Esther 1:11

To bring Vashti the queen before the king with the crown royal, to shew the people and the princes her beauty: for she [was] fair to look on.

To bring {H935} Vashti {H2060} the queen {H4436} before {H6440} the king {H4428} with the crown {H3804} royal {H4438}, to shew {H7200} the people {H5971} and the princes {H8269} her beauty {H3308}: for she was fair {H2896} to look on {H4758}.

to bring Queen Vashti before the king with the royal crown, in order to show the people and the officials her beauty, for she was indeed a good-looking woman.

to bring Queen Vashti before him, wearing her royal crown, to display her beauty to the people and officials. For she was beautiful to behold.

to bring Vashti the queen before the king with the crown royal, to show the peoples and the princes her beauty; for she was fair to look on.

Commentary

Context

Esther 1:11 is set during a lavish, 180-day feast hosted by King Ahasuerus (also known as Xerxes I) in the third year of his reign, held in the citadel of Shushan (Susa), the capital of the Persian Empire. This grand event, described at the beginning of the book in Esther 1:1-3, was a display of the king's immense wealth, glory, and power to his officials, princes, and servants from across his vast empire. Towards the end of this prolonged celebration, after seven days of specific feasting for the people of Shushan, King Ahasuerus, under the influence of wine, commanded his seven eunuchs to bring Queen Vashti before him and his guests. This verse specifically details the nature of that command: for Vashti to appear with her royal crown, to showcase her beauty to the assembled company.

Key Themes

  • Royal Authority and Display: The verse highlights the absolute power of King Ahasuerus, who saw his queen as an extension of his own glory and something to be exhibited. His command was an assertion of his dominion over all, including his wife.
  • Objectification of Women: Queen Vashti is presented here not as a person with agency, but as an object of beauty to be paraded. Her "fairness" is the sole reason given for the summons, underscoring a cultural context where women, even queens, could be treated as property or entertainment. This contrasts sharply with the biblical emphasis on inner character and dignity, as seen in passages like 1 Peter 3:3-4.
  • The Peril of Prominence: Vashti's beauty, which made her "fair to look on," became the very reason for her public summons, leading directly to her refusal in Esther 1:12 and subsequent dethronement. This illustrates how even desirable qualities can lead to difficult circumstances, especially when combined with unchecked power.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "fair to look on" translates the Hebrew yephat-mareh (Χ™Φ°Χ€Φ·Χͺ ΧžΦ·Χ¨Φ°ΧΦΆΧ”), which literally means "beautiful of appearance" or "comely in sight." It emphasizes her striking physical attractiveness, which was the direct motivation for the king's command. This descriptive term is often used in the Bible to describe notable beauty, as seen with characters like Sarah, Rachel, and Esther herself (Esther 2:7).

Practical Application

Esther 1:11, while depicting an ancient royal court, offers insights relevant today. It serves as a stark reminder of:

  • The Dangers of Unchecked Power: The king's demand highlights how absolute power can lead to unreasonable and demeaning expectations. It underscores the importance of accountability and respect for individual dignity, even in positions of authority.
  • Valuing Inner Worth: The narrative implicitly challenges the notion that a person's worth is solely based on their physical appearance or their ability to entertain others. It prompts reflection on how we view and treat others, moving beyond superficiality to appreciate character and personhood.
  • God's Sovereignty in Human Affairs: Though God is not explicitly mentioned in the Book of Esther, this seemingly arbitrary act by a pagan king sets in motion a chain of events that ultimately leads to Esther's rise and the salvation of the Jewish people. It subtly illustrates how God can use human decisions, even those driven by vanity or power, to accomplish His divine purposes, as suggested by Proverbs 21:1: "The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will."
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Cross-References

  • Proverbs 31:30

    Favour [is] deceitful, and beauty [is] vain: [but] a woman [that] feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.

  • Mark 6:21

    And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, high captains, and chief [estates] of Galilee;

  • Mark 6:22

    And when the daughter of the said Herodias came in, and danced, and pleased Herod and them that sat with him, the king said unto the damsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give [it] thee.

  • Proverbs 16:9

    ΒΆ A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.

  • 2 Samuel 14:25

    But in all Israel there was none to be so much praised as Absalom for his beauty: from the sole of his foot even to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him.

  • 1 Samuel 25:3

    Now the name of the man [was] Nabal; and the name of his wife Abigail: and [she was] a woman of good understanding, and of a beautiful countenance: but the man [was] churlish and evil in his doings; and he [was] of the house of Caleb.

  • Esther 6:8

    Let the royal apparel be brought which the king [useth] to wear, and the horse that the king rideth upon, and the crown royal which is set upon his head:
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