The Queen Who Said No
(Esther 1)
Long ago, a powerful king named Ahasuerus ruled over a huge kingdom. His land stretched all the way from India to Ethiopia, and he had 127 provinces to take care of. The king lived in a beautiful palace in a city called Susa.
In the third year of his reign, King Ahasuerus decided to throw a giant party. He invited all his princes, nobles, and military leaders. For 180 days, he showed off all his riches and the glory of his kingdom. It was a very long party. After that, he threw another party for everyone in Susa, both important and ordinary people, that lasted seven days.
This second party was held in the beautiful garden of the king's palace. The garden had white and blue curtains, held up by cords of purple linen tied to silver rings on marble pillars. There were couches made of gold and silver. The floor was made of fancy stones. People drank wine from golden goblets, and each guest could drink as much as he wanted. It was a royal celebration.
While the king was partying with the men, Queen Vashti was also hosting a feast for the women inside the royal palace. She was the queen, and she was having her own celebration.
On the seventh day of the king's party, he was feeling very happy from all the wine. He decided he wanted to show off his wife. He commanded seven of his servants to go and bring Queen Vashti to him. He wanted her to wear her royal crown so all the people and princes could see how beautiful she was. The king was proud of his queen.
But something unexpected happened. When the servants gave Queen Vashti the king's command, she refused to come. She said no. When the king heard this, he was furious. His anger burned inside him like a fire.
King Ahasuerus was very angry, but he did not know what to do. He turned to his wise men for advice. These were the men who knew the laws and understood the times. The king asked them, "What should I do to Queen Vashti? She disobeyed my command." His voice was sharp with anger.
One of the wise men, named Memucan, spoke up. He said that Queen Vashti had not just wronged the king, but also all the princes and people in the kingdom. He worried that other women would hear about what she did and start disobeying their husbands too. Memucan advised the king to make a new law. The law would say that Vashti could never come before the king again. Then the king should give her royal position to someone else who was better than her.
This advice pleased the king and his officials. So, King Ahasuerus did what Memucan suggested. He sent letters all throughout his vast empire, to every province and people in their own language. The letters declared that every man should be the ruler of his own household.
In one evening, Queen Vashti lost her place as queen because she said no to the king's command.
A Curious Question
Why do you think the king's advisors were so worried that one queen's "no" would make all the other wives in the kingdom stop respecting their husbands?
Jesus Connection
In this story, the king wants to show off his queen, but she refuses. One day, Jesus, the true King, will return to show His glory to the whole world. But unlike Queen Vashti, Jesus will not refuse the Father's plan. He came to earth to die for our sins and then rose again so we could be part of His kingdom forever (Romans 5:8). Jesus is the perfect King who never fails to do what is right, and His kingdom will never end.
Discussion Questions
- Why do you think Queen Vashti refused to come to the king even though he was the most powerful man in the world?
- The king became very angry when he did not get what he wanted. What are some good ways to handle our own angry feelings when things do not go our way?
- The advisors were worried about the whole kingdom because of one queen's decision. How can one person's choices affect many other people?
So What? What Can I Do?
- When I feel angry, I can take a deep breath and pray to God before I say or do something I might regret.
- When I am asked to do something wrong, I can say no like Queen Vashti did, even if it is hard.
- When I make a mistake, I can ask for forgiveness and remember that God is quick to forgive us through Jesus.
Memorize God's Word
Proverbs 14:17: "A man of quick temper acts foolishly, and a man of evil devices is hated."
- A man of quick temper pretend to be very angry and stomp your foot.
- acts foolishly tap your temple with your finger and shake your head.
- and a man of evil devices rub your hands together like you are making a sneaky plan.
- is hated make a sad face and shake your head.
Praying with Kids
Dear Father, thank you for being the true King over everything. Please help us to control our anger and make wise choices. When we are afraid or upset, help us to trust you and do what is right. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Craft or Activity
Royal Crown of Self-Control
Kids will make their own royal crowns to remind them that God wants us to have self-control over our words and actions, even when we are angry.
Materials Checklist:
How to Make the Royal Crown of Self-Control:- Cut a long strip of cardstock that will fit around your head.
- Cut out a zigzag or pointed top for your crown and glue it to the band.
- Decorate your crown with stickers and jewels to make it beautiful.
- Write "Self-Control" on the front of your crown.
- Wear your crown and remember to let God help you control your anger.
Effective Teaching Techniques
- For Younger Children: Focus on the concrete details of the story, like the big parties, the golden cups, and the queen saying no. Use simple words and lots of expression.
- Prep Shortcut: Pre-cut the crown shapes and the bands for younger children to save time and frustration.
- Classroom Management: When discussing anger, give children a physical outlet, like squeezing a stress ball, to help them calm down.
- For Older Kids: Ask them to think about the consequences of the king's anger. Was it fair? How did his emotions affect an entire kingdom?
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why did Queen Vashti refuse to come when the king called for her?
- The Bible does not say her exact reason, but she would not be put on display for the king's drunken guests, even though it meant losing her position as queen.
- Was the king right to remove Vashti as queen?
- No. The king acted out of wounded pride and anger rather than wisdom, and his advisors fed his fear instead of helping him respond calmly.
- How does Vashti's story connect to Esther becoming queen?
- Vashti's removal created the opening for a new queen to be chosen, which set the stage for Esther, a Jewish orphan, to rise to the position God would use to save her people.