The Mill Press

Esther chapter 5, "Entering the Kings Presence"
The Queen of Persia is advised to commit a capital offense by entering the throne room known as the Hall of One Hundred Columns. The foundation of the room stands today in present-day Iran, when it used to showcase the countless victories of the Persian empire. An entire hall detailing the defeat of conquered kings who defied Xerxes. This is where Esther would join in the ranks of those conquered kings and break the one rule: never enter the kings presence unless summoned. Haman, who had used the kings signet to issue a decree for the  annihilation of the Jews has been granted a private dinner prepared and hosted by the Jewish queen of Persia, Esther. A foreshadow of the last supper, a dinner between Esther, Haman, and Xerxes. A noble, a Jew, and a king sit down at a table filled with law, power, compassion, and rage. This chapter captures the heart of God when facing those who rebel against him and the character expected of those that come into his presence. 

Esther, chapter 4 "A Father's Request,"
Xerxes the Great has given authority to one of his nobles to act on his behalf, concerning the affairs of the Persian empire and the second-third generation Jewish migrants that reside there. The costumes that were meant to set them apart as God's people has made them a target of Haman's rage. A father's request and a daughters decision. Esther is now conflicted between the annihilation of her people and her own security within the palace walls. This chapter reveals to us God's amazing purpose behind our status, our favor, and even our own identity. A historical foreshadow of our own mediator between God and mankind.

Esther, chapter 3 "A Father Love"
Esther has become the queen of Persia, the wife of Xerxes I. Its been four years since she separated from her father at the gate of the palace grounds, but even so, Mordecai is constantly found sitting at the royal palace gate. He shows his devotion to the throne reporting an act of treason from the kings own royal officials who guard the gate. A capital offense, a crime punishable by execution, the method? impalement. These men are killed and their bodies are displayed as a warning for any future treason. Until Mordecai himself refused the decree of the King. In this chapter you have the wrath of a king, and the love of a father showing Gods love and justice. The death of the royal subjects, and the schemes of the upper class that leave a kingdom in turmoil; a picture of the spiritual rebellion of the world. 

The book of Esther, chapter 2, "Esther's Obedience"
King Xerxes I. is pondering Vashtis punishment and his decree to never see his wife again. His royal counsel proposes a solution, gathering all the beautiful young virgins in the kingdom from whom to choose a new queen. A contest of beauty versus character. An orphaned girl, a third generation migrant from a foreign land, is welcomed to the royal palace. How will she choose to stand out? This chapter foreshadows our own adoption to the royal family of God. How can we win the favor of God amidst his holy angels and saints?

Esther chapter 1 "Vashti's Disobedience"
The scroll of Esther is the Hebrew account of one of the most renowned historical figures in history, Xerxes I. While this book falls perfectly with the historical and archeological finding of the Persian King, it reveals to us the marriage that was erased from history due to the spite of an angered wife, Vashti. Chapter 1 accounts for Vashti's wild disrespect to the King, her husband, in front of the entire Persian kingdom. The model queen turns into the worst example for every household within the kingdom, leading Xerxes I to do the unthinkable in a marriage. A picture that foreshadows our rebellion to God, in the garden, and in our everyday choices. One choice leads to a permanent consequence. The wildest marriage is a picture of the defiant to God today. Is there a Vashti in you?