Contradiction with Esther 1:12
Vashti's refusal contradicts the expected obedience to the king's command.
Esther 1:12: But the queen Vashti refused to come at the king's commandment by [his] chamberlains: therefore was the king very wroth, and his anger burned in him. [by his...: Heb. which was by the hand of his eunuchs]
Contradiction with Colossians 3:18
This verse advises wives to submit to their husbands, contrasting Vashti's disobedience.
Colossians 3:18: Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.
Contradiction with Ephesians 5:33
It encourages respect from a wife toward her husband, contradicting Vashti's action.
Ephesians 5:33: Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife [see] that she reverence [her] husband.
Contradiction with 1 Peter 3:1
Advises wives to be submissive, which is opposite to Vashti's refusal.
1 Peter 3:1: Likewise, ye wives, [be] in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;
Contradiction with Proverbs 31:12
Describes an ideal wife as one who does her husband good, unlike Vashti's non-compliance.
Proverbs 31:12: She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
Contradiction with Titus 2:5
Instructs women to be obedient to their husbands, contrasting Vashti's behavior.
Titus 2:5: [To be] discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
Paradox #1
The contradiction or inconsistency with Esther 1:11 could relate to cultural practices. Some scholars question the historical accuracy of the depiction of Persian court customs and whether it would have been appropriate or even possible for a queen to be summoned in such a manner during a royal banquet. However, historical evidence is limited, and the story reflects cultural elements of both ancient Persia and Jewish tradition.
Paradox #2
The contradiction or conflict in Esther 1:11 could be seen as the pressure for Queen Vashti to appear before King Ahasuerus and his guests just to show off her beauty, which raises concerns about the objectification and treatment of women. This situation highlights the tension between royal authority and individual dignity.