Dignity

Today I want to tackle my thoughts and relation of Esther chapter 1, join me there.

A few things to know before we dive into the word. The timeline that this book of the bible falls on is during the Persian Empire. Which was one of the largest empires of this time in this area. Most of the Jews at this time have returned from exile and gathered together. One funny part of the book of Esther is that the word “God” is never used, this gives us a chance to watch how God sits back and watches how things play out that He directly had a hand in.

The king that is on the throne during this book is named Ahasuerus, who ruled 127 provinces from India to Cush. He was the 5th king to be the ruler of Persia. Now this king was known for being extremely hostile, aggressive, mean and violent. In the times that he was not doing king like duties he engaged in partying and drinking which were two of his favorite things. On the other hand Ahasuerus had a very materialistic taste. He loved things that were expensive and flashy, the more rich that it made him look, the better. The Empire was so large that he was a very wealthy man, and he loved to let others know how rich he was.

One of the ways he flaunts his wealth to others was by throwing these large and extravagant parties that would last for literally months. Yes you read that correctly, MONTHS – 180 days to be exact., and it is made clear in chapter one that the wine never stopped flowing during these month long parties. During one of these parties, Ahasuerus wanted to introduce all of his friends to his queen, he wanted to make everyone jealous because of her looks. Queen Vashti was married to Ahasuerus and it can be assumed by his character that he was not the best husband. Ahasuerus was adamant about showing off his wife to his friends, while he was extremely drunk at one of his parties, I mean he had been partying for literally months. He requested that his Queen Vashti were to come to the party, only wearing her crown. He sent his 7 friends to go get her and carry her into the party, wearing nothing but a crown. Now I know what you are thinking, stick with me – you’ll be proud of what she did.

SHE REFUSED! She would not go out like that no matter what, her dignity was more important to her. My girl, Queen Vashti stood her ground. As expected, King Ahasuerus became enraged with anger, because she would not follow his command. He became so upset in verse 13, that he decided to talk with the officials of Perisa to make a law that stated that all women needed to listen to their husbands. King Ahasuerus was afraid that all other women would follow in Queen Vashti’s lead and start not listening to their husbands. If they disobeyed, they would be held in contempt, as Queen Vashti was.

Now, I am not here to discuss the frustration that accompanies King Ahasuerus and his actions. I get it, we have come along way as women together. Ahasuerus was right to fear women coming together to change the world as he knew it.

I want you to think of a time where you valued your dignity over doing what someone wanted you to do? How did you react, what was the outcome? Queen Vashti chose her dignity over her crown. We have to take notes from Queen Vashti, there is no man that can tell us what to do. If you feel your dignity is at stake, you REFUSE. Think of Queen Vashti, when you are at work, with family, with friends, at the store wherever it may be. Dignity is very important, and that is a skill that God gave her, He empowered her and as you read on in Esther you will see why she wouldn’t regret her choice to choose dignity over a crown. Queen Vashti paved the way for Esther.