Select Reading Config

Queen Vashti Is Dethroned

King Ahasuerus ruled over 127 provinces from his palace in Susa. In the third year of his reign he gave a great banquet for his princes and officials that lasted a full 180 days, and then he opened a seven-day feast for all the people of Susa. At the same time, Queen Vashti gave her own feast in the women's part of the palace. On the seventh day, when the king's heart was merry, he sent seven eunuchs to bring Queen Vashti before him wearing the royal crown, so that all the people and officials could see her beauty. But Queen Vashti refused to come. The king was very angry and called his wise men to ask what should be done. Memucan stood up and said that Vashti's disobedience would set a bad example for all the women, and he suggested that the king issue an unchangeable decree that Vashti should never again come before him, giving her royal position to someone better than her. The king accepted this advice and sent fast messengers to carry the decree to every province. This story reminds us that everyone in a high place needs to learn humility and self-control, and to give every decision over to God.