Jump to: Hitchcock's • Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Vashti is a prominent figure in the Book of Esther, which is part of the Ketuvim ("Writings") in the Hebrew Bible and the Old Testament in the Christian Bible. She is introduced as the queen of Persia, married to King Ahasuerus, who is traditionally identified with Xerxes I. Her account is primarily found in Esther 1:9-22.Background and Role: Vashti's narrative unfolds during a grand banquet hosted by King Ahasuerus in the third year of his reign. The king held a lavish feast for all his officials and servants, displaying the wealth and splendor of his kingdom. Concurrently, Vashti also held a banquet for the women in the royal palace (Esther 1:9). The King's Command and Vashti's Refusal: On the seventh day of the feast, when the king's heart was "merry with wine," he commanded his seven eunuchs to bring Queen Vashti before him, wearing her royal crown, to display her beauty to the people and officials (Esther 1:10-11). However, Vashti refused to come at the king's command, delivered by the eunuchs. Her refusal is a pivotal moment in the narrative, as it challenges the king's authority and sets the stage for the events that follow (Esther 1:12). Consequences of Vashti's Refusal: Vashti's refusal to appear before the king led to a crisis in the royal court. King Ahasuerus, advised by his wise men, perceived her disobedience as a potential threat to the patriarchal order of the kingdom. They feared that her actions might inspire other women in the empire to disobey their husbands, leading to widespread contempt and discord (Esther 1:16-18). To address this, the king consulted with his advisors, who recommended that Vashti be removed from her position as queen. This decision was intended to serve as a public example to all women in the kingdom, reinforcing the authority of husbands over their wives. Consequently, a royal decree was issued, proclaiming that Vashti was to be deposed and that her royal position would be given to another who was more worthy (Esther 1:19-21). Legacy and Significance: Vashti's account is significant for several reasons. Her refusal to comply with the king's command is often interpreted as an act of personal dignity and resistance against objectification. In the broader narrative of the Book of Esther, Vashti's removal sets the stage for Esther, a Jewish woman, to become queen and ultimately play a crucial role in the deliverance of the Jewish people from a genocidal plot. From a theological perspective, Vashti's account highlights themes of divine providence and the unfolding of God's plan through seemingly secular events. Her actions, while resulting in her removal, are part of the larger narrative that demonstrates God's sovereignty and care for His people. Cultural and Historical Context: The historical context of Vashti's account is set in the Persian Empire, a vast and diverse realm known for its complex social and political structures. The narrative reflects the customs and norms of the time, particularly regarding the roles and expectations of women in royal and domestic spheres. Vashti's account has been the subject of various interpretations and discussions throughout history, with some viewing her as a symbol of feminist resistance and others as a cautionary tale about the consequences of defying authority. Her brief but impactful presence in the biblical text continues to inspire reflection on issues of power, gender, and obedience. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary VashtiSmith's Bible Dictionary Vashti(beautiful), the "queen" of Ahasuerus, who, for refusing to show herself to the king's guests at the royal banquet, when sent for by the king, was repudiated and deposed. (Esther 1:1) ... (B.C. 483.) Many attempts have been made to identify her with historical personages; but it is far more probable that she was only one of the inferior wives, dignified with the title of queen, whose name has utterly disappeared from history. ATS Bible Dictionary VashtiThe queen of Persia, divorced by Ahasuerus or Xerxes her husband for refusing to appear unveiled before his reveling company, Exodus 1:1 22. Easton's Bible Dictionary Beautiful, the queen of Ahasuerus, who was deposed from her royal dignity because she refused to obey the king when he desired her to appear in the banqueting hall of Shushan the palace (Esther 1:10-12). (See Esther.) International Standard Bible Encyclopedia VASHTIvash'-ti (washti; Astin; Old Persian "beautiful woman"): The former queen of Xerxes, whom he divorced. On the 7th day of a great feast which the king was giving to the assembled nobles of the empire and others, he commanded the seven chamberlains who served in his presence to bring the queen into the assembly. We are told (Esther 1:11) that his purpose was "to show the peoples and the princes her beauty; for she was fair to look on." The king's command was met by Vashti with a mortifying refusal to obey. The reason which is sometimes assigned for her disobedience-that no man but the king was permitted to look upon the queen-is without foundation. Esther invites Haman on two occasions to accompany the king to a banquet at which she was present. Nor can it be said that there was any lack of recognition of Vashti's high dignity; the seven highest officials of the palace were sent to escort her. The refusal had to be visited with a punishment severe enough to reestablish the supremacy which it threatened to overthrow. She was, accordingly, divorced and dethroned. Strong's Hebrew 2060. Vashti -- queen of Pers.... 2059, 2060. Vashti. 2061 . queen of Pers. Transliteration: Vashti Phonetic Spelling: (vash-tee') Short Definition: Vashti. ... /hebrew/2060.htm - 5k Library Queen Esther's Love for Her People Esther, the Queen. The Wall Rebuilt. Concerning Esther and Mordecai and Haman; and How in the Reign of ... Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther. Esther Book 11 Footnotes Hebrew Captives; Or, Mordecai and Esther. Some General Matters and Some Biblical Characters. The Bible Book ... Mordecai and Esther Thesaurus Vashti (10 Occurrences)...VASHTI. ... Nor can it be said that there was any lack of recognition of Vashti's high dignity; the seven highest officials of the palace were sent to escort her. ... /v/vashti.htm - 12k Xerxes (24 Occurrences) Ahasuerus (28 Occurrences) Ahasu-e'rus (30 Occurrences) Memucan (3 Occurrences) Queen (59 Occurrences) Eunuchs (33 Occurrences) Pleaseth (13 Occurrences) Conveyed (4 Occurrences) Chamberlains (17 Occurrences) Resources Who was Vashti in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did Queen Vashti refuse to appear before Xerxes? | GotQuestions.org Who was Esther in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Vashti (10 Occurrences)Esther 1:9 Esther 1:11 Esther 1:12 Esther 1:15 Esther 1:16 Esther 1:17 Esther 1:19 Esther 2:1 Esther 2:4 Esther 2:17 Subtopics Vashti: Put Away (Divorced) for Refusing to Exhibit Herself at a Royal Banquet Related Terms |
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