Bible Study 2 Women: June 2008

The following article appears in the July issue of In His Presence, a Christian newspublication in Knoxville Tennessee

Women’s Study Hall: Queen Vashsti
(Esther 1:1-22)

Using the easy-to-remember Bible Study technique of Stop! Look! and Listen! (outlined in the April 2008 issue) we will look at the story of Queen Vashti. The goal of these studies is not to give readers the complete story of each woman, but to ignite an interest in individual, deeper study.

As I began an in-depth study of Queen Esther I was drawn to Queen Vashti. The writer of the book of Esther could easily have saved one entire chapter by succinctly saying, ”King Xerxes was displeased with the Queen and sent her away,” but in the plan of God one entire chapter was devoted to this woman and the circumstances of her removal from the throne. If the story of Vashti is important to God, it should be important to me.

STOP!
Begin with prayer.
Read the first chapter of the book of Esther for general information as you would a story. Then you will go back and read for study. As you read, slow down and look at each word; read as a detective would read who was looking for clues in a mystery. Make a list of words or phrases that you do not understand or that you want to study more closely.

Always ask yourself three questions; 1) Why is God telling me this story? 2) If this story was not recorded in Scripture, would it make a difference? and 3) What can I apply to my own life from this study?

LOOK!
Read the chapter again.
As I studied the words, not just reading for enjoyment, I noticed the detailed description of the scene: the furnishings and decorations, the number of days for the feast, etc… The story even tells us that every wine goblet was of a different design. As a teacher and writer I am drawn to the beauty and imagery of the words of Scripture. The Master Writer is God – through the pens of His servants He give us beauty in form and word, beauty in description, and beauty in lessons for our lives.

Vashti is an interesting character. Beautiful and bold she stood her ground. Many of the defining moments of our lives are made while we are alone, in private and personal, the reasons for the decisions known only to ourselves. Why the queen disobeyed is never revealed. Vashi decided to rebel, to stand firm in her convictions, her choice was made – and the ramifications influenced and entire nation.

Some commentators have stated that she was rude, humiliated her husband, and that she could have worked through the situation without embarrassing the King. There probably wasn’t time to consider the results of her refusal to go to the king. The feast had been going on for days, the wine was flowing, and events took on a life of their own. She was polite and respectful, but determined. The Queen of Persia did rebel, but never plotted to usurp the throne, which was a common practice in that era. (Queen Athaliah killed off all her sons and grandsons in order to rule Judah when the opportunity came to her.)

In contrast to Esther, Vashti seems to be a stronger personality. Vashti stayed true to her convictions and refused the king. In studying the actions of Esther we see no confrontation with the king over her being taken to his bed or having to put away her Jewish lifestyle. In fact, she hid the fact that she was Jewish. Vashti seems a strong woman in comparison to the passive Esther. She was removed as queen, and sent away from the King forever. We never hear of her again.

There does not seem to be any affection between the King of Persia and his Queen. In fact, when the nobles advise that she be sent away and a ‘newer, improved model’ be brought in, he quickly agrees (vs 19b). The king had life and death control over an entire nation, yet was threatened by a woman who was a ‘no show’ at his party.

The men of the kingdom were worried. A law had to be passed to force the women to be respectful and submissive to their husbands. What was the family dynamic during this time that a statute would have to be written to give such authority to the men of the family?

God is never mentioned but His hand was on every individual and action in the Book of Esther. What if Vashti had not objected to being brought before the King? God used the deciion of this pagan queen to bring Esther to the throne.

LISTEN
Read the chapter again.
Now answer the three original questions: Why is God telling me this story? If this story was not recorded in Scripture, would it make a difference? What can I apply to my own life from this study?

Hebrews 2:1 states: “we must pay more careful attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away (NIV).” What have you learned that you may use so that you do not drift away?

One obvious lesson is that too much wine may lead to very bad decisions.

The story of Vashti shows us that women have influence in the home and in the community; more influence than we think. Another important lesson is that people are always watching, especially if you are in a position of prominence, or if your family is in a position of leadership.

The key verse to the book of Esther is: “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this” (4:14 NIV). God put Esther on the throne.….for such a time as this. Perhaps Vashti was also placed on the throne… for such a time as this. God is omnipotent. He can even use flawed decisions and actions to fulfill His plan. Through the actions of Vashti and Esther, God saved the Jewish people from extermination.

Where are you today in life? If you are where God has placed you…perhaps it is for some service, action, specific incident….for such a time as this.

I would love to hear your comments. Please e-mail me at jpsant@netzero.net.
For additional studies go to www.biblestudy4women.blogspot.com

Bible Study 2 Women

Saturday, June 28, 2008

Vashti - Part I

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Poetry