The scene has been set, and
the court is in session. Queen Vashti has embarrassed and angered
King Ahasuerus with her act of refusal to appear before the guests at
the king's feast. Because there is a fear that all women throughout
the kingdom would refuse their husbands as well, Memucan, who is one
of the king's princes and well versed in Persian law, has suggested
that the king banish Queen Vashti from the throne and strip away her
royal position in the kingdom. In chapter one and verse twenty we
continue Memucan's words as we read:
And when the king's
decree which he shall make shall be published throughout all his
empire, (for it is great,) all the wives shall give to their husbands
honor, both to great and small.
The
verse begins, “And when the king's decree which he shall make
shall be published throughout all his empire,...” Memucan or as
we interpreted in an earlier verse, “Dignified”, suggested not
only that the decree be made to banish Vashti from the throne, but
also that the word of what he did be spread throughout the entire
kingdom. Let us remember that there are one hundred and twenty seven
provinces in the kingdom, and there are no telephones, telegraphs,
televisions, radios, emails or other technological means to share
this news. More than likely this edict would have to travel on
horseback, chariots or running messengers. We note too that Memucan
adds, “(for it is great)” for emphasis as to size of the
kingdom and the vastness of this undertaking. No doubt the task would
be daunting, but nonetheless not without great importance.
The
verse continues with the supposed effect of the edict, “all the
wives shall give to their husbands honor, both to great and small.”
Memucan was concerned with the chaos that would occur in homes
throughout the kingdom if they heard that the queen refused the
king's request. His entire answer to this problem was to stop the
chaos in its tracks and keep peace in the empire. His idea was that
if the queen's refusal was addressed dramatically, determinedly, and
without regard to her position or status, the word would be effective
upon not only the present situation but in every home in the kingdom.
“Wives shall give to their husbands honor” would be the
theme, and rather than rebellion and chaos, subjugation and peace
would be the result.
Obviously
times are different today, and the manner in which women are treated
is different as well. However we can see the wisdom in Memucan's
suggestion. Honor and peace are wonderful traits, especially when
they are not forced. Respect is desired by all, and when it is given,
there is more of a tendency toward peace. The interesting part of
this story is that God looms in the shadows, and in all the workings
and surmising of people His mighty hand is active and not stayed. We
must look for Him if we are to see His works in this story, and if we
are wise, we will look for Him in our lives as well. The natural
things are the playing field of the supernatural influence of
Almighty God.
Next
time we will see how Ahasuerus responded to Memucan's suggestion, so
read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until
tomorrow...there is more...
Look
for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From
Generation to Generation” and the new marriage book “So, You Want
to Be Married” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ;
www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at
www.mrzlc.com/bookstore
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