Character Studies in Esther: Vashti

"On the seventh day, when King Ahasuerus was merry with wine, he ordered the seven eunuchs in attendance to bring Queen Vashti before him wearing her royal crown, to display her beauty to the people and the officials; for she was a beautiful woman". 

Esther 1:10-11

During his third year on the throne, King Ahasuerus decided to host a party in the city of Susa. The celebration lasted for half a year and concluded with a week-long drinking festival, during which both the king and his guests consumed vast quantities of alcohol. In his drunken stupor, King Ahasuerus decided that he wanted to show off his wife's beauty, so he commanded Queen Vashti to appear before his male guests. The text doesn’t say exactly how she was told to appear, only that she was to wear her royal crown. But...given the king's drunkenness and the fact that all his male guests were likewise intoxicated, tradition inform us Vashti was likely commanded to show herself naked – wearing only her crown. 

Vashti received the summons and refused to comply. Her decision had dire implications. We should recall these events occurred at a time in history when most women were owned by their father or husband. They had no unalienable rights apart from them. Humiliation was surely a daily occurrence and would not be considered sufficient to risk her very life. The name Vashti originates from the Persian word “vaištī”, meaning  - "best, excellent." At least in this instance she was strong...self-aware.  She acquitted herself well. 

So...who was Vashti...that she was willing to make such a momentous decision?

Vashti was great-granddaughter of King Nebuchadnezzar II  and daughter of King Belshazzar. When the Medea-Persian empire invaded, Vashti was kidnapped and given, by King Darius, to his son Ahasuerus to marry.  So...she was a daughter of privilege...likely accustomed to a level of deference from those surrounding her. A deference derived not on her own but...on account of her lineage.

Of course, the king was angry with her decision and asked his advisers how Vashti should be punished for her disobedience. His adviser Memucan told him that Vashti has wronged not only the king, but also all of the husbands of Persia, whose wives may be encouraged by Vashti's actions to disobey. Memucan encouraged Ahasuerus to dismiss Vashti and find another queen. Ahasuerus took Memucan's advice. He could have executed her but showed mercy and banished her.

Life’s choices are not about us...assuaging our personal preferences or securing our “safe spot”.  Like Vashti, we are “Children of the King”. We ought to have a sense of ourselves and who we represent. It should mean something. We should be able to recognize there are some things people like us cannot countenance. They reflect poorly on the family we represent and the King who has purchased us with His blood. 

But...it could cost us everything. Vashti was willing to take that risk and her benefactors are long dead and gone...as is she. We serve the eternal God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Maybe it’s time we step up our game...

Live boldly out there today...

A Lesson From the Book of Esther

King Xerxes of Persia lived in his capital city of Susa and ruled one hundred twenty-seven provinces from India to Ethiopia. During the third year of his rule, Xerxes gave a big dinner for all his officials and officers. The governors and leaders of the provinces were also invited, and even the commanders of the Persian and Median armies came. For one hundred eighty days he showed off his wealth and spent a lot of money to impress his guests with the greatness of his kingdom. Esther 1:1,3-4

We are reminded, from many sources, that the name of Yahweh is not once mentioned in the book of Esther. We should not, then, be surprised at the debauched and narcissistic actions of the king. After all, when the presence of God disappears from national consciousness something will fill that void. As is often the case, Xerxes found himself “up to the task”. 

And, the Jews did not generally take exception. These events occurred around 470BC...between chapters 6 and 7 of the book of Ezra. When King Cyrus allowed the Hebrews to return to Judaea, the majority remained in Persia. After decades of living there, many had assimilated and were comfortably satisfied. I suggest they were not wicked...just lukewarm about their destiny as God’s chosen people.

This begs the question: when we leave the path that leads to our destiny, how many ways can we go wrong? As we read through this short book we find the answer is, “countless”.

On the other hand, we find, although Yahweh disappeared from national consciousness...He did not disappear from the national stage. God is jealous for His people and will always be with them even when they are not with Him. When the evil leaders of Persia determined to destroy God’s children...He stepped in.

Persia is a metaphor for this earth. Just as the Hebrews were dwelling in Persia but Judaea was there home, you and I (as believers) merely dwell here on earth. Heaven is our home. And, our Persia is not measurably preferable to ancient Persia. It is debauched, depraved and devolved from every Godly standard. So, why would you and I be so intent on staying put? Have we convinced ourselves this is as good as it gets? Well, in this life...yes. Furthermore, I assure you, the time will come when you and I are regarded as enemies and will be the objects of destruction.

We don’t have the option to walk out the gate and head toward Heaven...as the Hebrews had with Judaea. But, if we did...would we go? We may be acceptably comfortable, even assimilated to life here on earth but a “Haman” is coming, who’s sole purpose is to destroy you in me. When that time comes, Heaven will look a whole lot more appealing. I suggest we begin our journey by lifting our eyes to the heavens now...imagining our citizenship in God’s glorious kingdom...so when the time comes we won’t be conflicted. We will eagerly seek our eternal destiny where “He will wipe every tear from [our] eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." Rev 21:14

Live boldly out there today...