DO NOT THINK TOO HIGHLY OF YOURSELF

PROCLAMATION

“According to the law, what must be done to Queen Vashti?” he asked.  “She has not obeyed the command of King Xerxes …”  “Therefore … let him issue a royal decree … that Vashti is never again to enter the presence of King Xerxes.  Also let the king give her royal position to someone else …”  Esther 1:15-19 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

During the third year of his reign, King Xerxes gave a banquet for all of his nobles, officials, military leaders, and the princes of all the provinces. (Esther 1:1-4)  When this was finished, he held a banquet for all of the people who were in the citadel of Susa. (Esther 1:5-8)  At the same time Queen Vashti held a banquet for all of the women of the royal palace. (Esther 1:9)  The king had been showing off his wealth and possessions (Esther 1:4) and also wanted to show off his wife (Esther 1:11) but he was “merry with wine”. (Esther 1:10)  On the seventh day of his banquet the king sent for the queen, but she refused to come to him. (Esther 1:10-12)  There was no reason given for her refusal.  The king was angry with her and, after consulting with his legal advisers, he banished her from the kingdom by a royal decree which also stated that all women will respect their husbands. (Esther 1:12-22)

APPLICATION

We should always remember, that which is given to us can also be taken away from us.  We should not let our positions, or our possessions, go to our heads.  We should not think too highly of ourselves. (Romans 12:3)  Our positions are God given and He can put us up or down as He sees fit to do. (Psalm 75:7)  The Lord can give, and The Lord can take away, blessed be the name of The Lord. (Job 1:21)