The Consequences of One "Bad" Act
"According to 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."
Then Memukan replied in the presence of the king and the nobles, "Queen Vashti has done wrong, not only against the king but also against all the nobles and the peoples of all the provinces of King Xerxes. For the Queen's conduct will become known to all the women, and so they will despise their husbands and say, King Xerxes commanded Queen Vashti to be brought before him, but she would not come.' This very day the Persian and Median women of nobility who have heard about the queen's conduct will respond to all the king's nobles in the same way. There will be no end of disrespect or discord.
Therefore, if it pleases the king, let him issue a royal decree and let it be written in the laws of Persia and Media, which cannot be repealed, that Vashti is never again to appear before King Xerxes. Also, let the king give her position to someone else who is better than she. Then when the king's edict is proclaimed throughout all his vast realm, all the women will respect their husbands, from the least to the greatest."
The king and his nobles were pleased with this advice so the king did as Memukan proposed. Esther 1:15-21.
Then Memukan replied in the presence of the king and the nobles, "Queen Vashti has done wrong, not only against the king but also against all the nobles and the peoples of all the provinces of King Xerxes. For the Queen's conduct will become known to all the women, and so they will despise their husbands and say, King Xerxes commanded Queen Vashti to be brought before him, but she would not come.' This very day the Persian and Median women of nobility who have heard about the queen's conduct will respond to all the king's nobles in the same way. There will be no end of disrespect or discord.
Therefore, if it pleases the king, let him issue a royal decree and let it be written in the laws of Persia and Media, which cannot be repealed, that Vashti is never again to appear before King Xerxes. Also, let the king give her position to someone else who is better than she. Then when the king's edict is proclaimed throughout all his vast realm, all the women will respect their husbands, from the least to the greatest."
The king and his nobles were pleased with this advice so the king did as Memukan proposed. Esther 1:15-21.
King Xerxes, needless to say, was furious with the public disrespect shown to him by his wife, Queen Vashti. Upon the advice of his nobles, the queen was removed from her position and banned from ever appearing before the king again. This decision became a law that could never be repealed. The queen had absolutely no chance to plead for forgiveness. One "bad" act had cost her a great deal!
The reason for the very stern decision by the king and his nobles is worth examining:
The nobles reasoned that the Queen's behavior was a bad example for all the other women in the kingdom: "For the Queen's conduct will become known to all the women, and so they will despise their husbands...There will be no end of disrespect or discord."
There is no question that the nobles were interested in maintaining personal respect for themselves and for all husbands in the kingdom. There was definitely an issue of self-interest and self-preservation.
However, the principle of setting a good example when one is looked up to, especially in a publicly held position, cannot be overlooked. Would it have been better for the Queen to have obeyed the King's command and possibly expressed her displeasure to him in a more private setting? Would the outcome have been different if Queen Vashti had discussed her disagreement with her husband, the king, when he wasn't under the influence of alcohol?
The Bible makes it clear that to whom much is given, of him shall be much required. Sometimes, the demands our position makes of us might not necessarily be personally convenient or comfortable. But those demands are made, nonetheless, and they require actions and reactions from us!
The examples we set with our behaviors have consequences well beyond ourselves. Queen Vashti lost her marriage, position and undoubtedly all the attendant privileges. One "bad" act resulted in very costly personal consequences. Was her decision the right one? One "bad" act could land one in irrecoverable difficulties! May the Lord help us navigate the challenges we face with divine wisdom!
The reason for the very stern decision by the king and his nobles is worth examining:
The nobles reasoned that the Queen's behavior was a bad example for all the other women in the kingdom: "For the Queen's conduct will become known to all the women, and so they will despise their husbands...There will be no end of disrespect or discord."
There is no question that the nobles were interested in maintaining personal respect for themselves and for all husbands in the kingdom. There was definitely an issue of self-interest and self-preservation.
However, the principle of setting a good example when one is looked up to, especially in a publicly held position, cannot be overlooked. Would it have been better for the Queen to have obeyed the King's command and possibly expressed her displeasure to him in a more private setting? Would the outcome have been different if Queen Vashti had discussed her disagreement with her husband, the king, when he wasn't under the influence of alcohol?
The Bible makes it clear that to whom much is given, of him shall be much required. Sometimes, the demands our position makes of us might not necessarily be personally convenient or comfortable. But those demands are made, nonetheless, and they require actions and reactions from us!
The examples we set with our behaviors have consequences well beyond ourselves. Queen Vashti lost her marriage, position and undoubtedly all the attendant privileges. One "bad" act resulted in very costly personal consequences. Was her decision the right one? One "bad" act could land one in irrecoverable difficulties! May the Lord help us navigate the challenges we face with divine wisdom!
Prayer: Father, I ask that you help me to think through my actions and reactions carefully even when my "rights" are at stake. Please help me not to react without wisdom, no matter how justified I might feel. Help me to set an example worthy of your matchless Name at all times. Amen.