King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I Darius I) held a 180-day feast in Susa (Shoushan). While in “high spirits” from the wine, he ordered his queen, Vashti, to appear before him and his guests to display her beauty. But when the attendants delivered the king’s command to Queen Vashti, she refused to come. Furious at her refusal to obey, the king asked his wise men what should be done. One of them said that all the women in the empire would hear that “The King Ahasuerus commanded Vashti the queen to be brought in before him, but she came not.” Then these women would despise their husbands, which would cause many problems in the kingdom. Therefore it would be prudent to depose Vashti.
Many beautiful maidens were then brought before the king in order that he might choose a successor to the unruly Vashti. The King chose Esther, an orphan daughter of a Benjamite named Abihail. Esther was originally named Hadassah, meaning myrtle. (from hadam – footstool) She had spent her life among the Jewish exiles in Persia, where she lived under the protection of her cousin Mordecai. When Cyrus gave permission for the exiles to return unto Jerusalem, she stayed with Mordecai. Mordecai was the son of Jair, a Benjamite, who had been carried into captivity together with Jeconiah by Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon. Mordecai became chief minister of Ahasuerus and lived in the Persian capital of Susa. One day, while sitting at the gate of the king’s palace, Mordecai overheard a plot of two eunuchs, Bigthan and Teresh, to kill the king. Having informed the king through Esther of the conspiracy, Mordecai brought about the execution of the two conspirators, and the event was recorded in the royal chronicles. The grand vizier, Haman the Agagite,commanded Mordecai to do obeisance to him. Upon Mordecai’s refusal to prostrate himself, Haman informed the king that the Jews were a useless and turbulent people and inclined to disloyalty, and he promised to pay 10,000 silver talents into the royal treasury for the permission to pillage and exterminate this alien race. The king then issued a proclamation ordering the confiscation of Jewish property and a general extermination of all the Jews within the empire. Mordecai tore his robes and put ash on his head (signs of mourning or grieving) on hearing this news. Sheltered in the harem, Esther was unaware of the decree until Mordecai advised her of it through Hathach, one of the king’s chamberlains. He informed her that she should not think that she would escape simply because she was in the palace. At the request of Esther, Mordecai instituted at Susa a general fast for three days.
Esther could not approach the king without being summoned, on pain of death, and the king had not summoned her in thirty days, implying that she may have fallen out of favor. Nevertheless, at the end of the three days, Esther dressed in her royal apparel and went before the king. When the king asked her what her request was, she invited the king and Haman to come to a banquet she had prepared. At the banquet they accepted her invitation to dine with her again on the following day. Haman, carried away by the joy that this honour gave him, issued orders for the erection of a gallows on which he purposed to hang the hated Mordecai. But that night the king, being sleepless, ordered the chronicles of the nation to be read to him. Recalling that Mordecai had never been rewarded for his service in revealing the plot of the eunuchs, he asked Haman, the next day, to suggest a suitable reward for one “whom the king desired to honour”. Thinking it was himself that the king had in mind, Haman suggested the use of the king’s apparel and insignia. These the king ordered to be bestowed on Mordecai.
Esther denouncing Haman by Ernest Normand.
Only at the second dinner party, when the king was sufficiently beguiled by her charms, did Esther reveal for the first time her identity as a Jew, and accused Haman of the plot to destroy her and her people. The king ordered that Haman should be hanged on the gallows prepared for Mordecai, and, confiscating his property, bestowed it upon the intended victim. The king then appointed Mordecai as his prime minister, and issued a decree authorizing the Jews to defend themselves.
Esther was beautiful and obedient, but also a relatively passive figure.
During the course of the story, she evolves into someone who takes a decisive role in her own future and that of her people. According to Sidnie White Crawford, “Esther’s position in a male court mirrors that of the Jews in a Gentile world, with the threat of danger ever present below the seemingly calm surface.” Esther is related to Daniel in that both represent a “type” for Jews living in Diaspora, and hoping to live a successful life in an alien environment.
- 536 bc : Daniel in the lion’s dan
- 538 bc : Cyrus decrees Jews release
- 516 bc : 2nd Temple dedicated
- 486 bc : xerxes reigns in Persia
- 483 bc : xerxes deposes Vashti
- 479 bc : Esther becomes queen
- 473 bc : First Purim celebrated
- 474 bc: Haman’s threat thwarted
- 458 bc: Ezra comes to Jerusalme
- 445 bc: Nehemiah rebuilds walls of Jerusalem
The book showed how Jewish leaders could be used to bring blessing to their Gentile rulers and neighbors. And for a people far from the land of their forefathers, it demonstrated that the God of Israel was still able to redeem His people in their oppression, whether they were in Egypt, Israel, or Persia. There is no mention of God in the book. It leaves the reader to ponder the work of God, evident but unseen, in the unfolding story of deliverance and redemption. Part of the mystery of God’s providence in the book is how God can use such unlikely people to help accomplish His plans.
Chapter 1: Xerxes’ Royal Feasts
(Ezra 4:6-16; Proverbs 1:1-7; Proverbs 9:1-12)
1Now it came to pass in the days of Ahasuerus, (this is Ahasuerus which reigned, from India even to Ethiopia, over an 127 provinces:)
2That in those days, when the king Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which was in Shushan the palace,
3In the third year of his reign, he made a feast to all his princes and his servants; the power of Persia and Media, the nobles and princes of the provinces, being before him:
4When he showed the riches of his glorious kingdom and the honor of his excellent majesty many days, even an 180 days.
Notes: |
Ahasuerus = “I will be silent and poor”
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title of the king of Persia, probably Xerxes
India = “flee away” or ” give ye thanks”
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the country surrounding the Indus, mentioned as the eastern border of the empire of Ahasuerus
Ethiopia
Cush = “black”
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a Benjamite mentioned only in the title of Ps 7
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the son of Ham and grandson of Noah and the progenitor of the southernmost peoples located in Africa
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the peoples descended from Cush
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the land occupied by the descendants of Cush located around the southern parts of the Nile (Ethiopia)
province, district
KJV translates Strongs H3678 in the following manner: throne (127x), seat (7x), stool (1x).
Strong’s H3678 matches the Hebrew כִּסֵּא (kicce’). “throne*” AND “H3678” occurs in 117 verses in the KJV.
H3678 matches the Hebrew כִּסֵּא (kicce’), which occurs 135 times in 124 verses
seat (of honour), throne, seat, stool
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seat (of honour), throne
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royal dignity, authority, power (fig.)
