Three Royal Banquets: The book of Esther opens with an extended description of a royal banquet in the Persian court of Xerxes I. More precisely, there are descriptions of three banquets: one for the noblemen and other male dignitaries, one for the male commoners, and one for the women.

Banqueting is a central motif in Esther. There are feasts (mishtot) at the beginning and end of Esther, and the same root (sh-t-h) is used at crucial turning points throughout the story. In chapter 1, the celebrations for the men provide an opportunity for the king to display his enormous wealth and power and to provide generously for his subjects. In response to this display and provision, the royal host anticipates gratitude, respect, and loyalty. He is threatened when the unanticipated happens.

Many other m…