Introduction 

The first chapter of the biblical book of Esther records the events of a great feast that King Xerxes (or Ahasuerus) gave for all his nobles and officials. At the height of it, as she was giving her own feast for the women in the royal palace, Xerxes summoned his wife to appear before him and his officials. He required Vashti to come before them wearing only her royal crown (according to the teachings of Mishna). Noble woman that she was, Vashti refused what so many have called a shameful demand. For her refusal, Xerxes deposed his queen of her royal position. He set steps in motion for Esther, a Jew, to become his queen and to forestall the extermination of her people throughout the empire. The question has always been: Was the King’s treatment of Vashti immoral or socially acceptable?

Different Culture, Different Moral Standards

Modern Bible scholars have long pointed out that the Writings were written to and for the people of an ancient, Middle Eastern culture. There are references to customs and ways of thinking that are disconcerting, if not anathema, to modern Western people but understood, if not accepted, by that culture.

In today’s society, for any man to require his wife, especially a public figure such as a queen, to appear naked before a crowd of other men is nearly the depth of abuse of her dignity. This is true no matter how noble the men are, whether by title or by character. This has been the prevailing moral understanding of believers in Christian churches, at least among the women.

Vulnerability and Shame

Xerxes’ summons of his wife in her naked glory is seen as a shameful demand. It certainly put her in a vulnerable position before the eyes of his nobles.

This is similar to Abraham exposing Sarah to the lust of Egyptians and the men of Gerar (Genesis 12:12-13, 20:1-2). Sarah is not condemned for her compliance. Vashti was deposed for her refusal.

Bible’s Apparent Moral Standard

Xerxes 

sent dispatches to all parts of the Kingdom, to each province in its own script and to each people in their own language, proclaiming that every man should be ruler over his own household, using his native tongue (Esther 1:22).

Despite what our modern culture says, despite how Christian women (if not men) detest the king’s behavior, the Bible makes a big deal of Vashti’s disobedience and the principle that men are to rule in their households. This is the moral standard of the writer of Esther’s story, the apparent standard of Yahweh, the Righteous Judge. 

Shameless Nakedness in New Eden

As I wrote in the post, Eating from the Tree of Morality, Adam and Eve were naked without shame in the garden in Eden. In the New Eden to come, social conditions will allow for public nakedness without shame. On the Cross, Jesus took away all need for shame. Even if one’s vulnerability is exposed to the public, there will be no reason to feel shame. One’s few flaws will be accepted and ignored by the general public.

Dignity While One’s Vulnerabilities Are Exposed

Vashti could have held on to an attitude of her own dignity, recognizing few flaws in her beauty. After all, her husband considered her beautiful enough to show her off to his nobles. His attitude was pride in her, nor a desire to humiliate her. She could have stood in an absence of shame and obeyed her husband and King. She, too, could have been proud – not ashamed – of her naked beauty.

Proud Beauty and Vulnerability Without Shame for the Bride of King Jesus

Today so many people talk about the shameful flaws in the Body of King Jesus. We are divided in our relationships because of differing doctrines. Many believers are on opposite sides of various political battles. We care more about getting people saved and filled with Holy Ghost than with bringing His Kingdom into society. We appear to be intellectually disabled when we insist on literal, unscientific explanations for a six- day Creation and a world- wide flood.

No matter how we will appear at the King’s return, His Bride will be socially powerful and spiritually beautiful. The King will be proud to display Her beauty despite her flaws. We must be ready to be vulnerable, though powerful, before our King and before His divine council in our divine majesty.