Esther 1:14
Esther 1:14 in Multiple Translations
His 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.
And the next unto him was Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, which saw the king’s face, and which sat the first in the kingdom;)
and the next unto him were Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, who saw the king’s face, and sat first in the kingdom),
And second only to him were Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, the seven rulers of Persia and Media, who were friends of the king, and had the first places in the kingdom:)
Those closest to him were Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan. They were the seven nobles of Persia and Media who had frequent meetings with the king and had the highest positions in the kingdom.
And the next vnto him was Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan the seuen princes of Persia and Media, which sawe the Kings face, and sate the first in the kingdome)
and he who is near unto him [is] Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, Memucan, seven heads of Persia and Media seeing the face of the king, who are sitting first in the kingdom —
and next to him were Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, who saw the king’s face, and sat first in the kingdom),
And the next to him was Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, who saw the king's face, and who sat the first in the kingdom;)
(Now the chief and nearest him were, Charsena, and Sethar, and Admatha, and Tharsis, and Mares, and Marsana, and Mamuchan, seven princes of the Persians, and of the Medes, who saw the face of the king, and were used to sit first after him:)
Berean Amplified Bible — Esther 1:14
BAB
Word Study
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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 1:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הַ/קָּרֹ֣ב
אֵלָ֗י/ו
כַּרְשְׁנָ֤א
שֵׁתָר֙
אַדְמָ֣תָא
תַרְשִׁ֔ישׁ
מֶ֥רֶס
מַרְסְנָ֖א
מְמוּכָ֑ן
שִׁבְעַ֞ת
שָׂרֵ֣י
פָּרַ֣ס
וּ/מָדַ֗י
רֹאֵי֙
פְּנֵ֣י
הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
הַ/יֹּשְׁבִ֥ים
רִאשֹׁנָ֖ה
בַּ/מַּלְכֽוּת
וְ/הַ/קָּרֹ֣ב
qârôwb
H7138
near
Conj | Art | Adj
אֵלָ֗י/ו
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
כַּרְשְׁנָ֤א
Karshᵉnâʼ
H3771
Carshena
N-proper
שֵׁתָר֙
Shêthâr
H8369
Shethar
N-proper
אַדְמָ֣תָא
ʼAdmâthâʼ
H133
Admatha
N-proper
תַרְשִׁ֔ישׁ
Tarshîysh
H8659
Tarshish
N-proper
מֶ֥רֶס
Mereç
H4825
Meres
N-proper
מַרְסְנָ֖א
Marçᵉnâʼ
H4826
Marsena
N-proper
מְמוּכָ֑ן
Mᵉmûwkân
H4462
Memucan
N-proper
שִׁבְעַ֞ת
shebaʻ
H7651
seven
Adj
שָׂרֵ֣י
sar
H8269
ruler
N-mp
פָּרַ֣ס
Pâraç
H6539
Persia
N-proper
וּ/מָדַ֗י
Mâday
H4074
Mede
Conj | N-proper
רֹאֵי֙
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Qal
פְּנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp
הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
הַ/יֹּשְׁבִ֥ים
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
Art | V-Qal
רִאשֹׁנָ֖ה
riʼshôwn
H7223
first
Adj
בַּ/מַּלְכֽוּת
malkûwth
H4438
royalty
Prep | N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Esther 1:14
וְ/הַ/קָּרֹ֣ב
qârôwb
H7138
"near"
Conj | Art | Adj
This Hebrew word means near, describing something close in place, time, or relationship. It is used in the book of Genesis to describe family relationships. The word is used to describe a close connection.
Definition: 1) near 1a) of place 1b) of time 1c) of personal relationship 1c1) kinship
Usage: Occurs in 76 OT verses. KJV: allied, approach, at hand, [phrase] any of kin, kinsfold(-sman), (that is) near (of kin), neighbour, (that is) next, (them that come) nigh (at hand), more ready, short(-ly). See also: Genesis 19:20; Psalms 75:2; Psalms 15:3.
