Vashti
She was Queen during the reign of Ahasuerus. She was removed from her duties when she refused to show herself to the guests at a royal banquet. Since she or Esther is unknown in secular history, many have suggested that they were inferior wives or concubines who were simply dignified with the title 'queen.' Persian custom dictated that the kings would ordinarily eat with their legitimate wives, but when they wanted to 'riot and drink,' they would send their wives away and call in their concubines. While this citation is often used to support the judgment that Vashti was called because she was only a concubine, the opposite conclusion better explains Vashti's refusal to come.
Her husband the king wanted her to appear with just her royal crown on and Vashti refused, she did not want to show herself in front of all these drunk men. The king was furious and Vashti was dismissed. Her behavior should serve as an example for all the women in the kingdom.
The story of Vashti can be found in Esther 1:9-19.
'On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas, the seven chamberlains that served in the presence of Ahasuerus the king, To bring Vasti the queen before the king with the crown royal, to shew the people and the princes her beauty: for she was fair to look on.' Esther 1:10, 11.
until next time...nel
No comments:
Post a Comment