Definition: And the king Ahasuerus laid a tribute upon the land, and [upon] the isles of the sea.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Esther 10:1. It's a pretty interesting piece of history! Here’s what it means in simple terms: Basically, King Ahasuerus (a powerful ruler in Persia) was giving money and gifts to the people and islands of the sea – which is basically the Persian Gulf and surrounding areas. Let's unpack that a little further: “Esther 10:1”: This is the title of the verse, referencing the story of Esther. “And the king Ahasuerus…” - We know this was a significant event in Persian history. King Ahasuerus was a powerful ruler during the time of the Second Persian Empire. “…laid a tribute upon the land…” – This means he offered money and resources to the people and islands of the sea. Think of it like a regular tax or contribution. “…and [upon] the isles of the sea.” - This is the key part! It specifically refers to the Persian Gulf and the surrounding areas – the coastlines of what is now Iran, Iraq, and parts of Kuwait and Bahrain. So, it’s a historical detail about a royal act of generosity and wealth. Why is this important? This event is significant because: It shows Ahasuerus was generous: It highlights his willingness to give to the people. It sets the stage for Esther's role: The story then unfolds with Esther, a young Jewish woman, becoming a crucial figure in persuading King Ahasuerus to change his mind and allow her to help him find a way to end a war that was threatening his kingdom. In short, this verse tells us about a king giving money to the people of Persia – a small but important detail within a larger story of power, generosity, and destiny. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the context of Esther 10?