Ahasuerus

Ahasuerus is the king named in Esther, first identified as reigning from India to Cush over one hundred twenty-seven provinces and sitting on the royal throne in the citadel of Susa (Esther 1:1; Esther 1:2). He is named in at least 28 verses, all in Esther.

The opening passages place Queen Vashti’s feast in his royal house and report that he commanded her to be brought before him (Esther 1:9; Esther 1:17). Afterward, a proposed royal edict stated that Vashti was not again to come before him and that her royal position should be given to another (Esther 1:19).

Later, Ahasuerus promoted Haman above the other officials (Esther 3:1). An edict was written in the king’s name and sealed with his ring (Esther 3:12). After Haman’s house was given to Queen Esther, the king said that Haman had been hanged because he stretched out his hand against the Jews (Esther 8:1; Esther 8:7). Mordecai is finally described as second to King Ahasuerus (Esther 10:3).