Shushan or Susa = “lily”
H7800 matches the Hebrew שׁוּשַׁן (Shuwshan), which occurs 21 times in 19 verses
17 times in Esther, 1 in Nehemiah, and 1 in Daniel
שׁוּשַׁן Shûwshan, shoo-shan’; the same as H7799; Shushan, a place in Persia:—Shushan.
H7799 matches the Hebrew שׁוּשַׁן (shuwshan), which occurs 15 times in 15 verses
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the winter residence of the Persian kings; located on the river Ulai or Choaspes
palace, castle, temple
H1002 matches the Hebrew בִּירָה (biyrah), which occurs 16 times in 16 verses
princes
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Outline of Biblical Usage [?]
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prince, ruler, leader, chief, chieftain, official, captain
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chieftain, leader
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vassal, noble, official (under king)
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captain, general, commander (military)
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chief, head, overseer (of other official classes)
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heads, princes (of religious office)
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elders (of representative leaders of people)
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merchant-princes (of rank and dignity)
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patron-angel
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Ruler of rulers (of God)
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warden
H8269 matches the Hebrew שַׂר (sar), which occurs 421 times in 368 verses
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Persia
The KJV translates Strongs H6539 in the following manner: Persia (27x),Persian (1x).
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Outline of Biblical Usage [?]
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Persia = “pure” or “splendid”
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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
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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 = see Persia “pure” or “splendid”
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the people of the Persian empire
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פָּרַס Pâraç, paw-ras’; of foreign origin; Paras (i.e. Persia), an Eastern country, including its inhabitants:—Persia, Persians.
H6539 matches the Hebrew פָּרַס (Parac), which occurs 28 times in 24 verses
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Media
The KJV translates Strongs H4074 in the following manner: Medes (8x),Media (6x), Madai (2x).
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Outline of Biblical Usage [?]
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Media or Medes or Madai = “middle land”
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a people descended from the son of Japheth and who inhabited the territory of Media
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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
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Strong’s Definitions [?](Strong’s Definitions Legend)
מָדַי Mâday, maw-dah’-ee; of foreign derivation; Madai, a country of central Asia:—Madai, Medes, Media.
H4074 matches the Hebrew מָדַי (Maday),
which occurs 16 times in 16 verses
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5And when these days were expired, the king made a feast to all the people that were present in Shushan the palace, both to great and small, seven days, in the court of the garden of the king’s palace;
6Where were white, green, and blue, hangings, fastened with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rings and pillars of marble: the beds were of gold and silver, on a pavement of red, and blue, and white, and black, marble.
7And they gave them drink in vessels of gold, (the vessels being diverse one from another,) and royal wine in abundance, according to the state of the king.
8And the drinking was according to the law; none did compel: for so the king had appointed to all the officers of his house, that they should do according to every man’s pleasure.
9Also Vashti the queen made a feast for the women in the royal house which belonged to king Ahasuerus.
Notes: |
expired
The KJV translates Strongs H4390 in the following manner: fill (107x),full (48x), fulfil (28x), consecrate (15x), accomplish (7x), replenish (7x),wholly (6x), set (6x), expired (3x), fully (2x), gather (2x), overflow (2x), satisfy (2x),miscellaneous (14x).
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Outline of Biblical Usage [?]
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to fill, be full
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(Qal)
-
to be full
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fulness, abundance (participle)
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to be full, be accomplished, be ended
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to consecrate, fill the hand
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(Niphal)
-
to be filled, be armed, be satisfied
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to be accomplished, be ended
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(Piel)
-
to fill
-
to satisfy
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to fulfil, accomplish, complete
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to confirm
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(Pual) to be filled
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(Hithpael) to mass themselves against
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מָלֵא mâlêʼ, maw-lay’; or מָלָא mâlâʼ; (Esther 7:5), a primitive root; to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively):—accomplish, confirm, consecrate, be at an end, be expired, be fenced, fill, fulfil, (be, become, × draw, give in, go) full(-ly, -ly set, tale), (over-) flow, fulness, furnish, gather (selves, together), presume, replenish, satisfy, set, space, take a (hand-) full, have wholly.
H4390 matches the Hebrew מָלָא (male’),
which occurs 249 times in 240 verses
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garden
The KJV translates Strongs H1594 in the following manner: garden (4x).
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Outline of Biblical Usage [?]
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גִּנָּה ginnâh, ghin-naw’; another form for H1593:—garden.
H1594 matches the Hebrew גִּנָּה (ginnah),
which occurs 4 times in 4 verses
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white
The KJV translates Strongs H2353 in the following manner: white (2x).
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Outline of Biblical Usage [?]
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חוּר chûwr, khoor; from H2357; white linen:—white.
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hangings
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Outline of Biblical Usage [?]
-
grasp, take hold, seize, take possession
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(Qal) to grasp, take hold of
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(Niphal) to be caught, grasped, be settled
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(Piel) to enclose, overlay
-
(Hophal) fastened
- to join
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אָחַז ʼâchaz, aw-khaz’; a primitive root; to seize (often with the accessory idea of holding in possession):— be affrighted, bar, (catch, lay, take) hold (back), come upon, fasten, handle, portion, (get, have or take) possess(-ion).
H270 matches the Hebrew אָחַז (‘achaz),
which occurs 67 times in 63 verses
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green
The KJV translates Strongs H3768 in the following manner: green (1x).
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Outline of Biblical Usage [?]
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Strong’s Definitions [?](Strong’s Definitions Legend)
כַּרְפַּס karpaç, kar-pas’; of foreign origin; byssus or fine vegetable wool:—green
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blue
The KJV translates Strongs H8504 in the following manner: blue (50x).
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Outline of Biblical Usage [?]
-
violet, violet stuff
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violet thread
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violet stuff or fabric
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(TWOT) blue (covering spectrum from brilliant red through deep purple)
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Strong’s Definitions [?](Strong’s Definitions Legend)
תְּכֵלֶת tᵉkêleth, tek-ay’-leth; probably for H7827; the cerulean mussel, i.e. the color (violet) obtained therefrom or stuff dyed therewith:—blue.
