Promotion and Demotion
The Biblical book of Esther is an interesting one. There are several theories as to whether the accounts are actually true, if Ahasuerus was Xerxes or Artaxerxes, and to the historical identities of Vashti and Esther. There are also many themes and messages throughout, but I will focus on the stories of these two women. One went from Queen to reject, and the other from potential concubine to Queen. Promotion and demotion occurred at the whim of the ruler.
Vashti
That ruler was Ahasuerus, a powerful King who ruled over a vast kingdom and was revered as a demigod. We can safely assume that he commanded immense power. It would have been unwise to cross him.
Ahasuerus threw a lavish six month feast for all of his officials, then another seven day feast for the wider population in the city. The extravagance was a display of his prosperity, and what better way to top it off than showing off his pretty wife? When Queen Vashti was summoned to appear before the King, the narrative made a it a point to note that he was drunk. The story also mentioned that she was to appear wearing her royal crown.
She refused his commandment.
There was no explanation as to why she did so. Scholars speculate that she was to appear nude, wearing only her crown. This theory fits into the drunken antics of a host of what could best be described as a frat party.
How degrading for a Queen to parade naked for strange men while they ogled her! I presume that this was not the first time she was made to do so.
Regardless of her justification, she had to have known that her punishment would be swift and severe. Yet, she was willing to take that stand because she had had enough of the abuse.
While Vashti was not executed, she was stripped of her crown and its privileges. Ahasuerus could have easily divorced her, but instead he essentially exiled her within the palace walls, never to appear before him again.
She is credited as being the first feminist. But was Vashti ultimately proud of her decision to defend her right not to be treated unfairly? Was her sacrifice worth it to her?
Esther
Now enter Esther. More than three years later (because people in power can hold some serious grudges), King Ahasuerus was seeking a new wife.
He didn’t want just any new Queen; the most powerful man on earth wanted the cream of the crop. His Queen would be given a life of luxury. In return, she had to be pretty, young and of course, a virgin.
Candidates were taken from far and wide to be prepared for an audition.
In the end, only one would be Queen; all the others would become the King’s Concubines. Everyone knew what happened to Vashti – defying the King’s orders came with consequences. So off Esther went, surrounded by strangers and a harem of women desperate to not become Concubines. What would set her apart from these other beauties?
Her discernment and attitude.
Esther had to hide her heritage and navigate the personalities she encountered; all while remaining humble, submissive and receptive to sound advice from her keepers.
She had just one year to prepare, and one night to prove her worth to the King.
Esther ultimately became Queen. She became so comfortable in her new role that she had to be compelled by Mordecai to use her influence to prevent the annihilation of her fellow Jews. He also reminded her that the genocidal decree applied to her – she may have been a Queen, but she was still a Jew.
In the end, she gained the courage to risk her life to save her people. She emerged victorious.
Epiphany
At this point, you’re probably thinking, “What in the world does this have to do with doctors???”
Everything.
I had recently reread the book of Esther, and had an epiphany.
As doctors, we often work in institutions, with physician-partners, or under administrators and directors. These situationships can sometimes be inhospitable to the point of being extremely toxic.
Doctors are taken advantage of, made to slave away under unfair conditions with minimal compensation and a suffocating bureaucracy. At some point, a burnt-out doctor will scream “ENOUGH!!!”
(Or they may go into “margarita mode”.)
What happens afterwards depends on many factors which may be beyond our control; such as public perception, financial resources, and the legal and regulatory systems in which we work.
Meanwhile, in the same system we have persons who came through the ranks, from medical student, to senior physician. They are so thankful to have finally made it that they are unconcerned or unwilling to step in to help their subordinates – even when they are clearly suffering in their work environment. Then there are others who, like Esther, have gained favour with those in power, and therefore feel immune from the plight of their colleagues.
Ultimately, most come to realize that what affects one, affects all.
Choosing Your Battles
In the end, Vashti was demoted to Concubine and Esther elevated to Queen.
In this narrative, neither woman was wrong. However, historically Esther was regarded as the heroine, while Vashti’s behaviour insulted the culture of patriarchal rule.
Both of these women took a stand to protect themselves from mistreatment.
Whether Queen or Concubine, their ultimate status was not a result of just their own actions, but the will of the King.
So when choosing our battles as doctors, we have to consider what we are fighting for, and what we are willing to sacrifice to achieve our goals.
Will we be like Vashti and face the battlefield in a blaze of glory?
Or will we be like Esther and play a game of chess to manipulate the war to our advantage?
Whether you choose Queen or Concubine, the goals should be the same – to stand, and to win.
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