אֵלָ֗י/ו
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
כַּרְשְׁנָ֤א
Karshᵉnâʼ
H3771
"Carshena"
N-proper
Carshena was a nobleman in the court of King Xerxes, also known as Ahasuerus, in the book of Esther. He was one of seven princes of Persia and Media, and his name means illustrious or famous. Carshena is mentioned in Esther 1:14 as part of the king's inner circle.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Est.1.14 § Carshena = "illustrious" one of the 7 princes of Persia and Media under king Ahasuerus
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Carshena. See also: Esther 1:14.
שֵׁתָר֙
Shêthâr
H8369
"Shethar"
N-proper
Shethar was a high-ranking official in the Persian Empire, one of the seven princes of Media, and his name means a star. He is mentioned in the book of Esther as an advisor to the king. His role was significant during the time of the Israelites' exile and return.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Est.1.14 § Shethar = "a star" one of the 7 princes of Media or Persian empire
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Shethar. See also: Esther 1:14.
אַדְמָ֣תָא
ʼAdmâthâʼ
H133
"Admatha"
N-proper
Admatha was a Persian nobleman under King Ahasuerus, with a name meaning 'a testimony to them'.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Est.1.14 § Admatha = "a testimony to them" prince of Persia in reign of Ahasuerus (Xerxes)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Admatha. See also: Esther 1:14.
תַרְשִׁ֔ישׁ
Tarshîysh
H8659
"Tarshish"
N-proper
Tarshish was a place on the Mediterranean, also the name of a Persian and an Israelite, and a term for a merchant vessel, as mentioned in 1 Chronicles 7:10.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.7.10; son of: Bilhan (H1092H); brother of: Jeush (H3266H), Benjamin (H1144H), Ehud (H0164H), Chenaanah (H3668H), Zethan (H2133) and Ahishahar (H0300) § Tarshish or Tharshish = "yellow jasper" 1) son of Javan 2) a Benjamite, son of Bilhan 3) one of the wise men close to king Ahasuerus of Persia 4) a city of the Phoenicians in a distant part of the Mediterranean Sea to which the prophet Jonah was trying to flee 1a) perhaps in Cyprus or Spain 5) a city somewhere near and accessible to the Red Sea to which ships constructed at Ezion-geber on the Elanitic Gulf on the Red Sea were to sail
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: Tarshish, Tharshish. See also: Genesis 10:4; Isaiah 23:1; Psalms 48:8.
מֶ֥רֶס
Mereç
H4825
"Meres"
N-proper
Meres was a Persian counselor to King Ahasuerus, mentioned in Esther 1:14. His name means 'lofty' and he was one of the seven advisors to the king.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Est.1.14 § Meres = "lofty" one of the 7 counsellors of Ahasuerus
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Meres. See also: Esther 1:14.
מַרְסְנָ֖א
Marçᵉnâʼ
H4826
"Marsena"
N-proper
Marsena was a trusted advisor to King Ahasuerus in the book of Esther, one of seven counselors. His name means worthy one. He is mentioned in Esther 1:14. Marsena played a role in the king's decision-making process.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Est.1.14 § Marsena = "worthy" one of the 7 counsellors of Ahasuerus
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Marsena. See also: Esther 1:14.
מְמוּכָ֑ן
Mᵉmûwkân
H4462
"Memucan"
N-proper
Memucan was a high-ranking official in the Persian Empire, one of the seven princes who advised King Ahasuerus. His name means 'dignified one' and he is mentioned in the book of Esther. Memucan played a key role in the story of Esther and Mordecai.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Est.1.14 § Memucan = "dignified" one of the 7 princes of Persia in the reign of Ahasuerus
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: Memucan. See also: Esther 1:14; Esther 1:16; Esther 1:21.
שִׁבְעַ֞ת
shebaʻ
H7651
"seven"
Adj
This word means the number seven, which was considered a special or sacred number. It can also mean seven times or a week, and is used in the Bible to describe completeness or perfection. The KJV translates it as seven or sevenfold.
Definition: 1) seven (cardinal number) 1a) as ordinal number 1b) in combination-17, 700 etc Aramaic equivalent: shiv.ah (שִׁבְעָה "seven" H7655)
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] by) seven(-fold),-s, (-teen, -teenth), -th, times). Compare H7658 (שִׁבְעָנָה). See also: Genesis 4:24; Leviticus 23:15; 2 Samuel 21:6.