Lexicon: a shell fish
H8504 matches the Hebrew תְּכֵלֶת (tĕkeleth),
which occurs 50 times in 49 verses
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cords
The KJV translates Strongs H2256 in the following manner: sorrows (10x),cord (16x), line (7x), coast (4x), portion (4x), region (3x), lot (3x), ropes (3x),company (2x), pangs (2x), bands (1x), country (1x), destruction (1x), pain (1x),snare (1x), tacklings (1x).
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Outline of Biblical Usage [?]
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a cord, rope, territory, band, company
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a rope, cord
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a measuring-cord or line
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a measured portion, lot, part, region
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a band or company
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pain, sorrow, travail, pang
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pains of travail
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pains, pangs, sorrows
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union
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destruction
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חֶבֶל chebel, kheh’-bel; or חֵבֶל chêbel; from H2254; a rope (as twisted), especially a measuring line; by implication, a district or inheritance (as measured); or a noose (as of cords); figuratively, a company (as if tied together); a throe (especially of parturition); also ruin:—band, coast, company, cord, country, destruction, line, lot, pain, pang, portion, region, rope, snare, sorrow, tackling.
Lexicon: pain, pangs, a cord, rope, measuring line, a gin, noose, snare, company, destruction
H2256 matches the Hebrew חֵבֶל (chebel),
which occurs 60 times in 58 verses
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rings
The KJV translates Strongs H1550 in the following manner: folding (2x),ring (2x).
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Outline of Biblical Usage [?]
adj
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turning, folding (of doors)
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cylinder, rod
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circuit, district (on northern border in Naphtali)
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Strong’s Definitions [?](Strong’s Definitions Legend)
גָּלִיל gâlîyl, gaw-leel’; from H1556; a valve of a folding door (as turning); also a ring (as round):—folding, ring.
Lexicon: rolling, turning, a ring, a circuit, region
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pillars
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Outline of Biblical Usage [?]
-
pillar, column
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pillar
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column, upright
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column (of smoke)
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עַמּוּד ʻammûwd, am-mood’; or עַמֻּד ʻammud; from H5975; a column (as standing); also a stand, i.e. platform:—× apiece, pillar.
H5982 matches the Hebrew עַמּוּד (`ammuwd),
which occurs 110 times in 84 verses
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marble
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Outline of Biblical Usage [?]
-
something bleached white, byssus, linen, fine linen
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alabaster, similar stone, marble
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Strong’s Definitions [?](Strong’s Definitions Legend)
שֵׁשׁ shêsh, shaysh; or (for alliteration with H4897) שְׁשִׁי shᵉshîy; for H7893; bleached stuff, i.e. white linen or (by analogy) marble:—× blue, fine (twined) linen, marble, silk.
H8336 matches the Hebrew שֵׁשׁ (shesh),
which occurs 42 times in 37 verses
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pavement
The KJV translates Strongs H7531 in the following manner: pavement (7x),live coal (1x).
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Outline of Biblical Usage [?]
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pavement
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glowing stone or coal, live coal
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רִצְפָּה ritspâh, rits-paw’; feminine of H7529; a hot stone; also a tessellated pavement:—live coal, pavement.
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red
The KJV translates Strongs H923 in the following manner: red (1x).
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Outline of Biblical Usage [?]
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a costly stone (perhaps porphyry), red marble
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בַּהַט bahaṭ, bah’-hat; from an unused root (probably meaning to glisten); white marble or perhaps alabaster:—red (marble).
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white
The KJV translates Strongs H1858 in the following manner: white (1x).
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Outline of Biblical Usage [?]
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דַּר dar, dar; apparently from the same as H1865; properly, a pearl (from its sheen as rapidly turned); by analogy, pearl-stone, i.e. mother-of-pearl or alabaster:—×white.
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vessels
The KJV translates Strongs H3627 in the following manner: vessel (166x),instrument (39x), weapon (21x), jewel (21x), armourbearer (with H5375) (18x),stuff (14x), thing (11x), armour (10x), furniture (7x), carriage (3x), bag (2x),miscellaneous (13x).
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Outline of Biblical Usage [?]
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article, vessel, implement, utensil
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article, object (general)
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utensil, implement, apparatus, vessel
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implement (of hunting or war)
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implement (of music)
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implement, tool (of labour)
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equipment, yoke (of oxen)
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utensils, furniture
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vessel, receptacle (general)
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vessels (boats) of paper-reed
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כְּלִי kᵉlîy, kel-ee’; from H3615; something prepared, i.e. any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon):—armour(-bearer), artillery, bag, carriage, furnish, furniture, instrument, jewel, that is made of, × one from another, that which pertaineth, pot, psaltery, sack, stuff, thing, tool, vessel, ware, weapon, whatsoever.
Hebrew כְּלִי (kĕliy),
which occurs 325 times in 276 verses
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diverse
The KJV translates Strongs H8138 in the following manner: change (7x),second time (3x), again (3x), diverse (2x), alter (1x), disguise (1x), doubled (1x),pervert (1x), preferred (1x), repeateth (1x), miscellaneous (1x).
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Outline of Biblical Usage [?]
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to repeat, do again, change, alter
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(Qal) to change
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(Niphal) to be repeated
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(Piel) to change, alter
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(Hithpael) to disguise oneself
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שָׁנָה shânâh, shaw-naw’; a primitive root; to fold, i.e. duplicate (literally or figuratively); by implication, to transmute (transitive or intransitive):—do (speak, strike) again, alter, double, (be given to) change, disguise, (be) diverse, pervert, prefer, repeat, return, do the second time.
H8138 matches the Hebrew שָׁנָה (shanah),
which occurs 22 times in 21 verses
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pleasure
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Outline of Biblical Usage [?]
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pleasure, delight, favour, goodwill, acceptance, will
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goodwill, favour
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acceptance
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will, desire, pleasure, self-will
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רָצוֹן râtsôwn, raw-tsone’; or רָצֹן râtsôn; from H7521; delight (especially as shown):—(be) acceptable(-ance, -ed), delight, desire, favour, (good) pleasure, (own, self, voluntary) will, as…(what) would.
H7522 matches the Hebrew רָצוֹן (ratsown),
which occurs 56 times in 56 verses
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Queen Vashti’s Refusal
10On 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,
11To bring Vashti the queen before the king with the crown royal, to show the people and the princes her beauty: for she was fair to look on.
12But the queen Vashti refused to come at the king’s commandment by his chamberlains: therefore was the king very wroth, and his anger burned in him.
