Esther 1:19

“19 If it please the king, let there go a royal commandment from him, and let it be written among the laws of the Persians and the Medes, that it be not altered, That Vashti come no more before king Ahasuerus; and let the king give her royal estate unto another that is better than she.”

Context:The book of Esther tells the story of a Jewish girl named Esther who becomes the queen of Persia and later plays a significant role in the deliverance of her people from a planned genocide. Esther’s story takes place during the reign of King Ahasuerus, who is often identified with Xerxes I.

Esther 1:19 is part of the narrative describing an incident that occurred before Esther became queen. King Ahasuerus organised a lavish banquet for his officials and servants, and Queen Vashti also held a separate feast for the women. On the seventh day of the banquet, when the king was merry with wine, he commanded Queen Vashti to appear before him and his guests, displaying her beauty, wearing her royal crown.

However, Queen Vashti refused to comply with the king’s request, which greatly angered him. As a result, the king sought the advice of his wise men on what should be done about Vashti’s disobedience. The verse in question is part of their counsel.

Respect for the King’s Authority:The verse starts with the phrase “If it pleases the king.” It acknowledges the authority of King Ahasuerus and suggests that any decision made should align with his pleasure. This indicates the importance of honouring the authority and respecting the decisions made by those in leadership positions.

A Royal Commandment:The wise men advise the king to issue a royal commandment that would become a permanent part of Persian law, applicable to both Persians and Medes. The suggestion is to prevent Queen Vashti from ever appearing before the king again. This recommendation highlights the significance of establishing laws and regulations within a kingdom to maintain order and enforce decrees.

Seeking a Replacement:The wise men propose that the king bestow the royal estate of Vashti onto another woman who is better than she. This implies that the king should choose a new queen to replace Vashti. The focus on finding someone “better” suggests that the new queen should possess qualities that are more favourable or desirable than Vashti’s.

Consequences of Vashti’s Actions:Queen Vashti’s refusal to obey the king’s command resulted in her removal from the king’s presence and the forfeiture of her royal position. This serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of disobedience and the importance of honouring one’s commitments and responsibilities.

• Respect for Authority:The Bible encourages believers to respect and submit to the authorities placed over them, whether it be government leaders, employers, or spiritual leaders (Romans 13:1-2; 1 Peter 2:13-14). Just as Queen Vashti’s refusal to honour the king’s command had consequences, our actions toward authority figures can impact our relationships and influence.
• Responsibility of Leaders:Leaders bear the responsibility of making decisions that align with their role and authority. King Ahasuerus sought counsel from his wise men, highlighting the importance of seeking wise advice and making informed decisions. As believers, we should seek godly counsel and exercise wisdom when making decisions that impact others.
• Consequences of Disobedience:Vashti’s disobedience led to her removal from her position of
• Similarly, the Bible emphasises the significance of obedience to God’s commands and warns of the consequences of disobedience (Deuteronomy 28:15; James 1:22-25). As followers of Christ, it is vital to align our lives with God’s will and submit to His authority.
• God’s Providence:While Esther is not mentioned in this particular verse, her story unfolds in the subsequent chapters. The events that transpire, including Esther becoming queen and her pivotal role in the deliverance of the Jewish people, highlight God’s providential hand at work even in the midst of difficult circumstances. This reminds us that God can use ordinary individuals to fulfill His purposes and bring about His plans.