The Persian KingsSample

When Xerxes secured full power, the relationship between the Persians and the Jews had become increasingly strained. His own thirst for power contributed to this. Cyrus’s friends were Xerxes’ enemies. For example, while Cyrus had been a friend to enemies such as Babylon in his time, Xerxes reversed the relationship and subjugated them instead. He tore down their golden statues, melting them for all to see. Xerxes positioned himself to be the one and only rule. He showed no mercy. He extended no grace. His heart beat to the drum of total dominion, seeking to conquer and exploit all within reach.

But not only did Xerxes reverse the nature of the external relationships outside Persian culture which had once been cultivated by his grandfather and father, his reputation for fierce rule was also felt within his own domain. The story is told of one of his leaders named Pythias (a descendant of a king himself) who once received a bad omen about an upcoming battle which Xerxes had demanded that all able-bodied men take part in. Pythias felt that the battle was unwinnable and that he risked losing all five of his sons in the defeat. Thus, he inquired of the king if his oldest son might be spared from entrance into the fight. In this manner, Pythias might retain one of his sons in order to provide him with an heir, as well as someone to take care of him in his old age.

Xerxes’ response echoed far and wide, dismantling the trust of all under his rule while replacing it with nothing but sheer fear. Rather than allow Pythias’s oldest son to be exempt from the battle, Xerxes ordered that his oldest son be cut in two. Then he had one section of his corpse placed on each side of the road upon which his army, including Pythias and his remaining four sons, would march on as they headed into war.

Esther’s king was no pushover. Xerxes was a king to be feared, and for good reason. Thus, while the Jews had received some level of lenience from Cyrus and Darius previously, those living during Xerxes’ reign would not have looked to him for the same.

If you enjoyed reading about the pathways God providentially designs, learn more about Tony's book "Pathways." Simply click here.  We want to thank B&H Publishers for these excerpts from Tony Evans' book "Pathways: From Providence to Purpose, published in 2019.