109 Ahasuerus Relief

Museum Description: Cast of Palace Doorway

Room: 53/Case: None/Number: ME 225

Scripture: Esther 5:2

The book Esther records the details of incidents during the rule of King Ahasuerus.  We get a fascinating insight into the workings of the Medo-Persian world power, how the empire was controlled, and the sort of rules and customs they had.  As we read that account, how do you picture the king?  Evidently the Biblical King Ahasuerus is the same as the secular King Xerxes, so here we can see what he actually looked like.  It took tremendous bravery for Esther to try to approach the king as we read in chapter 5.  If she was not favourably received, she could have been put to death.  With Jehovah's blessing, however, she was able to speak to the king and save the Jews from being wiped out.  To show that she was permitted to enter, the king held out the golden sceptre that was in his hand.  How easy it is to picture that important moment as we look at this relief!