Ahasuerus אֲחַשְׁוֵרוֹשׁ
Persian Emperor (probably Xerxes I); husband of Esther
Biography
Ahasuerus, probably Xerxes I, was the king of Persia during the events described in the book of Esther. He ruled over a vast empire from India to Ethiopia. In the third year of his reign, Ahasuerus held a lavish banquet and requested the presence of his queen, Vashti. When she refused to come, the king deposed her. (Est.1)
A search was made for a new queen, and Esther, a young Jewish woman, was chosen. Esther kept her Jewish identity secret. (Est.2) Later, Haman, a high official, plotted to destroy the Jews due to his hatred for Mordecai, Esther's cousin. Haman convinced Ahasuerus to issue a decree allowing the annihilation of the Jews. (Est.3).
Esther revealed her Jewish identity to Ahasuerus and exposed Haman's plot. The king ordered Haman's execution and issued a new decree allowing the Jews to defend themselves. (Est.7-8) The Jews were victorious over their enemies, and Ahasuerus promoted Mordecai to a high position in the kingdom. (Est.9-10).
Ahasuerus is also mentioned in Ezr.4.6, where his reign is associated with opposition to the rebuilding of Jerusalem, and in Dan.9.1, as the father of Darius the Mede. Xerxes I ruled 486 to 465.
Family
In Scripture
3 biblical books ; 3 with study contentEzra 1 verse
- Ezra 4:6
"In the reign of Ahasuerus, in the beginning of his reign, they wrote an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem."
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Esther 5 verses
- Esther 1:1
"Now in the days of Ahasuerus (this is Ahasuerus who reigned from India even to Ethiopia, over one hundred twenty-seven provinces),"
Study Esther → - Esther 1:2
"in those days, when the King Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which was in Susa the palace,"
Study Esther → - Esther 1:9
"Also Vashti the queen made a feast for the women in the royal house which belonged to King Ahasuerus."
Study Esther → - Esther 1:10
"On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcass, the seven eunuchs who served in the presence of Ahasuerus the king,"
Study Esther → - Esther 1:15
"“What shall we do to the queen Vashti according to law, because she has not done the bidding of the King Ahasuerus by the eunuchs?”"
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Daniel 1 verse
- Daniel 9:1
"In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, of the offspring of the Medes, who was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans,"
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Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Strong's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | אֲחַשְׁוֵרוֹשׁ | H0325 |
| (same form as previous) | Hebrew | אֲחַשְׁוֵרוֹשׁ | H0325 |