Later when King Xerxes' fury had subsided, he remembered Vashti and what she had done and what he had decreed about her. - Esther 2:1 (NIV)
"Four years transpired between the banishment of Vashti and the selection of the new queen." - (page 36)
Beth mentions Xerxes was at war during some of that time frame. Maybe he had tried to forget what had happened and used war as a distraction.
"Four years transpired between the banishment of Vashti and the selection of the new queen." - (page 36)
Beth mentions Xerxes was at war during some of that time frame. Maybe he had tried to forget what had happened and used war as a distraction.
He may have been trying to bottle some emotions and bury his hurt/feelings (including the possibility of any love he might have felt for Vashti and grieving in regards to losing her).
I believe he had experienced humiliation, hurt pride, and feeling disrespected and that those are at least a few of the reasons he became consumed by fury in the first place.
During the time period before his fury subsided, I think he was living in a pit of self-absorbancy and selfishness that was actually destructive. I believe the fury clouded his thinking, judgment, and decision-making.
On page 35, Beth asks what we think Esther 2:1 means by "he remembered Vashti".
Since time had passed and because he seemed to have been so self-absorbed, as well as the fact that it seems he had pushed some feelings deep down inside, Vashti might not have been forefront in his mind.
Once he settled down enough (after his fury had subsided) and came out of that pit, he was able to reflect on things, think clearly, and experience some emotions he had suppressed.
BEAUTY
Before a young woman's turn came to go in to King Xerxes, she had to complete twelve months of beauty treatments prescribed for the women, six months with oil of myrrh and six with perfumes and cosmetics. - Esther 2:12
From page 37:
"According to Esther 2:2, what kind of women were sought out to receive these beauty treatments?"
"Those who were already young and beautiful."
"Ironically, no one feels more pressured to look good than those who already do."
"You and I both know beautiful women who are so insecure..."
The enemy's lies can cause a woman to believe she isn't beautiful. These lies can come via thoughts, other people's words, etc.
It is so important to look to God to show us our beauty.
In a book I read a while back, the author(s) stated that "girls want to know, "Am I lovely?"" and that we should "bring our heart’s Question to God".
I would really love for all of you to watch the two short videos below. They both have amazing messages. The first one is about 4 minutes in length and the second is around 3 minutes long.
I would really love for all of you to watch the two short videos below. They both have amazing messages. The first one is about 4 minutes in length and the second is around 3 minutes long.
The above are things I've learned and/or my thoughts in regards to week 2 day 1. Feel free to share your thoughts and/or things you took away from this homework lesson in the comments section below. (If you are reading this in your email, you can click HERE and it will take you to this post on the seek Him blog site where you will be able to view the following videos and leave a comment if you choose to do so.)
I believe every female should hear this song:
Nichole Nordeman - 'Beautiful For Me'
Dove® Beauty Sketches
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