Notes: |
Mehuman
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Mehuman = “faithful”
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one of the 7 eunuchs of Ahasuerus
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מְהוּמָן Mᵉhûwmân, meh-hoo-mawn’; of Persian origin; Mehuman, a eunuch of Xerxes:—Mehuman.
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Biztha
-
Biztha = “booty”
-
one of Ahasuerus’ (Xerxes’) eunuchs
|
Strong’s Definitions [?](Strong’s Definitions Legend)
בִּזְתָא Bizthâʼ, biz-thaw’; of Persian origin; Biztha, a eunuch of Xerxes:—Biztha.
|
Harbona or Harbonah = “ass-driver”
-
the 3rd of the seven chamberlains or eunuchs who served Ahasuerus
Bigtha = “in the wine-press”
-
a eunuch in king Ahasuerus’ (Xerxes) court
- perhaps “garden”, “gardener”
Abagtha = “God-given”
-
one of the seven eunuchs in the Persian court of Ahasuerus
Zethar = “star”
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one of the seven eunuchs of Ahasuerus
Carcas = “severe”
-
the 7th of the 7 eunuchs of king Ahasuerus
chamberlain
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Outline of Biblical Usage [?]
-
official, eunuch
- eunuch, one castrated, eastern kings were accustomed to set over the care of their women and other offices of teh court
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סָרִיס çârîyç, saw-reece’; or סָרִס çâriç; from an unused root meaning to castrate; a eunuch; by implication, valet (especially of the female apartments), and thus, a minister of state:—chamberlain, eunuch, officer. Compare H7249.
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Vashti = “beautiful”
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the queen, wife of Ahasuerus, whom he divorced for disobeying his orders
wroth
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Outline of Biblical Usage [?]
-
to be displeased, be angry, fret oneself, be wroth
-
(Qal) to be wroth, to be full of wrath, to be furious
-
(Hiphil) to provoke to wrath or anger
-
(Hithpael) to put oneself in a rage, anger oneself
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Strong’s Definitions [?](Strong’s Definitions Legend)
קָצַף qâtsaph, kaw-tsaf’; a primitive root; to crack off, i.e. (figuratively) burst out in rage:—(be) anger(-ry), displease, fret self, (provoke to) wrath (come), be wroth.
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Queen Vashti Deposed
13Then 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:
14And the next to 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;)
15What shall we do to the queen Vashti according to law, because she has not performed the commandment of the king Ahasuerus by the chamberlains?
16And Memucan answered before the king and the princes, Vashti the queen has not done wrong to the king only, but also to all the princes, and to all the people that are in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus.
17For this deed of the queen shall come abroad to all women, so that they shall despise their husbands in their eyes, when it shall be reported, The king Ahasuerus commanded Vashti the queen to be brought in before him, but she came not.
18Likewise shall the ladies of Persia and Media say this day to all the king’s princes, which have heard of the deed of the queen. Thus shall there arise too much contempt and wrath.
19If it please the king, let there go a royal commandment from him, and let it be written among the laws of the Persians and the Medes, that it be not altered, That Vashti come no more before king Ahasuerus; and let the king give her royal estate to another that is better than she.
20And when the king’s decree which he shall make shall be published throughout all his empire, (for it is great,) all the wives shall give to their husbands honor, both to great and small.
Notes: |
wise men
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Outline of Biblical Usage [?]
-
wise, wise (man)
-
skilful (in technical work)
-
wise (in administration)
-
shrewd, crafty, cunning, wily, subtle
-
learned, shrewd (class of men)
-
prudent
-
wise (ethically and religiously)
- H2450 matches the Hebrew חָכָם (chakam),
which occurs 137 times in 133 verses
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judgement
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Outline of Biblical Usage [?]
-
judgment
-
judgment
-
cause, plea
-
condemnation, judgment
-
dispute, legal suit, strife
-
government
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Strong’s Definitions [?](Strong’s Definitions Legend)
דִּין dîyn, deen; or (Job 19:29) דּוּן dûwn; from H1777; judgement (the suit, justice, sentence or tribunal); by implication also strife:—cause, judgement, plea, strife.
H1779 matches the Hebrew דִּין (diyn), which occurs 20 times in 17 verses
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Carshena = “illustrious”
-
one of the 7 princes of Persia and Media under king Ahasuerus
Shethar = “a star”
-
one of the 7 princes of Media or Persian empire
Admatha = “a testimony to them”
-
prince of Persia in reign of Ahasuerus (Xerxes)
Tarshish
The KJV translates Strongs H8659 in the following manner: Tarshish (24x),Tharshish (4x).
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Outline of Biblical Usage [?]
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Tarshish or Tharshish = “yellow jasper”
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son of Javan
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a Benjamite, son of Bilhan
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one of the wise men close to king Ahasuerus of Persia
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a city of the Phoenicians in a distant part of the Mediterranean Sea to which the prophet Jonah was trying to flee
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site unknown but perhaps in Cyprus or Spain
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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
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תַּרְשִׁישׁ Tarshîysh, tar-sheesh’; probably the same as H8658 (as the region of the stone, or the reverse); Tarshish, a place on the Mediterranean, hence, the ephithet of a merchant vessel (as if for or from that port); also the name of a Persian and of an Israelite:—Tarshish, Tharshish.
Lexicon : “breaking”, “subjection”
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Meres = “lofty”
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one of the 7 counsellors of Ahasuerus
Marsena = “worthy”
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one of the 7 counsellors of Ahasuerus
Memucan = “dignified”
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one of the 7 princes of Persia in the reign of Ahasuerus
face
The KJV translates Strongs H6440 in the following manner: before (1,137x),face (390x), presence (76x), because (67x), sight (40x), countenance (30x),from (27x), person (21x), upon (20x), of (20x), …me (18x), against (17x),…him (16x), open (13x), for (13x), toward (9x), miscellaneous (195x).
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Outline of Biblical Usage [?]
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face
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face, faces
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presence, person
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face (of seraphim or cherubim)
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face (of animals)
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face, surface (of ground)
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as adv of loc/temp
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before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before
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with prep
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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
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פָּנִים pânîym, paw-neem’; plural (but always as singular) of an unused noun פָּנֶה pâneh; from H6437); the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposition (before, etc.):— accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, × as (long as), at, battle, because (of), beseech, countenance, edge, employ, endure, enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, × him(-self), honourable, impudent, in, it, look(-eth) (-s), × me, meet,× more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), × on, open, out of, over against, the partial, person, please, presence, prospect, was purposed, by reason of, regard, right forth, serve, × shewbread, sight, state, straight, street, × thee, × them(-selves), through ( -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), upon, upside ( down), with(-in, -stand), × ye, × you.
