Biblical Reference:
The account of Memucan's proposal is found in the Book of Esther, specifically in Esther 1:10-22.

Historical Context:
The events surrounding Memucan's proposal occur during the reign of King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I) of Persia, who ruled from 486 to 465 BC. The narrative is set in the royal palace at Susa, the capital of the Persian Empire. The king had hosted a lavish banquet for his nobles and officials, which lasted for 180 days, followed by a seven-day feast for all the people present in the citadel of Susa.

Narrative Summary:
On the seventh day of the feast, King Ahasuerus, in high spirits from wine, commanded his seven eunuchs to bring Queen Vashti before him, wearing her royal crown, to display her beauty to the people and officials. Queen Vashti refused to come at the king's command, delivered by the eunuchs. This refusal led to a crisis in the royal court, as it was seen as a direct challenge to the king's authority.

Memucan's Role:
Memucan was one of the seven princes of Persia and Media who had access to the king and held the highest positions in the kingdom. When the king consulted his wise men about what should be done according to the law, Memucan spoke up with a proposal. He argued that Queen Vashti's disobedience was not only an offense against the king but also a potential cause of widespread disrespect among women throughout the empire. Memucan feared that if Vashti's behavior went unpunished, it would encourage other women to disobey their husbands, leading to contempt and discord in households across the kingdom.

Memucan's Proposal:
Memucan proposed that a royal decree be issued, recorded in the laws of Persia and Media, which could not be repealed, stating that Vashti was never again to enter the presence of King Ahasuerus. Furthermore, her royal position should be given to another who was more worthy. Memucan suggested that this decree be proclaimed throughout the vast empire to ensure that all women would honor their husbands, from the least to the greatest.

Biblical Text (Esther 1:16-20):
"And in the presence of the king and the princes, Memucan replied, 'Queen Vashti has wronged not only the king, but all the princes and the peoples in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus. For the conduct of the queen will become known to all women, causing them to despise their husbands and say, "King Ahasuerus ordered Queen Vashti to be brought before him, but she did not come." This very day the noble women of Persia and Media who have heard about the queen’s conduct will say the same thing to all the king’s officials, resulting in much contempt and wrath. If it pleases the king, let a royal decree be issued and recorded in the laws of Persia and Media, so that it cannot be repealed: that Vashti is never again to enter the presence of King Ahasuerus, and that her royal position is to be given to a woman better than she. The king’s edict will be proclaimed throughout all his vast kingdom, so all women will honor their husbands, from the least to the greatest.'"

Implications and Significance:
Memucan's proposal reflects the cultural and societal norms of the time, emphasizing the importance of male authority and the subordination of women within the household. The decree aimed to reinforce the patriarchal structure of society by ensuring that the queen's defiance did not set a precedent for other women. This event set the stage for Esther's rise to queenship, which would later play a crucial role in the deliverance of the Jewish people within the Persian Empire.