What shall we do unto the queen Vashti according to law, because she hath not performed the commandment of the king Ahasuerus by the chamberlains?

ESTHER 1:15KJV
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Esther 1:15 (KJV)

What does Esther 1:15 mean?

Esther 1:15 records a question asked by King Ahasuerus’s advisors about what should be done to Queen Vashti according to the law, because she refused to obey the king’s command delivered by his servants. The verse highlights a moment of decision, where the king seeks legal advice on how to respond to the queen’s disobedience.

In this scene, King Ahasuerus is speaking with his wise men and counselors after Queen Vashti has refused to appear before him and his guests. The king wants to know the proper legal response to her defiance, showing that he is concerned with following the established laws and customs of the Persian empire. This sets the stage for the events that follow in the book, as the advisors’ answer will have significant consequences.

The Hebrew behind Esther 1:15

  • "do" (עָשָׂה, ʿasah): This word means "to do" or "to act." Here, it emphasizes that the king is not acting rashly but is seeking the appropriate action according to the law.
  • "law" (דָּת, dat): This word means "law" or "decree." The use of this word shows that the king is looking for a legal, not just a personal, response, highlighting the importance of law in the Persian court.
  • "commandment" (מֵאמַר, me'amar): This word refers to an official order or command. The verse underlines that Vashti’s refusal was not just a personal slight but a rejection of a royal command, making it a matter of state.

Why Esther 1:15 matters

  • Esther 1:15 clarifies that the king’s response to Vashti’s refusal is not impulsive but is guided by legal consultation, which reflects the administrative structure of the Persian empire.
  • The verse shows that Vashti’s action is treated as a legal issue, not just a personal or domestic matter, which helps explain the seriousness of the consequences that follow.
  • This moment sets up the broader theme of law, authority, and the role of women in the royal court, which will continue to shape the story of Esther.

Where else these words appear

“commandment” Hebrew H3982 · used in 3 verses

  • Esther 2:20 Esther had not yet shewed her kindred nor her people; as Mordecai had charged her: for Esther did the commandment of Mordecai, like as when she was brought up with him.
  • Esther 9:32 And the decree of Esther confirmed these matters of Purim; and it was written in the book.

“Vashti” Hebrew H2060 · used in 10 verses

  • Esther 1:9 Also Vashti the queen made a feast for the women in the royal house which belonged to king Ahasuerus.
  • Esther 1:16 And Memucan answered before the king and the princes, Vashti the queen hath not done wrong to the king only, but also to all the princes, and to all the people that are in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus.
  • Esther 2:1 After these things, when the wrath of king Ahasuerus was appeased, he remembered Vashti, and what she had done, and what was decreed against her.

“law” Hebrew H1881 · used in 21 verses

  • Deuteronomy 33:2 And he said, The LORD came from Sinai, and rose up from Seir unto them; he shined forth from mount Paran, and he came with ten thousands of saints: from his right hand went a fiery law for them.
  • Esther 2:12 Now when every maid's turn was come to go in to king Ahasuerus, after that she had been twelve months, according to the manner of the women,(for so were the days of their purifications accomplished, to wit, six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odours, and with other things for the purifying of the women;)
  • Esther 4:16 Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.

“Ahasuerus” Hebrew H325 · used in 30 verses

  • Ezra 4:6 And in the reign of Ahasuerus, in the beginning of his reign, wrote they unto him an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem.
  • Esther 2:12 Now when every maid's turn was come to go in to king Ahasuerus, after that she had been twelve months, according to the manner of the women,(for so were the days of their purifications accomplished, to wit, six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odours, and with other things for the purifying of the women;)
  • Esther 8:1 On that day did the king Ahasuerus give the house of Haman the Jews' enemy unto Esther the queen. And Mordecai came before the king; for Esther had told what he was unto her.