שָׂרֵ֣י
sar
H8269
"ruler"
N-mp
A leader or person in charge, like a prince or captain, as seen in the Bible with King David and other rulers.
Definition: 1) prince, ruler, leader, chief, chieftain, official, captain 1a) chieftain, leader 1b) vassal, noble, official (under king) 1c) captain, general, commander (military) 1d) chief, head, overseer (of other official classes) 1e) heads, princes (of religious office) 1f) elders (of representative leaders of people) 1g) merchant-princes (of rank and dignity) 1h) patron-angel 1i) Ruler of rulers (of God) 1j) warden
Usage: Occurs in 368 OT verses. KJV: captain (that had rule), chief (captain), general, governor, keeper, lord,(-task-)master, prince(-ipal), ruler, steward. See also: Genesis 12:15; 1 Kings 22:32; 2 Chronicles 32:21.
פָּרַ֣ס
Pâraç
H6539
"Persia"
N-proper
This word refers to the ancient country of Persia, which included a vast territory from India to Egypt. The Bible mentions Persia in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, where it plays a significant role in the history of the Israelites.
Definition: § Persia = "pure" or "splendid" the empire Persia; encompassed the territory from India on the east to Egypt and Thrace on the west, and included, besides portions of Europe and Africa, the whole of western Asia between the Black Sea, the Caucasus, the Caspian and the Jaxartes on the north, the Arabian desert, the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean on the south Persia proper was bounded on the west by Susiana or Elam, on the north by Media, on the south by the Persian Gulf and on the east by Carmania Persian, of Persia "pure" or "splendid"
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: Persia, Persians. See also: 2 Chronicles 36:20; Esther 1:3; Daniel 11:2.
וּ/מָדַ֗י
Mâday
H4074
"Mede"
Conj | N-proper
Medai refers to the Medes, a people descended from Japheth, living in Media, a land northwest of Persia. This area is mentioned in the Bible as a significant region. The Medes played a role in biblical events, including the conquest of Babylon.
Definition: also called Mede frequently Group of me.dan (מְדָן "Medan" H4091) § Media or Medes or Madai = "middle land" 1) a people descended from the son of Japheth and who inhabited the territory of Media 2) land inhabited by the descendants of Japheth; located northwest of Persia proper, south and southwest of the Caspian Sea, east of Armenia and Assyria, and west and northwest of the great salt desert of Iram
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: Madai, Medes, Media. See also: Genesis 10:2; Esther 10:2; Isaiah 13:17.
רֹאֵי֙
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Qal
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
פְּנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
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.
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.
הַ/יֹּשְׁבִ֥ים
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
Art | V-Qal
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
רִאשֹׁנָ֖ה
riʼshôwn
H7223
"first"
Adj
This word means 'first' or 'primary', referring to something that comes before others in time, place, or rank. It is used to describe the first or most important thing in a series or list.
Definition: : first adj 1) first, primary, former 1a) former (of time) 1a1) ancestors 1a2) former things 1b) foremost (of location) 1c) first (in time) 1d) first, chief (in degree) adv 2) first, before, formerly, at first
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: ancestor, (that were) before(-time), beginning, eldest, first, fore(-father) (-most), former (thing), of old time, past. See also: Genesis 8:13; 1 Chronicles 27:3; Psalms 79:8.
בַּ/מַּלְכֽוּת
malkûwth
H4438
"royalty"
Prep | N-fs
Royalty or royal power refers to the authority and dominion of a king or queen, like Solomon's reign in Israel. It can also mean the kingdom or territory ruled by a monarch. The word is used in the Bible to describe sovereign power and authority.
Definition: 1) royalty, royal power, reign, kingdom, sovereign power 1a) royal power, dominion 1b) reign 1c) kingdom, realm Aramaic equivalent: mal.khu (מַלְכוּ "kingdom" H4437)
Usage: Occurs in 82 OT verses. KJV: empire, kingdom, realm, reign, royal. See also: Numbers 24:7; Esther 1:9; Psalms 45:7.
