Read the Modern Pastor’s Version

In the days of Ahasuerus, who ruled over 127 provinces from India to Ethiopia, the king held a grand feast for all his high officials and servants, including nobles and leaders from Persia and Media. The celebration was extravagant, displaying the splendor of his magnificent kingdom and the glory of his exalted majesty over many days, even one hundred eighty.

The festivities continued in Shushan Palace with a grand feast for all people present, both great and small. The courtyard of the royal garden was filled with tables set on white, green, and blue hangings suspended by cords of fine linen and purple to silver rings on marble pillars. The beds were made of gold and silver, resting on a pavement of red, blue, white, and black marble.

The guests drank from vessels of gold, each one unique and valuable, with an abundance of royal wine according to their station in the king's court. The drinking was voluntary, as the king had appointed that no one should be forced to drink more than they desired. Queen Vashti also hosted a feast in her own quarters within the palace.

However, on the seventh day of the celebration, when King Ahasuerus was filled with wine and merriment, he commanded seven chamberlains to bring Queen Vashti before him wearing her royal crown so that all could see her beauty. But Queen Vashti refused to come at the king's command, causing his anger to burn within him.

The king summoned the wise men who knew the times and advised him on matters of law and judgment. The seven princes of Persia and Media, Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, were present along with other officials. The king asked for their counsel on how to deal with Queen Vashti according to the laws of the land.

Memucan replied before the king and the princes that Queen Vashti's actions would be seen as a rebuke not only to the king but also to all the nobles and people throughout the provinces of King Ahasuerus. He warned that if she was allowed to continue in this manner, it would bring shame and disrespect to all women.

Memucan proposed that a royal decree be issued, written among the laws of the Persians and Medes, stating that Vashti should never again appear before King Ahasuerus, and her position should be given to another woman who was superior. When this decree was proclaimed throughout the empire, all wives would show respect to their husbands, regardless of social status.

The king and his princes were pleased with Memucan's proposal, and the king carried out his plan. He sent letters into all the provinces, instructing each person to govern their household according to their native tongue, enforcing the new law that would maintain order in the kingdom.