Take a Stand

"Vashti Refuses the King's Summons"
by Edwin Long

During my last semester of college, I was required to do an in-depth study of a piece of art as part of the requirements for an art appreciation class. As I wandered the halls of the Bob Jones University Museum & Gallery, I came upon a painting entitled "Vashti Refuses the King's Summons" by Edwin Long. This painting depicts the moment after Queen Vashti has refused the King's request for her to appear before him and his guests at a royal orgy (see Esther 1 for the whole story).

"Vashti" is an absolutely stunning painting to see in person - the small photo reproduction in this post doesn't do it justice. Long painted this piece in such a realistic way I half expected the figures to step out of the frame! I was so taken with it that I purchased a small copy to add to my art collection (the original was a bit out of my price range ;) ).

As I was studying "Vashti" and thinking about the story that inspired it, I was reminded that doing the right thing is usually not easy or popular. Not much is know about Vashti apart from this story (to my knowledge, at least). From what little we know of her, it is obvious that she wasn't afraid to take a stand for what she knew was right.

{ What's popular isn't always right. What's right isn't always popular. }

Vashti was the wife of King Ahasuerus of Persia, and, consequently, the Queen of Persia. From what we can tell from Scripture, Ahasuerus wasn't the most morally upright man of the day. He had a problem with lust and drunkenness, and often combined the two by hosting royal orgies. Orgies were parties where immoral behavior and drunkenness were encouraged among those in attendance. This was the sort of function at which a drunk Ahasuerus called for Vashti to appear. In ancient Persia, the King's word was law - even his smallest wish. The penalty for failing to comply with Ahasuerus' laws/wishes was anything from exile to death, depending on his mood. Vashti knew the risks and chose to take a stand in spite of the very real possibility that she could be executed for doing so. What a courageous woman!

Vashti lost her place as Queen, but she kept her character intact. Her courage in the face of such formidable consequences is commendable and inspiring.

Don't be afraid to take a stand for righteousness. It might not be easy, popular, or comfortable, but we are called to do it.