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A decision sought, not according to the emotions involved but as stated in the law of the Medes and the Persians. What is the penalty for disobedience as determined by the law. Vashti had violated the law by her refusal. She had gone against the will and call of the king. Est. 1:15.
Memucan, whose name means dignified, is the spokes- man for the seven princes. He must have been the elder statesman among them. He expanded the guilt of the whole affair to include an affront against the king, the princes and all the people of every province. Esther 1:16.
This is a case where the cause would seem to be totally justifiable, were it not for the law of the land. On the basis of the law, Vashti was judged to be disobedient and therefore had broken the law and must be punished. The effect and authority of the law would now take itís action against her. Our human emotions would strongly want to justify her, but the law was something by which they lived. Whether we like it or not, there must be laws by which we conduct our lives in this world. The law prevailed, it had been violated and now the consequences must be paid. Est. 1:17.
Any way it is considered, the reasoning and remarks made by Memucan have a definite sound of male chauvinism. How secure were their relationships and their marriages until they feared through the act of the queen, all the ladies of the land would despise and disdain their husbands. Even to a point where they would pour out contempt and anger against their husbands. It makes them sound like a group of suppressed women just looking for a leader and a cause to revolt against their husbands.
On the other hand, perhaps that was the exact situation.
Heathen homes, built on heathen practices of marriage without love, are not on a solid foundation. Troubles and difficulties can easily erupt and create emotions such as those feared by Memucan. Est. 1:18.