Esther 1:13
Esther 1:13 in Multiple Translations
Then the king consulted the wise men who knew the times, for it was customary for him to confer with the experts in law and justice.
¶ Then the king said to the wise men, which knew the times, (for so was the king’s manner toward all that knew law and judgment:
Then the king said to the wise men, who knew the times (for so was the king’s manner toward all that knew law and judgment;
And the king said to the wise men, who had knowledge of the times, (for this was the king's way with all who were expert in law and in the giving of decisions:
Then the king spoke with the wise men who would know what to do, for it was the custom for him to ask the opinion of experts in procedures and legal matters.
Then the King said to the wise men, that knew the times (for so was the Kings maner towards all that knew the law and the iudgement:
And the king saith to wise men, knowing the times — for so [is] the word of the king before all knowing law and judgment,
Then the king said to the wise men, who knew the times (for it was the king’s custom to consult those who knew law and judgment;
Then the king said to the wise men, who knew the times, (for so was the king's manner towards all that knew law and judgment:
Baked the wise men, who according to the custom of the kings, were always near his person, and all he did was by their counsel, who knew the laws, and judgments of their forefathers:
Immediately he had a meeting with the seven men who were the most important officials in Persia and Media. They were the men whom he often asked ◄for their advice/what he should do►. And they were men who knew all the customs and laws of Persia. Their names were Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan.
Berean Amplified Bible — Esther 1:13
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Esther 1:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
לַ/חֲכָמִ֖ים
יֹדְעֵ֣י
הָֽ/עִתִּ֑ים
כִּי
כֵן֙
דְּבַ֣ר
הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
לִ/פְנֵ֕י
כָּל
יֹדְעֵ֖י
דָּ֥ת
וָ/דִֽין
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
לַ/חֲכָמִ֖ים
châkâm
H2450
wise
Prep | Adj
יֹדְעֵ֣י
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Qal
הָֽ/עִתִּ֑ים
ʻêth
H6256
time
Art | N-cp
כִּי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
כֵן֙
kên
H3651
right
Adv
דְּבַ֣ר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-ms
הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
לִ/פְנֵ֕י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
יֹדְעֵ֖י
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Qal
דָּ֥ת
dâth
H1881
law
N-fs
וָ/דִֽין
dîyn
H1779
judgment
Conj | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Esther 1:13
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
לַ/חֲכָמִ֖ים
châkâm
H2450
"wise"
Prep | Adj
This word means wise or skilled, describing someone intelligent or crafty, like a cunning man or a prudent leader.
Definition: 1) wise, wise (man) 1a) skilful (in technical work) 1b) wise (in administration) 1c) shrewd, crafty, cunning, wily, subtle 1d) learned, shrewd (class of men) 1e) prudent 1f) wise (ethically and religiously)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: cunning (man), subtil, (un-), wise((hearted), man). See also: Genesis 41:8; Proverbs 16:14; Psalms 49:11.
יֹדְעֵ֣י
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Qal
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
הָֽ/עִתִּ֑ים
ʻêth
H6256
"time"
Art | N-cp
Eth means time, especially now or when, and can refer to an event, experience, or occasion. It is often used to describe a specific moment or period.
Definition: 1) time 1a) time (of an event) 1b) time (usual) 1c) experiences, fortunes 1d) occurrence, occasion
Usage: Occurs in 258 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after, (al-) ways, [idiom] certain, [phrase] continually, [phrase] evening, long, (due) season, so (long) as, (even-, evening-, noon-) tide, (meal-), what) time, when. See also: Genesis 8:11; 2 Chronicles 35:17; Psalms 1:3.
כִּי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
כֵן֙
kên
H3651
"right"
Adv
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
דְּבַ֣ר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
לִ/פְנֵ֕י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
יֹדְעֵ֖י
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Qal
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
דָּ֥ת
dâth
H1881
"law"
N-fs
This word means a law or decree, like a royal command, as seen in Esther and Daniel. It can also refer to a custom or tradition, like the laws given to Moses. The word is used to describe the rules and regulations of a kingdom or society.
Definition: 1) decree, law, edict, regulation, usage 1a) decree, edict, commission 1b) law, rule Aramaic equivalent: dat (דָּת "law" H1882)
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: commandment, commission, decree, law, manner. See also: Deuteronomy 33:2; Esther 3:15; Esther 9:14.
וָ/דִֽין
dîyn
H1779
"judgment"
Conj | N-ms
Judgment or a legal suit is the meaning of this word, used to describe a cause, plea, or dispute in the Bible.
Definition: 1) judgment 1a) judgment 1b) cause, plea 1c) condemnation, judgment 1d) dispute, legal suit, strife 1e) government Aramaic equivalent: din (דִּין "judgment" H1780)
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: cause, judgement, plea, strife. See also: Deuteronomy 17:8; Proverbs 20:8; Psalms 9:5.
