The seven nobles probably deliberated the matter before Memucan, their spokesman, gave their final answer to the king. The answer testifies of their political insight. They clearly perceived that Vashti’s actions could have ramifications for the entire empire.
Yet their answer is devoid of that impartial and sincere wisdom which comes from above (James 3:17). Instead of pointing out that the king had placed Vashti in an impossible situation, they joined the king in blaming her. Perhaps their answer was also motivated by self-preservation, since no one who dared to oppose Xerxes could be certain of his life.
16 Then Memucan said in the presence of the king and the officials, “Not only against the king has Queen Vashti done wrong, but also against all the officials and all the peoples who are in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus.