Dr Latricia L Hoffman

Vashti Dr Latricia L Hoffman

There are many perspectives on the life of Queen Vashti; however, there is only one brief account recorded of her in Biblical History. This paper will begin with a contextual overview, and show how Queen Vashti Unfolds The Phenomenon of Honor. We will also review the customs of the Persians, and the stance of Jewish scholars and Greek writers on this character from the Book of Esther. God's provision and protection of His people is evident throughout this book although His name is not mentioned once. Should our ambition be to obtain the honor of men or that which comes from God? The character focus in this paper, and her reasoning behind rejecting the king's request is still an ongoing consensus among many scholars. It is also important to note that even though there is honor obtained among men, honor ultimately started with God. What is meant by The Phenomenon of Honor? In the Book of Esther, we see two women represented here: Queen Vashti and her successor Esther. Vashti's disobedience to the king is magnified by many scholars; However, with closer examination, we find that Esther also disobeyed. Honor of itself is a word of great depth, and substance. We know that it exists, because it manifests to us both through mankind and God (John 5:44; Esther 1:20 KJV). All things originated from the Creator Himself 1 . The word phenomenon can be defined as something of interest that is unusual and even difficult to explain or understand completely;2 Hence we have, The Phenomenon of Honor. Now to some honor would seem difficult to grasp or even express because of their own pride, but for others it is a way of life. It is a principle of character that emanates continually from God, towards God and others.