Lexicon: “the face of God”, “penial”
H6440 matches the Hebrew פָּנִים (paniym),
which occurs 2,109 times in 1,890 verses
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husband
The KJV translates Strongs H1167 in the following manner: man (25x),owner (14x), husband (11x), have (7x), master (5x), man given (2x),adversary (1x), archers (1x), babbler (with H3956) (1x), bird (with H3671) (1x),captain (1x), confederate (with H1285) (1x), miscellaneous (12x).
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Outline of Biblical Usage [?]
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owner, husband, lord
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owner
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a husband
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citizens, inhabitants
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rulers, lords
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(noun of relationship used to characterise – ie, master of dreams)
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lord (used of foreign gods)
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Strong’s Definitions [?](Strong’s Definitions Legend)
בַּעַל baʻal, bah’-al; from H1166; a master; hence, a husband, or (figuratively) owner (often used with another noun in modifications of this latter sense):— archer, babbler, bird, captain, chief man, confederate, have to do, dreamer, those to whom it is due, furious, those that are given to it, great, hairy, he that hath it, have, horseman, husband, lord, man, married, master, person, sworn, they of.
H1167 matches the Hebrew בַּעַל (ba`al),
which occurs 83 times in 78 verses
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commandment
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Outline of Biblical Usage [?]
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speech, word, speaking, thing
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speech
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saying, utterance
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word, words
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business, occupation, acts, matter, case, something, manner (by extension)
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דָּבָר dâbâr, daw-baw’; from H1696; a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause:—act, advice, affair, answer, × any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, chronicles, commandment, × commune(-ication), concern(-ing), confer, counsel, dearth, decree, deed, × disease, due, duty, effect, eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, glory, harm, hurt, iniquity, judgment, language, lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, × ought, × parts, pertaining, please, portion, power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, × (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, sign, so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, song, speech,× spoken, talk, task, that, × there done, thing (concerning), thought, thus, tidings, what(-soever), wherewith, which, word, work.
H1697 matches the Hebrew דָּבָר (dabar),
which occurs 1,439 times in 1,290 verses
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21And the saying pleased the king and the princes; and the king did according to the word of Memucan:
22For he sent letters into all the king’s provinces, into every province according to the writing thereof, and to every people after their language, that every man should bear rule in his own house, and that it should be published according to the language of every people.
Notes: |
language
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Outline of Biblical Usage [?]
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tongue
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tongue (of men)
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tongue (literal)
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tongue (organ of speech)
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language
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tongue (of animals)
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tongue (of fire)
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wedge, bay of sea (tongue-shaped)
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Strong’s Definitions [?](Strong’s Definitions Legend)
לָשׁוֹן lâshôwn, law-shone’; or לָשֹׁן lâshôn; also (in plural) feminine לְשֹׁנָה lᵉshônâh; from H3960; the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame, a cove of water):— babbler, bay, evil speaker, language, talker, tongue, wedge.
H3956 matches the Hebrew לָשׁוֹן (lashown),
which occurs 117 times in 115 verses
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Chapter 2: Seeking Vashti’s Successor
1After these things, when the wrath of king Ahasuerus was appeased, he remembered Vashti, and what she had done, and what was decreed against her.
2Then said the king’s servants that ministered to him, Let there be fair young virgins sought for the king:
3And let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the fair young virgins to Shushan the palace, to the house of the women, to the custody of Hege the king’s chamberlain, keeper of the women; and let their things for purification be given them:
4And let the maiden which pleases the king be queen instead of Vashti. And the thing pleased the king; and he did so.
Notes: |
Hegai or Hege = “eunuch”
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one of the eunuchs of the court of Ahasuerus
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5Now in Shushan the palace there was a certain Jew, whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite;
6Who had been carried away from Jerusalem with the captivity which had been carried away with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away.
7And he brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle’s daughter: for she had neither father nor mother, and the maid was fair and beautiful; whom Mordecai, when her father and mother were dead, took for his own daughter.
Notes: |
jew H3064 matches the Hebrew יְהוּדִי (Yĕhuwdiy),
which occurs 76 times in 70 verses
Mordecai
The KJV translates Strongs H4782 in the following manner: Mordecai (60x).
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Outline of Biblical Usage [?]
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Mordecai = “little man” or “worshipper of Mars”
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cousin and adoptive father of queen Esther; son of Jair of the tribe of Benjamin; deliverer under Divine providence of the children of Israel from the destruction plotted by Haman the chief minister of Ahasuerus; institutor of the feast of Purim
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a Jew who returned from exile with Zerubbabel
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מׇרְדְּכַי Mordᵉkay, mor-dek-ah’-ee; of foreign derivation; Mordecai, an Israelite:—Mordecai.
H4782 matches the Hebrew מָרְדְּכַי (Mordĕkay),
which occurs 60 times in 52 verses
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Jair = “he enlightens”
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a descendant of Manasseh who conquered many towns during the time of the conquest
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the Gileadite, a judge of Israel for 22 years during the time of the judges; father of 30 sons
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a Benjamite, son of Kish, and father of Mordecai
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father of Elhanan, one of David’s mighty warriors
Shimei
The KJV translates Strongs H8096 in the following manner: Shimei (41x),Shimhi (1x), Shimi (1x).
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Outline of Biblical Usage [?]
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Shimei or Shimhi or Shimi or Shimea = “renowned”, “famous”
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a Benjamite, son of Gera of the house of Saul in the time of David
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a Benjamite, son of Elah and commissariat officer in the time of Solomon
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the Ramathite in charge of the vineyards of David
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son of Gershon and grandson of Levi
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a Levite, son of Jeduthun and chief of the 10th division of singers in the time of David
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a Levite of the sons of Heman who took part in the purification of the temple in the time of king Hezekiah of Judah
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a Levite, brother of Cononiah in charge of receiving the tithes and offerings in the reign of king Hezekiah of Judah
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a Levite who had a foreign wife in the time of Ezra
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a Judaite, son of Pedaiah and brother of Zerubbabel
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a Simeonite, son of Zacchur
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a Reubenite, son of Gog and father of Micah
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one of the sons of Hashum who had a foreign wife in the time of Ezra
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one of the sons of Bani who had a foreign wife in the time of Ezra
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a Benjamite, son of Kish, father of Jair, and grandfather of Mordecai in the time of Esther
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a Levite, son of Jahath, grandson of Gershon, and great grandson of Levi
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Benjamite, father of Adaiah, Beraiah, and Shimrath. Spelled ‘Shimhi’
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שִׁמְעִי Shimʻîy, shim-ee’; from H8088; famous; Shimi, the name of twenty Israelites:—Shimeah (from the margin), Shimei, Shimhi, Shimi.
