On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas, the seven chamberlains that served in the presence of Ahasuerus the king,
On the seventh day, when the king was feeling good from drinking wine, he gave orders to his seven personal servants: Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas—these were the seven officials who personally attended to King Ahasuerus.
The writer is setting up a crucial moment where King Ahasuerus, influenced by wine during a week-long feast, is about to make a decision through his seven trusted servants.
📚 Historical Context
This takes place during the Persian Empire around 483-473 BC, when King Ahasuerus (likely Xerxes I) ruled from India to Ethiopia. The king was hosting an extravagant 180-day feast for his nobles, followed by a 7-day feast for all the people in his capital city of Susa. These seven chamberlains were eunuchs who had special access to the king and served as his personal attendants.
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