The Feast of Achashverosh and the Feast of Vashti

A close reading of the story of Ahashverosh's feasts demonstrates that the author is mocking Ahashverosh, the seemingly generous king. Vashti's refusal to come before the king probably stemmed from her intimate knowledge with the permissive atmosphere in such feasts. The book compares Vashti's refusal with Joseph's refusal of Potiphar's wife.