H8096 matches the Hebrew שִׁמְעִי (Shim`iy),
which occurs 43 times in 39 verses
H8088 matches the Hebrew שֵׁמַע (shema`),
which occurs 18 times in 17 verses
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Kish
The KJV translates Strongs H7027 in the following manner: Kish (21x).
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Outline of Biblical Usage [?]
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Kish = “bent”, “snaring”
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a Benjamite of the family of Matri, father of king Saul
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an ancestor of Mordecai
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son of Gibeon and brother of Abdon, Zur, Baal, Ner, Nadab, Gedor, Ahio, Zechariah, and Mikloth; uncle of Kish the father of king Saul
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a Merarite Levite, son of Mahli and grandson of Merari the progenitor of the family
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a Merarite Levite, son of Abdi in the time of king Hezekiah of Judah
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Strong’s Definitions [?](Strong’s Definitions Legend)
קִישׁ Qîysh, keesh; from H6983; a bow; Kish, the name of five Israelites:—Kish.
H7027 matches the Hebrew קִישׁ (Qiysh),
which occurs 21 times in 17 verses
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Benjamite
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Outline of Biblical Usage [?]
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Benjamite – “a son of the right hand”
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one of the tribe of Benjamin
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בֶּן־יְמִינִי Ben-yᵉmîynîy, ben-yem-ee-nee’; sometimes (with the article inserted) בֵּן־הַיּמִינִי Bên-ha-yᵉmîynîy; with H376 inserted (1 Samuel 9:1) בֶּן־אִישׁ ימִינִי Ben-ʼÎysh Ymîynîy; son of a man of Jemini; or shortened אִישׁ יְמִינִי ʼÎysh Yᵉmîynîy; (1 Samuel 9:4; Esther 2:5) a man of Jemini, or (1 Samuel 20:1) simply יְמִינִי Yᵉmîynîyxlit Yᵉmînîy corrected to Yᵉmîynîy; a Jeminite; (plural) בְּנֵי יְמִינִי Bᵉnêy Yᵉmîynîyxlit Bᵉnîy corrected to Bᵉnêy; patron from H1144; a Benjaminite, or descendent of Benjamin:—Benjamite, of Benjamin.
H1145 matches the Hebrew בֶּןהַיְמִינִי (Ben-yĕmiyniy),
which occurs 18 times in 18 verses
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Jeconiah = “Jehovah will establish”
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son of king Jehoiakim of Judah and king of Judah for 3 months and 10 days before he surrendered to Nebuchadnezzar and was taken captive to Babylon where he was imprisoned for the next 36 years; released at the death of Nebuchadnezzar and lived in Babylon until his death
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primary spelling ‘Jehoiachin’
KJV Translation Count — Total: 60x
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Outline of Biblical Usage [?]
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Nebuchadnezzar or Nebuchadrezzar = “may Nebo protect the crown”
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the great king of Babylon who captured Jerusalem and carried Judah captive
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נְבוּכַדְנֶאצַּר Nᵉbûwkadneʼtstsar, neb-oo-kad-nets-tsar’; or נְבֻּכַדְנֶאצַּר Nᵉbukadneʼtstsar; (2 Kings 24:1,10), or נְבוּכַדְנֶצַּר Nᵉbûwkadnetstsar; (Esther 2:6; Daniel 1:18), or נְבוּכַדְרֶאצַּר Nᵉbûwkadreʼtstsar; or נְבוּכַדְרֶאצּוֹר Nᵉbûwkadreʼtstsôwr; (Ezra 2:1; Jeremiah 49:28), or foreign derivation; Nebukadnetstsar (or -retstsar, or -retstsor), king of Babylon:—Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadrezzar.
H5019 matches the Hebrew נְבוּכַדְנֶאצַּר(Nĕbuwkadne’tstsar),
which occurs 60 times in 59 verses
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Hadassah = “myrtle”
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queen Esther’s Jewish name
KJV Translation Count — Total: 55x
The KJV translates Strongs H635 in the following manner: Esther (55x).
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Outline of Biblical Usage [?]
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Esther = “star”
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the queen of Persia, heroine of the book of Esther – daughter of Abihail, cousin and adopted daughter of Mordecai, of the tribe of Benjamin, made queen by king Ahasuerus to replace divorced queen, Vashti.
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Strong’s Definitions [?](Strong’s Definitions Legend)
אֶסְתֵּר ʼEçtêr, es-tare’; of Persian derivation; Ester, the Jewish heroine:—Esther.
Lexicon : word is used by the Syrians to denote the planet Venus
H635 matches the Hebrew אֶסְתֵּר (‘Ecter),
which occurs 55 times in 45 verses
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Esther Finds Favor
8So it came to pass, when the king’s commandment and his decree was heard, and when many maidens were gathered together to Shushan the palace, to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was brought also to the king’s house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women.
9And the maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness of him; and he speedily gave her her things for purification, with such things as belonged to her, and seven maidens, which were meet to be given her, out of the king’s house: and he preferred her and her maids to the best place of the house of the women.
10Esther had not showed her people nor her kindred: for Mordecai had charged her that she should not show it.
11And Mordecai walked every day before the court of the women’s house, to know how Esther did, and what should become of her.
Notes: |
“maidens” : occurs 17 times in OT (18 Overall)
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12Now when every maid’s turn was come to go in to king Ahasuerus, after that she had been twelve months, according to the manner of the women, (for so were the days of their purifications accomplished, to wit, six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odors, and with other things for the purifying of the women;)
13Then thus came every maiden to the king; whatever she desired was given her to go with her out of the house of the women to the king’s house.
14In the evening she went, and on the morrow she returned into the second house of the women, to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king’s chamberlain, which kept the concubines: she came in to the king no more, except the king delighted in her, and that she were called by name.
Notes: |
Shaashgaz = “servant of the beautiful”
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the eunuch in the palace of Xerxes who was in charge of the women in the 2nd house
concubine
KJV Translation Count — Total: 37x in 35 verses
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Outline of Biblical Usage [?]
