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;)
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Herodotus mentions seven Persian noble families who participated in overthrowing a usurper and elevating Darius I. These families maintained special privileges including unrestricted access to the king. Ancient Persian inscriptions confirm administrative councils, though specific number varies. The seven princes' counsel carried enormous weight—their recommendations typically became royal policy. That these powerful nobles concerned themselves with what might seem domestic squabble shows they recognized broader political implications of queen's public disobedience to king's command—if unpunished, it might encourage broader disobedience to royal authority.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the involvement of highest officials in seemingly personal matters teach about how private and public spheres intersect?
- How does this demonstrate God's sovereignty over highest human powers and counselors?
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Analysis & Commentary
The seven princes: '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'. These seven princes formed Persia's highest advisory council with special access to the king ('saw the king's face'). The number seven reflects Persian administrative structure documented in ancient sources. These counselors' advice would determine Vashti's fate and inadvertently create opportunity for Esther's rise. Their counsel, though motivated by maintaining male dominance, became instrument of divine providence positioning Esther to save the Jews.