Illustration created for this project.
Vashti
The queen deposed by King Xerxes for refusing to appear, opening the way for Esther.
What we know — and how we know it
Bible — stated in scripture (with verse) · 1
Scholarly — supported scholarly belief · 1
Life, role & deeds
BibleQueen of Persia, deposed by Xerxes for refusing to appear at his banquet — which opened the way for Esther.
Esther 1:10–19
ScholarlyThe queen Ahasuerus (Xerxes) deposes. No Persian source names Vashti or Esther — the Greek historian Herodotus calls Xerxes's queen Amestris — which is a chief reason scholars debate whether Esther is history, historical novella, or festival legend.
Herodotus, Histories 7.61, 9.109; the historicity debate
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Esther
Where in scripture
Esther
Esther 1:9Esther 1:11Esther 1:12Esther 1:15Esther 1:16Esther 1:17Esther 1:19Esther 2:1Esther 2:4Esther 2:17
Family
Places in their life
Photo: Marie-Lan Nguyen — Public domain (via Wikimedia Commons)
In art
