Vashti. Who was she? Why is Vashti so important in Esther’s story? Vashti and Esther were two women who had important roles in history that determined the outcome for many. Each woman had unique qualities, yet their stories are intertwined. Scripture shares how Vashti and Esther were both queens to the same king at different times. Both women were beautiful. What made the two women beautiful? Their eyes, their hair, or soft skin? Beauty is personal and different for every person. The importance of Vashti’s role in paving the way for Esther to become the chosen queen can teach us many valuable lessons.
The book of Esther gives us some insight into the life of Vashti. We do not learn many specific details about Vashti. However, Scripture tells us that Vashti was wife to King Ahasuerus (or Xerxes). The king would have chosen a beautiful woman for his wife. The outward appearance of his queen would have been impressive to his friends and enemies. The king was powerful and greedy. He wanted every man of nobility to see his wealth and his beautiful wife. King Ahasuerus held a banquet for all the men in Susa (Esther 1:4-7 NIV). Scripture describes royal goblets of gold, couches of gold to lounge upon, and an abundance of royal wine.
Vashti held a banquet for the women. There is no description of the items used at the women’s banquet.
Scripture shares that the banquet for the men of nobility, the officials, and ministers lasted for 180 days. After that banquet, the king gave a banquet for all people that lasted seven days. These banquets were filled with drink and merriment. There were possibly loud voices and singing.
There is no mention of God in the book of Esther. Yet, we can learn from Vashti’s actions as she chose to make a strong decision to possibly protect herself and others.
On the seventh day of the banquet given by the king, he commanded his eunuchs to bring Queen Vashti to the gathering of men. The king wanted to show off her extraordinary beauty (Esther 1:11 NIV). Some historians suggest that perhaps the king wanted her to appear without clothing, only wearing the royal crown. Can you imagine the sounds of the gathering? Loud voices, laughter, food being eaten with noisy slurps and burps may have filled the air. King Ahasuerus gave the men permission to drink as they desired and without restraint. Historians say that guests usually drank the same amount as the king. Cup for cup. This time, the guests were instructed to drink any amount they desired.
The king demanded queen Vashti stand before the guests. He wanted to impress each man with his wealth and also his beautiful wife.
Vashti didn’t want any part of being on display. Was she afraid for her well-being? Could she have been afraid of what might happen to her as she stood on display before the guests?
Queen Vashti refused to go to the king and be presented to the men. She did not want to appear wearing only the royal crown.
Vashti was brave in her decision. During that time in history, women were expected to obey whatever their husbands demanded. Her choice to defy his request was controversial and dangerous.
In disobeying the command of her husband to appear before the men, she had shamed the king before his people. He had to think of some way to punish Vashti.
The king asked his advisors for their opinion on how to deal with Vashti. He knew she must be made an example for other women so they would not disobey their husbands.
Therefore, a major decision was given. Her royal position would be given to another who was better than Vashti. By Vashti choosing to make a firm choice of not standing in front of the guests, her fate had been decided. She would no longer be queen.
Although we don’t know the exact amount of time between the banishment of Vashti and the choosing of the next queen, we can wonder about the emotions of everyone involved. Was the king pleased with his decision after the effects of the wine wore off? Would he forget about Vashti as the new queen took her place?
Scripture tells us that all the young virgins were brought to the king so he could choose a replacement.
This is where we learn about Esther, the cousin of Mordecai. Esther was brought to the king, along with other young women. Esther did not reveal her heritage in order to keep Mordecai and herself safe.
King Ahasuerus chose Esther and made her the new queen.
Vashti was banished from the kingdom because of her bold choice to disobey her husband. Women were expected to follow the decisions of their husbands and not complain. This was a way of life.
When Vashti woke the morning of the banquet, she probably had no idea what the day would bring. Vashti may have followed a daily routine and then prepared for the banquet. She would hold the banquet for the women while her husband held a banquet for the men. Perhaps finalizing preparations for the party was part of her day.
Little did she know that by the end of the day, she would be banished from the kingdom and her crown and title would be given to another woman.
Without the bold and courageous decision of Vashti choosing not to be presented as an object of lust, Esther would not have become queen and taken her place in history. Esther was a young orphan who became the Persian queen. Esther and her cousin Mordecai helped rescue the Jews of the Persian Empire from Haman the Agagite’s evil plot. Haman had intended to kill the Jews. He cast lots to determine the date of the genocide he intended to carry out. The Festival of Purim celebrates the salvation of the Jews.
How interesting that at one point, the king sees Queen Esther and is so taken with her beauty, he asks what she desires. He even offers to give her half of his kingdom.
Esther uses her position as queen to accomplish her goal. She wanted to stop an evil plot designed by Haman. She was able to halt the plot and save her cousin Mordecai from death. Haman took the death intended for Mordecai.
God is not mentioned in the book of Esther. God is unseen and not acknowledged. The choices made by each person in this Scripture are unique and personal.
The choices we have presented before us each day can help us have a personal relationship with God. By reading Scripture and learning what people have experienced before us can help us to understand each other better. Yes, there will always be questions and we will always have the opportunity to make the right choice or the wrong choice in life.
We can find comfort in knowing that God is with us. He will guide us as we make decisions. When we go to the Father and ask for His help, we are able to listen and be alert for His way. Some choices are difficult. Some are easy. With God at the center of our life, we can rest in knowing His plan for us is best. We never have to make decisions alone.
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Yurii Kifor
Melissa is the author of Licky the Lizard and Grumpy the Gator. Her passions are helping in the community and church. Melissa is an Elder, Deacon, and Stephen Minister.
Follow Melissa on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and at http://www.melissaghenderson.com
This article is part of our People of Christianity catalog that features the stories, meaning, and significance of well-known people from the Bible and history. Here are some of the most popular articles for knowing important figures in Christianity:
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