Ahasuerus has a lengthy part and summons his wife Vashti to show her off. She refuses and he deposes her.

• This book shows God’s providential care for and protection of Israel. Though by this time Jews had been returning to Jerusalem, these apparently did not.
• Imagine the scene in verses 5–7—decadent revelry for a half a year!
• So what did the king decide to do to Vashti and why (v. 19)?