Vashti: The Story About A Beautiful Persian Queen

We gather that as a modern Persian name, Vashti is understood to mean “Beautiful, best.”

We let the reader judge from the story of Vashti, the Persian Queen, if she lived up to her name or not!

Way back in the fifth century, the Persian king Xerxes ruled over 127 provinces stretching right up to India. In the third year of his reign he gave a banquet for all his nobles and officials. For a full 180 days he displayed the vast wealth of his kingdom and the splendour and glory of his majesty. When these days were over, the King gave a banquet, lasting seven days, in the enclosed garden of the King’s palace, for all the people, from the least to the greatest who were in the citadel of Susa. By the King’s command each guest was allowed to drink with no restrictions, for the King instructed all the wine stewards to serve each man what he wished.

Queen Vashti also gave a banquet for the women in the royal palace of King Xerxes.

On the seventh day, when King Xerxes was in high spirits from wine, he commanded the seven eunuchs who served him, to bring before him Queen Vashti, wearing her royal crown, in order to display her beauty to the people and nobles, for she was lovely to look at. In the context it could have meant coming naked with only her crown. So, when the attendants delivered the King’s command, Queen Vashti refused to come – knowing the heavy price she would have to pay. The King became furious and burned with anger, and so the Court with their King, decided to banish her from the kingdom forever.

How Did Queen Vashti Respond? 

She did not fight back. She did not organise a protest, along with her lady guests! She kept her modesty and left the palace with dignity. We are not told of Queen Vashti’s emotions, nor do we even hear refusal in her own words. The text is always in the third-person with regard to her. She never comes into the presence of the King again.

Surrendering the diadem of Persia, Vashti exhibited inner strength and character – which the power of a despot king could not give or take away.

This historical story challenges our culture and the value system we women believe in as individuals.

What would we have done in Vashti’s place?