On the seventh day, when King Xerxes was in high spirits from wine, he commanded the seven eunuchs who served him—Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar and Karkas— to bring before him Queen Vashti, wearing her royal crown, in order to display her beauty to the people and nobles, for she was lovely to look at. But when the attendants delivered the king’s command, Queen Vashti refused to come. Then the king became furious and burned with anger. Since it was customary for the king to consult experts in matters of law and justice, he spoke with the wise men who understood the times and were closest to the king—Karshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena and Memukan, the seven nobles of Persia and Media who had special access to the king and were highest in the kingdom. “According to law, what must be done to Queen Vashti?” he asked. “She has not obeyed the command of King Xerxes that the eunuchs have taken to her.”

–Parallel verses:
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭14‬:‭6‬-‭10‬
On Herod’s birthday the daughter of Herodias danced for the guests and pleased Herod so much that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked. Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.” The king was distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he ordered that her request be granted and had John beheaded in the prison.

I like to party as much as anyone else, but I don’t like to drink very much at all. I definitely do not aim to get drunk. I hear of a lot of “Christians” these days bragging about how “plastered” they got the night before and about how much alcohol they consume. This is not in line with the Bible’s teachings.

This passage in Ephesians tells us why we are not supposed to get drunk as Christians: “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭15‬-‭20‬)

We see here in the story of Esther and (in the parallel verses about the beheading of John) how drunkenness leads to very poor decisions and selfish behavior.

In Matthew, Herod’s wife, Herodias, sent her daughter to dance before the king and his nobles. This birthday party would have likely involved lots of wine, and the dancing enamored the king. We don’t know the kind of dancing here, but clearly the king granted her way more authority than he needed to, probably because of his inebriated state. Her request for John the Baptist’s head went against the king’s fear of the people, and of John because of his anointing by God. He put himself in a tough situation as he gave his oath to a girl whose mother hated John, so he went against his better judgment.

Then, in Esther, we find the king “high in spirits from wine” or drunk. And so what does he do? He calls for his wife to parade “her beauty” to all of his drunken friends. My guess is, he wanted her to wear revealing and sexually suggestive clothing to impress them and make them jealous. I don’t blame Queen Vashti for not wanting to be degraded in this way.

Out of the anger over her rebuff, the king acted to exert control over her and all the women in his kingdom through fear. He sought to punish Vashti, with the implication being that this is what would happen to any other wives who would not succumb to their husband’s fancies.

So what can we learn from these passages today? James lays it out pretty clearly for us: “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.” (‭‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭19‬-‭21‬)

We must be self-controlled and level-headed in life to produce righteous actions in keeping with God’s will for us. When we are drunk we are not in complete control of our actions. Our minds become encumbered, self-serving, and foolish. Drunkenness is an accelerant which amplifies the moral filth and evil we are to stay away from. Instead, we must study and implement the Word of God, which brings life into our lives.

We hear stories of some of our leaders in Congress these days succumbing to orgies and wild parties in Washington DC, and I for one do not doubt this. Why? Because this is the way of the world. It comprises the consciences and actions of those who participate in them. Blackmail and leverage come out of these types of activities. No wonder many are acting against their stated platform convictions they ran on and partnering to pass legislation that does not benefit the people they represent.

As Christ followers, we are to turn and flee from immorality at all costs and cling to the righteousness that God offers, which gives us true freedom and wisdom. I call on our leaders at all levels to (as needed) repent of the moral filth that has infiltrated their ranks and seek the heart of God.

Lord, thank you for showing us the stark contrast between the debased and evil ways of the pagan leaders of the world and living as you desire by seeking to become righteous and full of integrity. You call us to lead in meekness, humility, wisdom, and love. I aim to do just that.