There are many civilizations, both throughout antiquity and in our modern times, that organize themselves through honour and shame, viewing individuals as part of families and larger communities and evaluating their actions according to whether or not they adhere to societal norms and thus bring honour to their family/community or whether they rebel against communal expectations and thus bring shame not only to themselves but to their entire family/community. Ancient Persia is such a society, and while Xerxes' actions should have brought shame and Vashti's integrity honour, due to the structure of their civilization the reverse happens. This incident sets the framework for the rest of the narrative and helps us to gain a better understanding of how to best honour God and others as we seek to live a Christlike life in a God-hating culture.

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