Definition: And when these days were expired, the king made a feast unto all the people that were present in Shushan the palace, both unto great and small, seven days, in the court of the garden of the kingâs palace;
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Esther 1:5. It’s a really important part of the story and it highlights a big shift in power and danger. Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: This verse tells us that when the king of Persia (the land of Shushan) was allowed to have a celebration – a feast – for everyone present in his palace, something really bad happened. It’s like a domino effect leading to disaster. Let's unpack it word by word: "And when these days were expired..." - This means the time of the celebration was coming to an end. It was nearing its conclusion. "...the king made a feast unto all the people that were present in Shushan the palace..." – The king decided to have a big party for everyone inside his palace in Shushan. He wanted to show off and celebrate. "...both unto great and small..." - This is key. It means everyone was invited, from the richest nobles to the humblest people. "seven days..." – The celebration lasted for seven days. "...in the court of the garden of the king’s palace." – This describes where it was happening – inside the royal palace gardens. So, putting it all together: The king decided to have a huge party for everyone in his palace. He let it last seven days. This wasn't just a casual gathering; it was a lavish, public event designed to impress and show off. What’s the Significance? This is a huge warning. It shows that: Power can be dangerous: The king's choice of celebration was a sign that he was becoming increasingly powerful and potentially unstable. People are vulnerable: The event wasn’t just about the king; it was inviting everyone to participate. This made the situation risky for those who might disagree with him or challenge his rule. In essence, this verse sets up a story of impending trouble because the king's celebration inadvertently invited a rebellion. It’s a pivotal moment that leads to the Jewish people being saved by Mordecai. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the story? Give you a more detailed explanation of the context (like why this event was happening)?