Study Notes — Esther 1:14
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Esther 1:14 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Esther 1:14
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Esther 1:14
- Trapp's Commentary on Esther 1:14
- Ellicott's Commentary on Esther 1:14
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Esther 1:14
- Cambridge Bible on Esther 1:14
- Barnes' Notes on Esther 1:14
- Whedon's Commentary on Esther 1:14
- Sermons on Esther 1:14
Context — Queen Vashti Deposed
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?” 16And in the presence of the king and his princes, Memucan replied, “Queen Vashti has wronged not only the king, but all the princes and the peoples in all the provinces of King Xerxes.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Kings 25:19 | Of those still in the city, he took a court official who had been appointed over the men of war, as well as five royal advisors. He also took the scribe of the captain of the army, who had enlisted the people of the land, and sixty men who were found in the city. |
| 2 | Ezra 7:14 | You are sent by the king and his seven counselors to evaluate Judah and Jerusalem according to the Law of your God, which is in your hand. |
| 3 | Matthew 18:10 | See that you do not look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of My Father in heaven. |
| 4 | Revelation 22:4 | They will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads. |
Esther 1:14 Summary
[This verse tells us about the seven most important advisors to the king of Persia, who were Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan. They were like a team of experts who helped the king make big decisions, similar to how Solomon sought wisdom from God in 1 Kings 3:9. The king trusted them to give him good advice, and they played an important role in the kingdom, as seen in Esther 1:14. This reminds us of the importance of seeking wise counsel, as encouraged in Proverbs 11:14, and trusting in God's guidance, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the seven princes of Persia and Media mentioned in Esther 1:14?
The seven princes were Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, who had personal access to the king and ranked highest in the kingdom, as stated in Esther 1:14. They were consulted by the king on matters of law and justice, similar to how King Solomon sought wisdom from God in 1 Kings 3:9.
What was the role of these seven princes in the kingdom?
The seven princes had personal access to the king and ranked highest in the kingdom, making them the king's closest advisors, as seen in Esther 1:14. This role is similar to the position of Joseph in Egypt, who was made a ruler over the land by Pharaoh, as described in Genesis 41:40.
Why did the king consult these princes in Esther 1:14?
The king consulted the seven princes because it was customary for him to confer with the experts in law and justice, as stated in Esther 1:13. This is similar to how David sought the counsel of his advisors before making decisions, as seen in 2 Samuel 15:34.
How does the mention of these seven princes relate to the rest of the story in Esther?
The mention of the seven princes sets the stage for the king's decision regarding Queen Vashti, as they are the ones who will advise him on what to do, as seen in Esther 1:15-16. This decision will have significant consequences for the kingdom and for the Jewish people, as the story unfolds in the book of Esther.
Reflection Questions
- What can we learn from the way the king sought advice from his closest advisors, and how can we apply this to our own decision-making processes?
- How does the mention of the seven princes highlight the importance of seeking wise counsel, as encouraged in Proverbs 11:14?
- What role do you think the seven princes played in shaping the king's understanding of justice and law, and how can we be mindful of the influences in our own lives?
- How can we balance the need for wise counsel with the importance of seeking guidance from God, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6?
Gill's Exposition on Esther 1:14
And the next unto him,.... That sat next to the king, and was the chief in dignity and authority under him: was Carshena; and so everyone in their rank and order, as next mentioned: Shethar, Admatha,
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Esther 1:14
Which saw the king’ s face; which had constant freedom of access to the king, and familiar converse with him; which is thus expressed, because the Persian kings were very seldom seen by their subjects. Which sat the first in the kingdom; which were his chief counsellors and officers, and had the precedency from all others.
Trapp's Commentary on Esther 1:14
Esther 1:14 And the next unto him [was] Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, [and] Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, which saw the king’ s face, [and] which sat the first in the kingdom;)Ver. 14. And the next unto him was Carshena, &c.] These were his trusty and well-beloved cousins, and counsellors, primi et proximi, first in the kingdom, and next unto the king, without whom he was to have done no business of importance. But it is recorded in story that they had no freedom nor liberty of council: for every one of them had a plate or tile of gold to stand upon in the council house; and if he gave counsel that the king thought well or; the plate of gold was given him for a reward; but if he delivered anything contrary to the king’ s mind, flagris caedebatur, he was beaten with stripes. Lo, this was the manner of the Persian monarchs. The seven princes] See Ezra 7:14. Which saw the king’ s face] That came at pleasure into the presence, as they call it. It was a piece of the silly glory of these kings of Persia to secrete themselves from their subjects. No man might see the king uncalled for on pain of death, cum eius persona sub specie maiestatis occuleretur, saith Justin. Only these seven might ordinarily take the boldness to see his face; which lest Haman should do, they covered his face. And which sat the first in the kingdom] Xenophon tells us that Cyrus, the first Persian monarch, ordained that the nobles should sit before the king every man according to his degree and dignity.