Study Notes — Esther 1:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Esther 1:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Esther 1:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Esther 1:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Esther 1:13
- Trapp's Commentary on Esther 1:13
- Ellicott's Commentary on Esther 1:13
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Esther 1:13
- Cambridge Bible on Esther 1:13
- Barnes' Notes on Esther 1:13
- Whedon's Commentary on Esther 1:13
- Sermons on Esther 1:13
Context — Queen Vashti Deposed
11to bring Queen Vashti before him, wearing her royal crown, to display her beauty to the people and officials. For she was beautiful to behold.
12Queen Vashti, however, refused to come at the king’s command brought by his eunuchs. And the king became furious, and his anger burned within him.
13Then the king consulted the wise men who knew the times, for it was customary for him to confer with the experts in law and justice.
14His closest advisors were Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media who had personal access to the king and ranked highest in the kingdom. 15“According to law,” he asked, “what should be done with Queen Vashti, since she refused to obey the command of King Xerxes delivered by the eunuchs?”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Chronicles 12:32 | From Issachar, men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do: 200 chiefs with all their kinsmen at their command. |
| 2 | Daniel 2:2 | So the king gave orders to summon the magicians, enchanters, sorcerers, and astrologers to explain his dreams. When they came and stood before the king, |
| 3 | Jeremiah 10:7 | Who would not fear You, O King of nations? This is Your due. For among all the wise men of the nations, and in all their kingdoms, there is none like You. |
| 4 | Matthew 16:3 | and in the morning, ‘Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but not the signs of the times. |
| 5 | Daniel 5:7 | The king called out for the enchanters, astrologers, and diviners to be brought in, and he said to these wise men of Babylon, “Whoever reads this inscription and tells me its interpretation will be clothed in purple and have a gold chain placed around his neck, and he will be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom.” |
| 6 | Daniel 2:12 | This response made the king so furious with anger that he gave orders to destroy all the wise men of Babylon. |
| 7 | Matthew 2:1 | After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, |
| 8 | Daniel 2:27 | Daniel answered the king, “No wise man, enchanter, medium, or magician can explain to the king the mystery of which he inquires. |
| 9 | Daniel 4:6–7 | So I issued a decree that all the wise men of Babylon be brought before me to interpret the dream for me. When the magicians, enchanters, astrologers, and diviners came in, I told them the dream, and they could not interpret it for me. |
Esther 1:13 Summary
In Esther 1:13, King Xerxes consults with wise men who know the times, which means they understand the culture and customs of the kingdom. This shows that even powerful leaders need to seek advice from others, as seen in Proverbs 11:14. Just like King Xerxes, we can learn to seek wisdom from others and from God, as encouraged in James 1:5. By doing so, we can make better decisions and navigate challenging situations with confidence, trusting in God's guidance and wisdom, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did King Xerxes consult with the wise men who knew the times?
King Xerxes consulted with the wise men who knew the times because it was customary for him to confer with experts in law and justice, as seen in Esther 1:13, and he wanted to handle the situation with Queen Vashti according to the law, similar to how Solomon sought wisdom from God in 1 Kings 3:9.
What does it mean to 'know the times' in Esther 1:13?
To 'know the times' means to have a deep understanding of the circumstances, culture, and customs of the kingdom, allowing the wise men to provide informed counsel to the king, much like the men of Issachar in 1 Chronicles 12:32 who understood the times and knew what Israel should do.
Is it important for leaders to seek counsel from wise advisors?
Yes, it is important for leaders to seek counsel from wise advisors, as seen in Esther 1:13, and as encouraged in Proverbs 11:14, where it says that 'in the multitude of counselors there is safety'
How does this verse relate to the concept of seeking wisdom in the Bible?
This verse relates to the concept of seeking wisdom in the Bible, as seen in James 1:5, where it says that if anyone lacks wisdom, they should ask God, and He will give it generously, and in Proverbs 1:7, where it says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge
Reflection Questions
- What are some situations in my life where I need to seek wise counsel, and who are the people I can turn to for guidance?
- How can I cultivate a deeper understanding of the times and circumstances in my own life, and use that knowledge to make wise decisions?
- What are some ways that I can apply the principle of seeking wise counsel in my own relationships and decision-making processes?
- How can I balance the need for wise counsel with the need to trust in God's guidance and wisdom, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6?
Gill's Exposition on Esther 1:13
Then the king said to the wise men that knew the times,.... Astrologers, as Aben Ezra, that knew the fit time for doing anything; or that had knowledge of ancient times, historians, well read in
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Esther 1:13
Then the king said to the wise men, which knew the times, (for so was the king's manner toward all that knew law and judgment: Then the king said to the wise men.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Esther 1:13
Which knew the times; either, 1. The histories of former times, what princes have done in such cases as this was. Or, 2. Things done or to be done in time; what was just and fit to be done, or what was the law and judgment in these cases, as the following words explain it, and how and when things were to be done. See Poole "". Times are oft put in Scripture and other authors for the things done in them, by a common figure called a metonymy of the adjunct. So was the king’ s manner, to wit, to consult with them in all matters of moment.
