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     Queen Vashti was married to King Ahasuerus.   King Ahasuerus reigned over one hundred and twenty seven provinces from India to Ethiopia.  In the third year of his reign, he made a feast that lasted 180 days for all his officials and servants, the powers of Persia and Media, the nobles, and the princes of the provinces.   Afterwards, King Ahasuerus made a feast/banquet lasting seven days for all the people who were present in Shushan.  During the feast, royal wine was in abundance.   While the King hosted the men, Queen Vashti hosted a banquet for the women (Esther 1 & 2).      
     On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was drunk with wine, he commanded seven eunuchs to bring Queen Vashti before him in order to show her beauty to the people and the officials (Esther 1:10-11).   Queen Vashti refused to be summoned which angered King Ahasuerus.  Openly defying the king in front of others was humiliating.  During that time, women had to obey their husbands.  In order to keep the other wives in line, the King had to take action.  If the King did not make an example out of the Queen, other wives very well could have disobeyed their husbands.   King Ahasuerus chose to banish Queen Vashti and a new search began to replace her.    
     Queen Vashti lost her title, position and privilege.   Obviously the Queen knew her decision would be controversial.   Queen Vashti made the decision not to be a trophy wife.  After seven days of drinking much wine, King Ahasuerus nor his friends could practice self-control.  Can you imagine how loud and unhinged the men were after seven days of drinking wine?   How would you feel if your husband wanted to parade you around in front of his drunken friends?  How would you respond if you find yourself in a compromising position?  Do you engage in activities that go against your beliefs, values or what God created you to do?  
     Most sermons paint Queen Vashti as arrogant, rebellious or defiant.  Before you paint Queen Vashti as a villain, look at her from a different perspective.  Would you want your husband’s drunken friends ogling you?  My answer is no.   I see Queen Vashti as brave and courageous.  She chose modesty and self respect over power and position.  Queen Vashti taught me the importance of making a decision and sticking to it regardless of the opinions of others.