I’ve read the story of Esther many times. But this time, something different stood out to me; the way it was worded.
In the beginning of the story, there was a queen before Esther, named Queen Vashti. Queen Vashti didn’t want to attend the king’s party. She simply said, “NO.” Because of her simple refusal, she was banned from the king’s presence.
Later in the story, the king has found a new queen, Esther. She also broke a law, approaching the king, “which everyone…knows there is a single fate for…death.” [Esther 4:9-11]
This is what she said to the king: “If it please the king and he regards me with favor and thinks this is right, and if he has any affection for me at all……” [Esther 8:4]
Two beautiful queens. Both of them queens he loved to show off. They both broke the law as it related to the king. One was banned yet one continued as queen.
What made the difference?
I truly believe there are many layers here. First of all, God was obviously protecting his people. Esther had a great part to play in that plan, and his favor was on her. But, as a songwriter, I can’t help but compare their words; Queen Vashti’s simple “NO” verses Queen Esther’s, “If it please the king and he regards me with favor and thinks this is right, and if he has any affection for me at all…”
What a stark contrast in expressing NO.
As songwriters, we have limitless opportunity for expressing words. We can paint them quickly, and without much explanation, or we can dive into depths. We can process, prepare, wait for God’s favor to pour out in just the right way at the right time. We can get a community of believers behind us to pray for those words and for anointing. We can fast for those words. Without fear.
What kind of lyrics are you going to write? Are you writing Vashti lyrics or Esther lyrics? Remember, the way you word things matters!
Krissy Nordhoff is a songwriter with Integrity Music and has written songs like YOUR GREAT NAME, MERCY TREE, and OH PRAISE (THE ONLY ONE).