Good Feminist vs. Good Leader

           A friend said recently that Queen Vashti from the book of Esther could be considered the first feminist in the Biblical narrative. This was based on the idea that she was the first female character to stand up that strongly to a male character. This idea is echoed by feminist theologians who write that Vashti “was the first woman in the Bible…to refuse to be treated as either chattel or a sex object. She…sets for women a fine example of female independence, assertiveness, and a high concept of self-worth” (Meyers, 167). For a female character that does not actually speak or be present for more than a few verses such a title is quite extraordinary. Score one feminist point for Vashti!

            Yet, I cannot help but feel that Vashti is not a good study in leadership. A study of strength of character, being courageous in the face adversity, or how to speak up about your beliefs. Yes, Vashti is that, but a Biblical character that is an example of a good and effective leadership, Vashti is not. Not when compared to Esther and her leadership. 

            Now, Esther is not always held up as a paragon of feminist ideals. She seemingly accepts with little protest going into the King’s Harem and ultimately becoming his new queen. This easy acceptance when compared to Vashti’s refusal does seem to create an image of Vashti as a hero and Esther as a non-hero. 

            However, I would argue that of the two, Esther is the stronger leader and thus the stronger, and smarter, feminist hero than Vashti. Vashti has a slightly larger wiggle room to disobey the king, but Esther as a member of a minority group would potentially have had little to no choice in obeying the King. Thus Esther actions of going before the King, confronting Haman, and securing the future of her people is all the more extraordinary. Esther had to have the leadership ability to craft a plan and then the courage to carry the plan through. Vashti, although courageous, did not craft and carry out a plan that would ultimately achieve such greatness or leadership.