Aben Ezra upon this text saith the same.
Ellicott's Commentary on Esther 1:14
(14) Marsena.—It has been suggested that we may possibly recognise here Mardonius, the commander at Marathon; and in Admatha, Artabanus, the uncle of Xerxes. The seven princes.—There were seven leading families in Persia, the heads of which were the king’s chief advisers, the “seven counsellors” of Ezra 7:14. Herodotus (iii. 84) speaks of the seven nobles who rose against the Pseudo-Smerdis as chief in the nation.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Esther 1:14
Verse 14. And the next unto him - the seven princes] Probably, the privy counsellors of the king. Which saw the king's face - were at all times admitted to the royal presence.
Cambridge Bible on Esther 1:14
14. The names of the seven princes have evidently suffered much in transmission. According to Herodotus (vii. 5–17) Mardonius (Xerxes’ cousin) and Artabanus (his uncle) were the king’s chief advisers in the early part of his reign. These names may be represented in the text by ‘Marsena’ and ‘Admatha.’ The LXX. gives but three names. This may be owing to a scribe (or the original translators) having a partially illegible manuscript to work upon. the seven princes of Persia and Media] who took rank as members of the king’s council above the other great men of the kingdom. So in Ezra (Ezra 7:14) we find that Artaxerxes had seven special advisers. There were, according to Herodotus (iii. 84), seven great families in Persia, the heads of which had peculiar rights. One of these rights was that of access to the king at all times, unless when he was in the women’s apartments. which saw the king’s face] i.e. who had the right of access to his presence. Some connect this privilege with the story of the assassination of the Pseudo-Smerdis (b.c. 522) by Darius and six other conspirators. The latter, we are told, made a bargain with their colleague, whose claims to the throne they were championing, to the effect that they should at all times have the right of approach just mentioned (Herod. iii. 84).
Barnes' Notes on Esther 1:14
In Marsena we may perhaps recognize the famous Mardonius, and in Admatha, Xerxes’ uncle, Artabanus. The seven princes - There were seven families of the first rank in Persia, from which alone the king could take his wives.
Whedon's Commentary on Esther 1:14
14. The seven princes — These seven, whose names are here given, are among the wise men whom he consulted. They were his most intimate counsellors, and the very highest nobles of the empire. See the note on Ezra 7:14.
Sermons on Esther 1:14
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Rev. 22:4. the Vision of God by Horatius Bonar | Horatius Bonar preaches on Revelation 22:4, emphasizing the profound joy and honor of seeing God's face in the new Jerusalem, a place devoid of sin, sorrow, and death. He describes |
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The Ministry of Restoration - Part 2 by Dick Hussey | In this sermon, the preacher begins by sharing a personal story from his time in the Argentine army. He reflects on the hollowness of empty words and expresses a desire for the Wor |
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Angels by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the origin of sin and the role of the devil in tempting humanity. The devil's pride led to his expulsion from heaven, and he saw an opportuni |
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Can These Bones Live? by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God's ways and plans are beyond human understanding. He highlights God's strength, mercy, and willingness to forgive and give strength |
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Teens Who Are Out of Control by Jim Logan | Jim Logan addresses the challenges faced by teens who are out of control, emphasizing the two primary types of demonic attacks: those that lead to wrongful actions and those that i |
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(Apostolic Vision) the Kingdom Mandate by Dale Heisey | In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a young father who has a purpose in life - to provide for his family and take care of his 14 dairy cows on his five-acre land. The |
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Angels Are Real by Basilea Schlink | In this sermon, Basilia Schlink shares a story of a little boy who miraculously survives being run over by a truck. The boy claims that there were two angels protecting him during |