Vashti And Israel

What does Queen Vashti have in common with Israel?

The story of Vashti in the book of Esther reflects YHVH's utter disappointment with the people of Israel for not returning to the land of Israel after the seventy-year exile, to fulfill their divine purpose to become YHVH's 'model' nation.

"Vashti was called to come to the King and show all the nations her beauty... but she did not come as the King commanded, and he became very angry." (Esther 1:9-12)

Was not Vashti's behavior similar to that of Israel? Was not the King's conclusion similar to YHVH's? Was not the fear that all the women in the Persian kingdom will now disobey their husbands ironic? If Israel, who was destined to be a "Light to the nations" will not respond to the Divine Call, what could YHVH expect from other nations?

Israel is often compared to YHVH's wife. (Hosea 2:4,16-18, Zech 1:1-3) Who is the Real King in the book of Esther? The word "HaMelech" - "The King" in the book of Esther refers to YHVH and not to the earthly king, Ahasuerus.

Haman's petition to Ahasuerus to destroy Israel echoes a similar complaint that YHVH has against His own nation.

"There is a certain nation scattered among the nations whose laws are different than any other nation, but the laws of The King they do not keep, and it is not worthwhile for The King to leave them be." (Esther 3:8)

Haman's accusation is similar to YHVH's threat in the book of Deuteronomy to destroy the nation of Israel for not keeping His laws. (Deut 32:26) After all, what purpose is there for YHVH to keep His people if they refuse to obey Him and fulfill their divine calling?

Don't be a "vashti"

"Come and let us return unto YHVH." Hosea 6:1