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concubine, paramour
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concubine
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paramour
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Strong’s Definitions [?](Strong’s Definitions Legend)
פִּילֶגֶשׁ pîylegesh, pee-leh’-ghesh; or פִּלֶגֶשׁ pilegesh; of uncertain derivation; a concubine; also (masculine) a paramour:—concubine, paramour.
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caphets
KJV Translation Count — Total: 75x in 71 verses
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Outline of Biblical Usage [?]
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to delight in, take pleasure in, desire, be pleased with
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(Qal)
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of men
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to take pleasure in, delight in
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to delight, desire, be pleased to do
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of God
-
to delight in, have pleasure in
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to be pleased to do
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to move, bend down
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(Qal) to bend down
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חָפֵץ châphêts, khaw-fates’; a primitive root; properly, to incline to; by implication (literally but rarely) to bend; figuratively, to be pleased with, desire:—× any at all, (have, take) delight, desire, favour, like, move, be (well) pleased, have pleasure, will, would.
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15Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in to the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king’s chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favor in the sight of all them that looked on her.
16So Esther was taken to king Ahasuerus into his house royal in the tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign.
Notes: |
Abihail = “my father is might”
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a Levite in Moses’s time
-
a Gadite
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father of Esther
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wife of Abishur
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wife of Rehoboam
KJV Translation Count — Total: 61x in 53 verses
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Outline of Biblical Usage [?]
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beloved, love, uncle
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loved one, beloved
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uncle
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love (pl. abstract)
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דּוֹד dôwd, dode; or (shortened) דֹּד dôd; from an unused root meaning properly, to boil, i.e. (figuratively) to love; by implication, a love-token, lover, friend; specifically an uncle:—(well-) beloved, father’s brother, love, uncle.
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Tebeth = “goodness”
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the 10th month of the Jewish calendar corresponding to modern Dec-Jan
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Esther Becomes Queen
17And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown on her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti.
18Then the king made a great feast to all his princes and his servants, even Esther’s feast; and he made a release to the provinces, and gave gifts, according to the state of the king.
Notes: |
grace
KJV Translation Count — Total: 69x in 67 verses
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Outline of Biblical Usage [?]
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favour, grace, charm
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favour, grace, elegance
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favour, acceptance
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Strong’s Definitions [?](Strong’s Definitions Legend)
חֵן chên khane; from H2603; graciousness, i.e. subjective (kindness, favor) or objective (beauty):—favour, grace(-ious), pleasant, precious, (well-) favoured.
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19And when the virgins were gathered together the second time, then Mordecai sat in the king’s gate.
20Esther had not yet showed her kindred nor her people; as Mordecai had charged her: for Esther did the commandment of Mordecai, like as when she was brought up with him.
Notes: |
gate
KJV Translation Count — Total: 371x in 302 verses
The KJV translates Strongs H8179 in the following manner: gate (364x),city (3x), door (2x), port (1x), porters (1x).
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Outline of Biblical Usage [?]
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gate
-
gate (of entrance)
-
gate (of space inside gate, i.e. marketplace, public meeting place)
-
city, town
-
gate (of palace, royal castle, temple, court of tabernacle)
-
heaven
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שַׁעַר shaʻar, shah’-ar; from H8176 in its original sense; an opening, i.e. door or gate:—city, door, gate, port (× -er).
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Mordecai Uncovers a Conspiracy
21In those days, while Mordecai sat in the king’s gate, two of the king’s chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, of those which kept the door, were wroth, and sought to lay hands on the king Ahasuerus.
22And the thing was known to Mordecai, who told it to Esther the queen; and Esther certified the king thereof in Mordecai’s name.
23And when inquisition was made of the matter, it was found out; therefore they were both hanged on a tree: and it was written in the book of the chronicles before the king.
Notes: |
Mordecai = “little man” or “worshipper of Mars“
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cousin and adoptive father of queen Esther; son of Jair of the tribe of Benjamin; deliverer under Divine providence of the children of Israel from the destruction plotted by Haman the chief minister of Ahasuerus; institutor of the feast of Purim
-
a Jew who returned from exile with Zerubbabel
- Mentioned 50 times in Esther (60 overall in 52 verses)
Esther : a star; Syrians used this word for the planet “Venus”
Bigthan = “in their wine-press”
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a eunuch in king Ahasuerus’ (Xerxes) court
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Chapter 3 : Haman Plots against the Jews
1After these things did king Ahasuerus promote Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, and advanced him, and set his seat above all the princes that were with him.
2And all the king’s servants, that were in the king’s gate, bowed, and reverenced Haman: for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence.
3Then the king’s servants, which were in the king’s gate, said to Mordecai, Why transgress you the king’s commandment?
4Now it came to pass, when they spoke daily to him, and he listened not to them, that they told Haman, to see whether Mordecai’s matters would stand: for he had told them that he was a Jew.
5And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full of wrath.
6And he thought scorn to lay hands on Mordecai alone; for they had showed him the people of Mordecai: why Haman sought to destroy all the Jews that were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, even the people of Mordecai.
Notes: |
Haman
KJV Translation Count — Total: 54x in 45v
The KJV translates Strongs H2001 in the following manner: Haman (53x),he (1x).
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Outline of Biblical Usage [?]
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Haman = “magnificent”
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chief minister of Ahasuerus, enemy of Mordecai and the Jews, who plotted to kill the Jews but, being foiled by Esther, was hanged, with his family, on the gallows he had made for Mordecai
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הָמָן Hâmân, haw-mawn’; of foreign derivation; Haman, a Persian vizier:—Haman.
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Agagite = “I will overtop”
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said of Haman, Haman the Agagite
KJV Translation Count — Total: 135x in 124v
The KJV translates Strongs H3678 in the following manner: throne (127x),seat (7x), stool (1x).
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Outline of Biblical Usage [?]
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seat (of honour), throne, seat, stool
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seat (of honour), throne
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royal dignity, authority, power (fig.)
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כִּסֵּא kiççêʼ, kis-say’; or כִּסֵּה kiççêh; from H3680; properly, covered, i.e. a throne (as canopied):—seat, stool, throne.
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7In the first month, that is, the month Nisan, in the twelfth year of king Ahasuerus, they cast Pur, that is, the lot, before Haman from day to day, and from month to month, to the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar.
