Esther 1:14

"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),"

Key Reflection

These seven princes represent the high-ranking officials of King Xerxes' court, indicating their close proximity to him and significant roles in governing Persia and Media. Their presence highlights the hierarchical structure and the king's absolute power within his empire, setting the stage for later events where Esther and Mordecai seek to influence the king to save the Jewish people from persecution.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

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. Their chiefs were entitled to have free access to the monarch’s person. See the margin reference note.

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