Hello Ladies,
I hope that you all have had a chance to look over the book of Esther. Just as we closely examined the Proverbial woman, we will also emphatically comb through the many people of Esther with a specific focus on God's purpose for Esther. We will begin by discussing the importance of coming under the authority that God has placed over us.
The book of Esther starts with a festival. The chronological blueprint of this happening occurs in the book of Ezra, between chapters 6 and 7. However, the Lord determined that the details of this event needed to be highlighted enough that He purposely had the author of the book of Esther journal this event. When God is this purposeful in His intent, we need to take note of the significance.
While the feast itself, bares much significance, we will focus more on Vashti, the present queen during this particular celebration.
Coming Under Authority
9 Queen Vashti also made a feast for the women in the royal palace which belonged to King Ahasuerus 10 On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar, Carcasm seven eunuchs who served in the presence of King Ahasuerus, 11 to bring Queen Vashti before the king, wearing her royal crown, in order to show her beauty to the people and the officials, for she was beautiful to behold. 12 But Queen Vashti refused to comate the king's command brought by his eunuchs; therefore the king was furious, and his anger burned within him....15 What shall we do to Queen Vashti, according to law, because she did not obey the command of King Ahasuerus brought to her by the eunuchs? 16 And Memucan answered before the king and the princes: "Queen Vashti has not only wronged the king, but also the princes, and all the people who are in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus 17 For the queen's behavior will become known to all women, so that they will despise their husbands in their eyes, when they report, King Ahasuerus commanded Queen Vashti to be brought in before him, but she did not come. 18 This very day the noble ladies of Persia and Media will say to all the king's official that they have heard of the behavior of the queen. Thus there will be excessive contempt and wrath. 19 If it pleases the king, let a royal decree go out from him, and let it be recorded in the laws of the Persians and the Medes, so that it will not be altered, that Vashti shall come no more before King Ahasuerus; and let the king give her royal position to another who is better than she 20 When the king's decree which he will make is proclaimed throughout all his empire (for it is great), all wives will honor their husbands, both great and small." (Esther 1:9-12, 15-20 NKJV)
There is so much rich content here for us to glean from ladies. While these are not direct commandments from our Lord and Savior, they are based on the principles demonstrated in His words. Additionally, the Lord God allowed King Ahasuerus to be on the thrown knowing the specifics of this situation prior to its occurrence (Matthew 24:36 NKJV). Therefore, it safe to resolve that the Lord placed King Ahasuerus in authority for this specific occasion and explicitly commanded the writer to account for these happenings for our benefit (Deuteronomy 29:29 NKJV).
Most commentaries focus on Vashti's disobedience as God's gateway to Esther's blessing. While, this was definitely God's overall plan, as evidence in the book of Esther, it would seem that there is so much more significance in Vashti's appearance in this book. Why name her? Why note the details of each intricate interaction over twelve verses? Many important people of the bible, that we gain biblical principles from, are not named at all. For example, the woman with the issue of blood is mentioned throughout the gospels, however, she is never named.
Therefore the significance of Vahsti's portion of this story is so much more relevant than just the thoroughfare to Esther's blessing. Vashti's blatant disobedience is a red siren to us on what disobedience can resolve.
Commentaries also focus on King Ahasuerus' possible intoxicated state after feasting for days on food and wine, but mostly wine. Better is a dinner of herbs with quietness, than this banquet of wine, with all the noise and the tumult that must have attended it (Nelson 1997). However, the bible does not tell us to only be obedient when we agree with the person who He has placed in authority over us. Some people subconsciously reason that any consequence of their disobedience will be outweighed by what they perceive as the immediate gain of their decision (Bevere 2001). This is blatant disobedience (Colossians 3:6).
God requires obedience because it aligns with His word. God is in control and He has control over the person who has authority over us. There are many examples in the bible. The most prominent situation is Pharaoh and His authority over the Israelites. For years and generations God allowed the Israelites to submit under the authority of Pharaoh. While Pharaoh afflicted many of God's people, we must remember God's priority is not for us to have the comforts and enjoyments of this world-His priority is redemption (Bevere 2001). Therefore, in God's time He elevated Moses on his journey to free the Israelites from the authority of Pharaoh. However, time spent by the Israelites under the authority of Pharaoh benefited the development of the Israelites as a nation.
Then there is the narrative of Saul and his authority of David. Again, I could go on for a while denoting the many incidents in the bible where God chose to place someone under authority in order to express a specific lesson of growth for us to learn from. However, I gather we all get the picture.
The promise of His protection is under His authority (Bevere 2001). In order to maintain the blessings of God we must submit to the authority He has chosen for us. By submitting to that authority, we are entail submitting to God's authority. Obedience and submission walk hand and hand. Obedience is a choice in behavior and submission is the attitude.
Women's disobedience seems to have a grave recompense in regards to God's divine order. It started with Eve and her disobedience in the garden of Eden. Her decision of disobedience changed the nature of many relationships (Genesis 3:16-19). Now, Vashti's disobedience to King Ahasuerus could affect the dynamics of the homes of the kingdom (Esther 1:18-20). We must consider the magnitude of our actions, decisions, choices, and attitudes (Romans 5:19). Obedience and submission.
So the next time you are questioning the authority placed before you, whether it is your husband, supervisor, team leader, parent, pastor or friend, consider God's divine order of authority. In those moments, seek His face and listen for His perfect plan for you (Jeremiah 29:11).
Application
Consider the authority you are under and the authority you have in every area of your life (Matthew 8:9). Are you operating in a level of obedience and submission? Practicing obedience and submission under authority brings forth blessings. Doing the same in authority practices grace and empowers generational blessings to your subordinates. This week examine your personal station in relation to authority, obedience, and submission. Meditate on God's requirements. Implement and execute a biblical approach to authority.
Additionally, continue to find time to spend in the word of God and prayer. Building relationship with Christ is pertinent to the development of your spiritual walk.
Have a blessed week!
Be blessed,
T. Carter
References
All scriptures are extracted from The Bible - New King James Version. YouVersion (2013).
Bevere, John (2001). Under Cover. Thomas Nelson Publishing. Nashville, Tennessee.
Nelson, Thomas (1997). Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible. Thomas Nelson Publishing. Nashville, Tennessee.
Nelson, Thomas (1997). The New Strong's Concise Concordance. Thomas Nelson Publishing. Nashville, Tennessee.
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