2024_06_10 Insight Post- Kim Feld
This week’s reading- Esther 1, Esther 2:1
For the next few weeks, we will be camping out in the book of Esther as we focus on different characters. If you have time this week, read the book in its entirety to get a good overview. Although God’s name is never mentioned in the book, the story paints a picture of Him at work, leading and guiding His people.
Queen Vashti is the wife of King Xerxes. The text tells us that during the third year of the king’s reign, he held a massive celebration lasting an incredible 180 days, followed by an opulent seven-day banquet. While King Xerxes hosted his banquet, Queen Vashti hosted a banquet for the women of the palace. Scripture tells us that wine flowed freely without limit during King Xerxes’ event and that he was drunk when he commanded Queen Vashti’s appearance wearing the royal crown. Some have speculated that he commanded her to appear wearing ONLY the royal crown. Her refusal launched a chain of events that we will see unfold through the lives of each of the characters.
We don’t get any details about Queen Vashti’s refusal; we only know she said no. We wonder if the other women at the banquet knew of the request or even if her refusing a command of the king was usual or unusual. I assume this would not have been tolerated as a regular occurrence and was embarrassing for the king. Still, I admire Queen Vashti’s refusal to be used in this way.
When used inappropriately, power can be severely damaging in relationships. Unfortunately, we often read about situations where one person uses their power to coerce another to meet their demands. This happens on many levels, including within families and in the workplace. Sadly, we have even seen this happen within the church and par-church organizations. It takes courage to stand up to an abuse of power.
We don’t know much about who the queen really was or what type of person she was. However, I do admire her courage in this instance. She had to have known that refusing the king could potentially cause her to lose her position, possibly even her life. Yet, she held her ground. I admire that.
Although I can’t relate to Queen Vashti’s exact situation, her story challenges me to look at how courageously (or not) I am living my life. Do I speak up when I see something wrong, even when the balance of power is not on my side? Or am I more concerned with the personal consequences? On the flip side, am I handling my power appropriately? Do I treat those I lead with respect and dignity? Would anyone within my sphere of influence say I abuse my power? I hope you will join me in asking God to search our hearts in this area. It matters.
Kim Feld
Executive Director of Education and Outreach