvement underscores accountability; when leadership is united, decisions carry national impact, as also seen in1 Kings 12:1–14.
Were pleasedTheir pleasure signals unanimous approval.
• Similar royal satisfaction occurs when Solomon’s request “pleased the Lord” (1 Kings 3:10).
• Public affirmation safeguards a decree from later reversal (cf.Daniel 6:14).
• In human terms, Xerxes’ satisfaction foreshadows his unwavering execution of the plan, reminding us that earthly delight does not always equal divine approval (Proverbs 14:12).
With this counselMemucan’s proposal (Esther 1:19) was to depose Vashti and proclaim male headship throughout the empire.
• The moment illustratesProverbs 15:22—“Without counsel plans fail.”
• At the same time,Isaiah 8:10 warns that counsel opposed to God’s ideals ultimately shatters.
• Here, the Persian court elevates cultural stability over marital reconciliation; the narrative exposes the limits of worldly wisdom.
So the king didXerxes’ swift obedience reveals his character.
• He ratifies Memucan’s advice with royal authority (compareEsther 2:1; also seeDaniel 3:29 where a decree is enacted instantly).
• Scripture often portrays kings acting impulsively to preserve honor—consider Herod inMark 6:26–28.
• The verse cautions readers about how quickly unchecked power can codify questionable counsel.
As Memucan advisedMemucan’s influence becomes law.
•Psalm 1:1 warns against “walking in the counsel of the wicked.”
•2 Chronicles 22:3–4 depicts the downfall of a king who heeded ungodly advice.
•1 Corinthians 15:33 echoes the principle: “Bad company corrupts good character.”
The Persian empire’s vast communication network ensured every household received Memucan’s perspective, shaping gender roles for millions (Esther 1:22).
summaryEsther 1:21 records an empire-wide agreement: Xerxes and his princes gladly adopt Memucan’s proposal, illustrating how consensual yet flawed human judgment can harden into irreversible policy. The verse warns against uncritically embracing worldly counsel, underscores the responsibility of leaders to seek godly wisdom, and sets the stage for God’s providence in raising up Esther amid the consequences of this very decree.
Verse 21. -
The king did according to the word of Memucan. This expression must not be pressed too closely. It does not imply more than that Memucan's advice was followed in a general way - Vashti disgraced, and the grounds of her disgrace published throughout the provinces. We cannot be sure that the decree was "written among the laws of the Persians and the Medes." Even if it was, it was always possible for a Persian king to give himself a dispensation from the law (see Herod., 3:58).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
The kingהַמֶּ֖לֶךְ(ham·me·leḵ)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428:A kingand his princesוְהַשָּׂרִ֑ים(wə·haś·śā·rîm)Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 8269:Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, princewere pleasedוַיִּיטַב֙(way·yî·ṭaḇ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3190:To be good, well, glad, or pleasingwith this counsel;הַדָּבָ֔ר(had·dā·ḇār)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1697:A word, a matter, thing, a causeso the kingהַמֶּ֖לֶךְ(ham·me·leḵ)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428:A kingdidוַיַּ֥עַשׂ(way·ya·‘aś)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6213:To do, makeas Memucanמְמוּכָֽן׃(mə·mū·ḵān)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4462:Memucan -- a prince of Persia and Mediahad advised.כִּדְבַ֥ר(kiḏ·ḇar)Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1697:A word, a matter, thing, a cause
Links
Esther 1:21 NIVEsther 1:21 NLTEsther 1:21 ESVEsther 1:21 NASBEsther 1:21 KJV
Esther 1:21 BibleApps.comEsther 1:21 Biblia ParalelaEsther 1:21 Chinese BibleEsther 1:21 French BibleEsther 1:21 Catholic Bible
OT History: Esther 1:21 This advice pleased the king and (Est Esth. Es) 
