Xerxes/Ahasuerus

A powerful king of the Medes and the Persians. The name Ahasuerus is the Hebrew name for Xerxes. Xerxes reigned from about 486 to 465 BC and was the son of Darius. After becoming angry with his queen, Vashti, he decided to find a new wife. He later chose Esther, the cousin of Mordecai, to be the new queen. At the request of Haman, his chief officer, Xerxes wrote a law that all Jews were to be killed on a certain day. When Esther explained to the king about this evil plan, Xerxes ordered Haman to be executed. The Jews were allowed to protect themselves from harm.