What Will You Do?
This is what happened during the time of Xerxes who ruled over 127 provinces stretching from India to Cush. At that time, King Xerxes reigned from his royal throne in the citadel of Susa, and in the third year of his reign he gave a banquet for all his nobles and officials…
For a full 180 days, he displayed the vast wealth of his kingdom and the splendor and glory of his majesty…
Wine was served in goblets of gold, each one different from the other, and the royal wine was abundant, in keeping with the king's liberality. By the king's command, each guest was allowed to drink with no restrictions, for the king instructed all the wine stewards to serve each man what he wished.
Queen Vashti also gave a banquet for the women in the royal palace of King Xerxes.
On the seventh day, when King Xerxes was in high spirits from wine, he commanded the seven eunuchs who served him...to bring before him Queen Vashti, wearing her royal crown, in order to display her beauty to the people and nobles, for she was lovely to look at. But when the attendants delivered the king's command, Queen Vashti refused to come. Then the king became furious and burned with anger.
Since it was customary for the king to consult experts in matters of law and justice, he spoke with the wise men who understood the times and were closest to the king….
"According to the law, what must be done to Queen Vashti?" he asked, "She has not obeyed the command of King Xerxes that the eunuchs have taken to her."
For a full 180 days, he displayed the vast wealth of his kingdom and the splendor and glory of his majesty…
Wine was served in goblets of gold, each one different from the other, and the royal wine was abundant, in keeping with the king's liberality. By the king's command, each guest was allowed to drink with no restrictions, for the king instructed all the wine stewards to serve each man what he wished.
Queen Vashti also gave a banquet for the women in the royal palace of King Xerxes.
On the seventh day, when King Xerxes was in high spirits from wine, he commanded the seven eunuchs who served him...to bring before him Queen Vashti, wearing her royal crown, in order to display her beauty to the people and nobles, for she was lovely to look at. But when the attendants delivered the king's command, Queen Vashti refused to come. Then the king became furious and burned with anger.
Since it was customary for the king to consult experts in matters of law and justice, he spoke with the wise men who understood the times and were closest to the king….
"According to the law, what must be done to Queen Vashti?" he asked, "She has not obeyed the command of King Xerxes that the eunuchs have taken to her."
The scene was a display of opulence, splendor, and power. The most powerful king of the time was parading his vast wealth and liberality with unending days of feasting and drinking. Wine was served in gold goblets, each different from the other! Guests were allowed to drink with no restrictions. The Queen, not to be outdone, also had her own banquet for the women. But the celebration was to be marred by one act of disrespect from the Queen toward the king. Queen Vashti refused to comply with the king's request to appear before him and his guests.
The circumstances of the Queen's refusal could be rather interesting to conjecture: Did the Queen refuse the order because she did not want her own private banquet to be interrupted? Could it be that she was tired of being put on "display" for guests of the king and the people to admire her beauty? Was this something the king frequently demanded of her when he was in high spirits with wine? The account clearly states that the king commanded her to be brought, "in order to display her beauty to the people and nobles, for she was lovely to look at." So, was the Queen right in refusing to obey the king's command because she felt like a doll on display?
What would be the application for us as Christians today? If we were summoned or even treated by a "superior authority" in a manner that was not exactly respectful, what would our response be? Would it be one of blatant refusal and disrespect? What will you do?
Well, let me make a few suggestions from the Scriptures to help us grapple with the issue.
First, Scripture gives us this directive: "Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established...Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves" (Romans 3:1-2).
Second, the Bible also gives us this command: "Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor" (1 Peter 2:17).
Finally, Jesus tells us, "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles." (Matthew 5:38-41).
So, was Queen Vashti right in her behavior? How would you respond in a similar situation if you felt "disrespected" or taken advantage of by a "higher authority"? Reflect over this and let the word of God and the Holy Spirit help you in every such situation. What will you do?
The circumstances of the Queen's refusal could be rather interesting to conjecture: Did the Queen refuse the order because she did not want her own private banquet to be interrupted? Could it be that she was tired of being put on "display" for guests of the king and the people to admire her beauty? Was this something the king frequently demanded of her when he was in high spirits with wine? The account clearly states that the king commanded her to be brought, "in order to display her beauty to the people and nobles, for she was lovely to look at." So, was the Queen right in refusing to obey the king's command because she felt like a doll on display?
What would be the application for us as Christians today? If we were summoned or even treated by a "superior authority" in a manner that was not exactly respectful, what would our response be? Would it be one of blatant refusal and disrespect? What will you do?
Well, let me make a few suggestions from the Scriptures to help us grapple with the issue.
First, Scripture gives us this directive: "Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established...Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves" (Romans 3:1-2).
Second, the Bible also gives us this command: "Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor" (1 Peter 2:17).
Finally, Jesus tells us, "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles." (Matthew 5:38-41).
So, was Queen Vashti right in her behavior? How would you respond in a similar situation if you felt "disrespected" or taken advantage of by a "higher authority"? Reflect over this and let the word of God and the Holy Spirit help you in every such situation. What will you do?
Prayer: Lord, we live in a rather unjust and difficult world. Please help me to make wise decisions that will not soil my testimony or bring disrepute to your holy name. Amen.