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Esther 1:15

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does Esther 1:15 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “What shall we do unto the queen Vashti according to law, because she hath not done the bidding of the king Ahasuerus by the chamberlains?” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

What shall we do unto the queen Vashti according to law, because she hath not done the bidding of the king Ahasuerus by the chamberlains?
Esther 1:15 — American Standard Version

Context — Esther 1

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
12But the queen Vashti refused to come at the king`s commandment by the chamberlains: therefore was the king very wroth, and his anger burned in him.
13Then the king said to the wise men, who knew the times, (for so was the king`s manner toward all that knew law and judgment;
14and the next unto him were Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, who saw the king`s face, and sat first in the kingdom),
15What shall we do unto the queen Vashti according to law, because she hath not done the bidding of the king Ahasuerus by the chamberlains?
16And Memucan answered before the king and the princes, Vashti the queen hath not done wrong to the king only, but also to all the princes, and to all the peoples that are in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus.
17For this deed of the queen will come abroad unto all women, to make their husbands contemptible in their eyes, when it shall be reported, The king Ahasuerus commanded Vashti the queen to be brought in before him, but she came not.
18And this day will the princesses of Persia and Media who have heard of the deed of the queen say [the like] unto all the king`s princes. So [will there arise] much contempt and wrath.
← Esther 1:14Esther 1:16 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“What shall we do unto the Queen Vashti, according to law, etc.] The king desired to know what law was provided in such a case as her’s, and what to be done according to it: because she hath not performed the commandment of the king by the chamberlains? as this was the crime, disobedience to his commands, he would have those who had knowledge of the law consider what punishment was to be inflicted on her for it, according to former laws, usages, and customs, or as reason and justice required; and it being a festival, and they heated with wine, was no objection to a consultation on this head; for it was the manner of the Persians at festivals, and when inflamed with wine, to consult and…”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“1:15 What penalty does the law provide: In his humiliation, the king no doubt wanted to punish Vashti to the fullest extent.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“What shall we do: Heb. What to do, Est 6:6 Esther 1:16”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification