Joe: Alright, so we've got our Bible Expert here to talk about Esther 1. What can you tell us?

Expert: Well, in Esther 1, we learn about King Ahasuerus, who reigned over the 127 provinces of his kingdom from India to Ethiopia. He held a lavish banquet for all the people of his kingdom and invited Queen Vashti to come and show off her beauty.

Joe: Wait, wait, what do you mean show off her beauty?

Expert: Well, the King wanted her to come before his court dressed in her royal robes and display her beauty before them.

Joe: So, she didn't want to?

Expert: No, she refused, so the King was very angry. He then consulted with his wise men about what to do. They said that Vashti should be replaced as Queen and a search should be made for a new one.

Joe: That's wild!

Expert: Indeed, so they searched throughout the whole kingdom and chose Esther, a beautiful young Jewish girl, to be the new Queen.

Joe: And did she accept?

Expert: Yes, she agreed to be the new Queen. She was taken to the King's palace and given seven maidservants to help her prepare for her new role. She was also given beauty treatments for twelve months so that she would look her best for the King.