Esther 1:19 (ESV)

19 If it please the king, let a royal order go out from him, and let it be written among the laws of the Persians and the Medes so that it may not be repealed, that Vashti is never again to come before King Ahasuerus. And let the king give her royal position to another who is better than she.

The advisers suggested drastic measures, in order to nip any possible uprising in the bud. Vashti had refused to come when the king sent for her. So as punishment, she would never be allowed into his presence again! With this decree, Vashti would lose her status as queen. This fact is highlighted by Memucan’s referring to her as Vashti instead of Queen Vashti.

The advice included two clever arrangements. First, the decree had to be written in the laws of the Persians and the Medes. In that case, it could never be changed, even if Xerxes would later long for his queen and regret his decision (see also Daniel 6:8–15). Thus, the lives and positions of the seven advisers would be safeguarded against any future revenge on the part of Vashti.

Second, Vashti had to be replaced with a woman who is better than she. Ahasuerus was known for his wild passions and his weakness for beautiful women. If he was to give up his queen, he needed the prospect of an even more beautiful queen!