Trapp's Commentary on Esther 1:13
Esther 1:13 Then the king said to the wise men, which knew the times, (for so [was] the king’ s manner toward all that knew law and judgment:Ver. 13. Then the king said to the wise men] What a sudden change is here! Ex conviviis fiunt comitia, imo et convitia, saith an interpreter. The enraged king forgets all his old love to Vashti, and breathes nothing else but reparation of his own lost honour, and revenge upon his peerless paragon. Howbeit herein he is to be commended, that he sent not for her forthwith by force, that he might dispatch her with his own hands; as Alexander did his friend Clitus and others in his cups and choler; neither ran he raging into her chamber, and kicked her out of the world, as Nero did his wife Octavia, for a less matter (Sueton. Ner.). He knew that anger is an evil counsellor. - qui non moderabitur irae, Infectum velit esse dolor quod suaserit et mens (Horat.). He that reineth not in his anger, shall do that in his haste whereof it shall repent him by leisure, and could eat his nails to have it undone again. Ahasuerus therefore calleth for his judges and counsellors, skilful in state matters. Which knew the times] And what was best to be done in them.
This skill they had gotten by much reading of politics and histories, and long observation. The men of Issachar were such, 1 Chronicles 12:32. Such a one was Croesus to Cyrus, Polybius to Scipio, Agrippa to Augustus, Anaxagoras to Themistocles, &c. Xerxes here had seven such to advise with as his privy councillors; Iudices Regios, the king’ s judges, Herodotus calleth them, and further saith, that they held their places for their lives, unless they very much misbehaved themselves. For so was the king’ s manner] sc. To advise with them in matters of moment, but not always to take their advice. The manner was, and the fundamental laws of the land took order, for prevention of tyranny, that the kings of Persia should be ruled by this grave senate of the kingdom, and not bring in an arbitrary government. But Xerxes (who is this Ahasuerus) once at least (if not oftener), viz. in his expedition against Greece, which was not long after this great feast, called his seven princes together, and spake to them after this manner; lest, said he, I should seem to follow mine own counsel, I have assembled you, and now do you remember, that it becomes you rather to obey than advise (Val. Max. lib. 9, cap. 5). Toward all that knew law and judgment] Of these Persian privy councillors it is said, 1.
That they were wise men. Now those only are wise quibus res sapiunt prout sunt. 2. They were skilful in the times, that is, well versed in histories, and well furnished with experiences. 3. That they knew the laws, which they had ready, and at their fingers’ ends, as we say.
Ellicott's Commentary on Esther 1:13
(13) Which knew the times.—That is, who were skilled in precedents, and could advise accordingly. For so. . . .—Translate, for so was the king’s business laid, before . . .
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Esther 1:13
Verse 13. To the wise men] Probably the lawyers.
Cambridge Bible on Esther 1:13
13. the wise men, which knew the times] The expression includes two classes of functionaries, (a) the astronomers and astrologers, who based their advice upon observation of the heavens, and (b) students of the laws and customs which had come into existence in the past, and so formed a guide for the direction of present conduct. for so was the king’s manner etc.] This does not indicate a custom of Ahasuerus in particular, but is a general remark to the effect that the kings of Persia were in the habit of taking counsel in this way before coming to any important resolution, and nothing that in any way concerned the king’s dignity could be considered insignificant. By conforming to this national use Ahasuerus shewed that even on such an occasion, and while moved by passionate indignation, he was able to put some restraint upon himself. Another example of this usage in the Persian monarchy is that given by Herodotus (iii. 31), where Cambyses asks the opinion of the learned men who were about him before taking his sister in marriage.
Barnes' Notes on Esther 1:13
Wise men ... - Not “astrologers,” who were unknown in Persia; but rather men of practical wisdom, who knew the facts and customs of former times.
Whedon's Commentary on Esther 1:13
13. The wise men, which knew the times — Men versed in the laws and customs of their age and of former times, and, therefore, capable of giving proper counsel on any matters of law or precedent.
Sermons on Esther 1:13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
"When Judgment Becomes Evident" by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the importance of being spiritually prepared and having discernment in times of judgment and crisis. It calls for a return to prayer, seeking God's wisdom, a |
|
Discernment - Part 3 by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of discerning the times we live in. He references Matthew 16:3, where Jesus asks if people can discern the signs of the times |
|
The Crisis of Our Time by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that all four gospels in the Bible lead up to the cross, highlighting the significance of the crucifixion in the message of Jesus. The speake |
|
Imperatives - Sensitivity to the Voice of the Lord by Devern Fromke | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the tendency of believers to live as though God does not exist. He compares this behavior to the prodigal son who squandered his inheritance a |
|
In Times Like These… - Part 9 by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of watching and praying as a way to stay faithful to God. He warns against the dangers of not discerning the times and not be |
|
There Is a Time for Every Purpose by Aaron Hurst | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing the appropriate time for different actions and emotions in our lives. He references Ecclesiastes chapter 3, wh |
|
|
That's the Way It Is by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for something powerful to happen in church. He compares it to divine electricity, stating that when we attend church, we should eit |