“Now it HAPPENED in the days of Ahasuerus,…” (1) At a time in Ahasuerus’ reign when he is displaying his wealth, power and majesty, He sent eunuchs to his wife Vashti to display her beauty before all his guests. “But Queen Vashti refused to come at the king’s order delivered by the eunuchs. So the king became very angry, and his wrath burned within him.” (12) Ahasuerus did not immediately express his anger, but first consulted “…wise men who understood the times…” (13a). Then an official, Memucan, expressed concern that her disrespect to the king could trickle down through culture to the family unite creating chaos to those he served. Consequently, an edict was issued and written in the laws of Persia and Media that she could never again come into the presence of the king and her position be given to another. Not only was this calculated wisdom, preventing increased disrespect and chaos, it was God’s sovereign care and love for his people as revealed in the rest of the story. What we see as a coincidence or ‘happenings’, may turn out to be God’s providence expressing love for His people!