Esther, Born for Such a Time as ThisChikamu

The book of Esther reads like a movie script, full of suspense, violence and the illusion of romance; at least that is how I looked at it as a small girl in Sunday school! Yet it is a true story, and although God’s name is not mentioned, we clearly see God’s hand in this part of the history of His people. We may tend to think that God is silently watching how we live our lives here on earth from heaven, but that is definitely not the case, which we will see as we proceed through this story.

Today’s focus is about queen Vashti. We do not know much about her. Vashti means: beautiful, like a rose. King Ahasuerus reigned three years and decided to hold a feast for six months at the citadel in Susa. He invited his army as well as all the nobles and kings from 127 governing regions. Was this to consolidate his power? We don’t read this in the text, but it could be very likely.

Subsequently, he threw another banquet for seven days in the enclosed garden of his palace for all those living in Susa, an overwhelming display of riches and wealth. Abundant food and drink were served to each man attending. This celebration was a great success, and on the last day King Ahasuerus ordered his servants to bring before him queen Vashti wearing her royal crown, in order to display her beauty to the people and nobles.

Then the unthinkable happens. Queen Vashti held her own feast with the women and refused to come—a shocking decision, especially in that time. What was her reason to refuse? Was it pride or rebellion? We do not know. According to Jewish scholars she was ordered to come before the king unclothed, wearing only the royal crown; that could be the reason she refused, but we don’t see this in the Bible.

We can safely assume that her refusal was an immense offense for King Ahasuerus and his guests. The king's counselors (experts in matters of law and justice) foresaw huge problems, advised him to expel Vashti from the palace, and recommended that she should never enter his presence again.

God’s Word does not always give us detailed explanations, yet we can trust Him. He has the whole world in His hand! He is sovereign, and we can see in the book of Esther that God does not forget His people. A little later, a modest Jewish girl will take the place of Vashti. Is this a coincidence? I don’t think so. We see God’s hand in it.

"The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes." Proverbs 21:1