There is a common theme running from the Book of Genesis through Revelation; God invites man into His presence (mercy), man refuses, man is then banished from God’s presence (wrath).
Adam and Eve could have eaten from the tree of life and lived forever in God’s presence. They refused and were banished from God’s presence in Eden the Garden of God.
Israel is invited to be with God at Mount Sinai. They refused by running from God and this rebellion led to their banishment and subsequent death in the wilderness.
God invites the children of Israel to recognize Him as their King. Israel refuses God as their king and chooses a human king. This ultimately leads to sin and the banishment from God of the whole nation of Israel.
Jesus tells us the same story with a twist – others will be invited to take the place of those banished (cf. Romans 11:17).
NKJ Matthew 22:1 And Jesus answered and spoke to them again by parables and said: 2 "The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who arranged a marriage for his son, 3 "and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding; and they were not willing to come. 4 "Again, he sent out other servants, saying, 'Tell those who are invited, "See, I have prepared my dinner; my oxen and fatted cattle are killed, and all things are ready. Come to the wedding." ' 5 "But they made light of it and went their ways, one to his own farm, another to his business. 6 "And the rest seized his servants, treated them spitefully, and killed them. 7 "But when the king heard about it, he was furious. And he sent out his armies, destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. 8 "Then he said to his servants, 'The wedding is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy. 9 'Therefore go into the highways, and as many as you find, invite to the wedding.' 10 "So those servants went out into the highways and gathered together all whom they found, both bad and good. And the wedding hall was filled with guests. 11 "But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw a man there who did not have on a wedding garment. 12 "So he said to him, 'Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?' And he was speechless. 13 "Then the king said to the servants, 'Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'
Jesus, the consummate teacher, would use the known to explain the unknown. An unjust judge, a familiar character, was juxtaposed with God the just judge.
NKJ Luke 18:1 Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, 2 saying: "There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man. 3 "Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, 'Get justice for me from my adversary.' 4 "And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, 'Though I do not fear God nor regard man, 5 'yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.' " 6 Then the Lord said, "Hear what the unjust judge said. 7 "And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? 8 "I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?"
In a similar manner Ahasuerus is used to illustrate the dealings of God with Israel (similar to the unjust judge being used to teach us about the just judge God). Ahasuerus is king of the world and treats his subjects, including his wife, to blessings and liberty without end. Then he invites her into his presence – she refuses and is banished. Vashti represents the nation of Israel who refused to come into God’s presence. Vashti is banished. Ester – the church – is chosen to take Vashti’s place. She is treated with the King’s oil (the anointing of the Holy Spirit) and perfume (representing obedience through death to self). She only wants what Hegai (her helper, guide, coach, etc. representing the Holy Spirit) tells her to do, say, or be before the King. She becomes the bride without spot or wrinkle.
Do not ever forget, MERCY rejected leaves only wrath!
