A king's tribute and power.
Ahasuerus is certainly not brought before us in this book as a model king. He was careless of the lives of his subjects, indifferent to justice, callous to suffering, capricious in his likings, and fond of his own pleasure and ease. If Xerxes be the Ahasuerus of this book, it would be hard to light in history upon a character less worthy of respect. Yet he was, if not a great king, king of a great empire—an embodiment of the idea of sovereignty and monarchy.
I. Observe THE CHARACTER OF HIS DOMINION. He levied taxes upon the land and upon the isles of the sea. He exercised power and might over his subjects. He was responsible to no earthly authority.
II. Observe THE EXTENT OF HIS DOMINION. Not only in this verse, but throughout the book, the vastness of the Persian empire and the might of the Persian sceptre appear as a great fact in the world's history.
III. Observe THE LIMITS OF HIS POWER. The Most High ruled, as he ever does rule, and turned the heart of the subject king as he would. We feel that the moving power in the great transaction was Divine. Man rules, but God overrules.
IV. THE POWER OF AHASUERUS SUGGESTS THE AUTHORITY AND EMPIRE OF GOD HIMSELF. Not only by similitude, but also by contrast. This earthly king was defeated by the Greeks, despised by his subjects, assassinated by his servants, and his kingdom passed away to be no more seen. But "the Lord reigneth." "His dominion is an everlasting dominion." "Of his glory there is no end." He demands the submission of our will and the tribute of our praise.
The greatness of Mordecai.
Before taking leave of this interesting and typical character, it may be well to review the elements of the greatness which, in these two passages, is so glowingly ascribed to him. Mordecai's greatness was—
1. A contrast to his former humiliation at the door of the palace,
2. A contrast to the ignominious death for which at one time he seemed destined,
3. A state for which his past sufferings and patience had probably, in a measure, prepared him.
4. Directly occasioned by his act of loyalty and faithfulness,
5. Occasioned by the discovery of Haman his enemy's malice,
6. Concerted with the royalty of his relative, Esther.
7. The direct bestowment of the king, Ahasuerus.
8. Manifest in the palace,
9. Extending to all the provinces of the vast empire, where his fame was known and his power was felt.
10. Progressive, for he became greater and greater,
11. Exercised for the public good; in this respect a signal contrast to him he replaced,
12. Recorded in the chronicles of the Persian kingdom for the information of future generations,
13. Recorded and sanctified in a book of canonical Scripture for the instruction and encouragement of fidelity and piety throughout all time.
14. Permanently commemorated in the interesting Jewish festival of Purim.