### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Vashtîy**, represented by `{{H2060}}`, identifies **Vashti, the queen of Xerxes**. Of Persian origin, the name appears **10 times** across **10 unique verses**, all within the book of Esther. Her story serves as the critical prelude to the main narrative, establishing the circumstances that lead to her removal and replacement as queen.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H2060}}` is introduced as the queen `{{H4436}}` of King `{{H4428}}` Ahasuerus `{{H325}}` who hosted a feast for the women `{{H802}}` of the royal house [[Esther 1:9]]. When the king commanded her to be brought before him to display her beauty `{{H3308}}`, Queen **Vashti** refused `{{H3985}}` to come [[Esther 1:11-12]]. This act of defiance provoked the king's wrath `{{H7107}}`, causing his anger `{{H2534}}` to burn `{{H1197}}` within him [[Esther 1:12]]. Consequently, a decree was made that **Vashti** would be deposed and her royal estate given to another `{{H7468}}` that is better `{{H2896}}` than she [[Esther 1:19]]. The king later remembered `{{H2142}}` **Vashti** and what had been decreed `{{H1504}}` against her, paving the way for Esther to become queen in her place ([[Esther 2:1]], [[Esther 2:17]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are central to understanding the events surrounding Vashti's fall from power:
* `{{H4436}}` **malkâh** (a queen): This word defines Vashti's royal position. Her identity as "Vashti the queen" is consistently emphasized, highlighting the gravity of her refusal to obey the king `{{H4428}}` ([[Esther 1:12]], [[Esther 1:17]]).
* `{{H3985}}` **mâʼên** (to refuse): This verb describes Vashti's pivotal action of disobedience that sets the narrative in motion [[Esther 1:12]]. The term is also used elsewhere to describe a refusal to hearken to authority [[Zechariah 7:11]].
* `{{H7107}}` **qâtsaph** (to be wroth): This word captures the king’s intense anger, the immediate consequence of Vashti's defiance [[Esther 1:12]]. It often denotes the displeasure of a powerful figure, whether a human ruler or God himself [[Isaiah 47:6]].
### Theological Significance
The account of `{{H2060}}` carries significant weight within the narrative structure of Esther.
* **Catalyst for a New Queen:** Vashti's removal is the direct cause for the search for a new queen `{{H4436}}`. The decree against her [[Esther 2:1]] creates the vacancy that Esther ultimately fills, being made queen `{{H4427}}` "instead of Vashti" ([[Esther 2:4]], [[Esther 2:17]]).
* **Consequences of Defiance:** Her story serves as a stark illustration of the consequences of disobeying a royal commandment `{{H3982}}`. The fear among the king's princes was that her deed would cause all women `{{H802}}` to despise `{{H959}}` their husbands `{{H1167}}`, leading to an unalterable `{{H5674}}` law deposing her [[Esther 1:17-19]].
* **Royal Power and Decree:** The incident demonstrates the absolute power of King Ahasuerus `{{H325}}`, whose personal anger `{{H2534}}` could be translated into an irreversible state decree. Vashti's fate was sealed by a written `{{H3789}}` law of the Persians and Medes [[Esther 1:19]].
### Summary
In summary, **Vashtîy** `{{H2060}}` is more than a deposed queen; she is a pivotal figure whose actions initiate the central conflict and resolution of the book of Esther. Her refusal to obey the king's command triggers her downfall, highlights the era's views on authority and obedience, and most importantly, creates the opportunity for Esther's rise to power. The story of **Vashti** is a foundational element, demonstrating how a single act of defiance sets the stage for a dramatic shift in the Persian court.
TRV