7
Vasthi was a woman of beauty. Even her name bears the meaning of beauty. He wanted to place her beauty on display and demanded that she appear with her royal crown. That Ahasuerus was proud of her poise and beauty there could be no question. However what he asked of her was contrary to Persian custom. With the royal feast having reached a climax of clamor and intoxication she would seem to have been justified in her refusal to appear before those gathered for the feast. Literally, he was placing her on display. Est. 1:11.
Her refusal to respond to his request created a serious problem for all involved. She must have anticipated the consequences of her rejection of his request. Who would know the temperament of Ahasuerus better that Vasthi. As she would have expected, he became exceedingly angry until it became like an unquenchable fire burning in him. Revenge for the great insult which he felt had been made toward him became the desire of his heart. Est. 1:12.
As there were seven eunuchs who bore his request to Vasthi, now Ahasuerus turned to his seven closest advisers for directions out of his dilemma. These men were like a supreme court for their knowledge of the law of the Medes and the Persians, and their understanding was utilized by Ahasuerus. It is certain that they were in complete comprehension of the laws of the land. However, because of the statement made concerning them that they were men, ìwhich knew the times,î it would appear that they likewise delved into the black magic of that day. Their influence, perhaps even control, of the king would have been tremendous. They were in constant attendance before the king. They would have been situated in the presence of his throne. Where others, at times, would have found the king inaccessible, they were persistently present to counsel and guide the king in making decisions pertaining to the kingdom. They were men of great power and had tremendous influence with Ahasuerus. Est. 1:12-14.