8And Haman said to king Ahasuerus, There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of your kingdom; and their laws are diverse from all people; neither keep they the king’s laws: therefore it is not for the king’s profit to suffer them.
9If it please the king, let it be written that they may be destroyed: and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver to the hands of those that have the charge of the business, to bring it into the king’s treasuries.
10And the king took his ring from his hand, and gave it to Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the Jews’ enemy.
11And the king said to Haman, The silver is given to you, the people also, to do with them as it seems good to you.
Notes: |
dispersed
KJV Translation Count — Total: 26x
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Outline of Biblical Usage [?]
-
to separate, divide
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(Qal) to divide
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(Niphal)
-
to divide, separate
-
to be divided, be separated
-
(Piel) to be separated
-
(Pual) to be divided
-
(Hiphil)
-
to divide, separate
-
to make a division, make a separation
-
(Hithpael) to be divided, be separated, get separated
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פָּרַד pârad, paw-rad’; a primitive root; to break through, i.e. spread or separate (oneself):—disperse, divide, be out of joint, part, scatter (abroad), separate (self), sever self, stretch, sunder.
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talents
KJV Translation Count — Total: 68x in 55v
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Outline of Biblical Usage [?]
-
round
-
a round district (environs of the Jordan valley)
-
a round loaf (of bread)
-
a round weight, talent (of gold, silver, bronze, iron)
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כִּכָּר kikkâr, kik-kawr’; from H3769; a circle, i.e. (by implication) a circumjacent tract or region, especially the Ghor or valley of the Jordan; also a (round) loaf; also a talent (or large [round] coin):—loaf, morsel, piece, plain, talent.
Lexicon : a circle, globe, (gen 12:10, Ex 29:23, 2ki 5:5)
(1)a circumjacent tract of country (neh 12:28, gen 13:12, 19:17, 2 sam 18:23, matt 3:5)
(2) a cake, round loaf (ex 29:23, 1 sa 2:36)
(3) a talent equal, as nearly as can be computed from ex 38:25 = 3000 shekels of the sanctuary
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12Then were the king’s scribes called on the thirteenth day of the first month, and there was written according to all that Haman had commanded to the king’s lieutenants, and to the governors that were over every province, and to the rulers of every people of every province according to the writing thereof, and to every people after their language; in the name of king Ahasuerus was it written, and sealed with the king’s ring.
13And the letters were sent by posts into all the king’s provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day, even on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, and to take the spoil of them for a prey.
14The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published to all people, that they should be ready against that day.
15The posts went out, being hastened by the king’s commandment, and the decree was given in Shushan the palace. And the king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city Shushan was perplexed.
Notes: |
sealed
KJV Translation Count — Total: 27x in 24v
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Outline of Biblical Usage [?]
-
to seal, seal up, affix a seal
-
(Qal)
-
to seal, affix one’s seal
-
to seal up, fasten up by sealing
-
(Niphal) to seal
-
(Piel) to lock up
-
(Hiphil) to be stopped
|
חָתַם châtham, khaw-tham’; a primitive root; to close up; especially to seal:—make an end, mark, seal (up), stop.
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ring
KJV Translation Count — Total: 49x in 38v
The KJV translates Strongs H2885 in the following manner: ring (49x).
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Outline of Biblical Usage [?]
-
ring, signet, signet ring
-
signet ring (as symbol of authority)
-
ring (as ornament)
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טַבַּעַת ṭabbaʻath, tab-bah’-ath; from H2883; properly, a seal (as sunk into the wax), i.e. signet (for sealing); hence (generally) a ring of any kind:—ring.
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Chapter 4 : Mordecai Requests Esther’s Help
1When Mordecai perceived all that was done, Mordecai rent his clothes, and put on sackcloth with ashes, and went out into the middle of the city, and cried with a loud and a bitter cry;
2And came even before the king’s gate: for none might enter into the king’s gate clothed with sackcloth.
3And in every province, wherever the king’s commandment and his decree came, there was great mourning among the Jews, and fasting, and weeping, and wailing; and many lay in sackcloth and ashes.
Notes: |
rent
KJV Translation Count — Total: 63x in 60v
|
Outline of Biblical Usage [?]
-
to tear, tear in pieces
-
-
to tear, rend
-
to tear away or out
-
to tear, rend asunder
-
to make wide or large (of eyes)
-
to rend open (of heavens)
-
to tear, rend (of wild beasts)
-
(Niphal) to be rent, be split asunder
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קָרַע qâraʻ, kaw-rah’; a primitive root; to rend, literally or figuratively (revile, paint the eyes, as if enlarging them):—cut out, rend, × surely, tear.
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perceived
KJV Translation Count — Total: 947x in 873v
The KJV translates Strongs H3045 in the following manner: know (645x),known (105x), knowledge (19x), perceive (18x), shew (17x), tell (8x), wist (7x),understand (7x), certainly (7x), acknowledge (6x), acquaintance (6x),consider (6x), declare (6x), teach (5x), miscellaneous (85x).
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Outline of Biblical Usage [?]
-
to know
-
-
to know
-
to know, learn to know
-
to perceive
-
to perceive and see, find out and discern
-
to discriminate, distinguish
-
to know by experience
-
to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess
-
to consider
-
to know, be acquainted with
-
to know (a person carnally)
-
to know how, be skilful in
-
to have knowledge, be wise
-
-
to be made known, be or become known, be revealed
-
to make oneself known
-
to be perceived
-
to be instructed
-
(Piel) to cause to know
-
(Poal) to cause to know
-
-
to be known
-
known, one known, acquaintance (participle)
-
(Hiphil) to make known, declare
-
(Hophal) to be made known
-
(Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself
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יָדַע yâdaʻ, yaw-dah’; a primitive root; to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including observation, care, recognition; and causatively, instruction, designation, punishment, etc.):—acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, × 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, be learned, lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, × prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), × will be, wist, wit, wot.
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sackcloth
KJV Translation Count — Total: 48x in 46v
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Outline of Biblical Usage [?]
-
mesh, sackcloth, sack, sacking
-
sack (for grain)
-
sackcloth
-
worn in mourning or humiliation
-
same material spread out to lie on
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שַׂק saq, sak; from H8264; properly, a mesh (as allowing a liquid to run through), i.e. coarse loose cloth or sacking (used in mourning and for bagging); hence, a bag (for grain, etc.):—sack(-cloth, -clothes).
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cried
KJV Translation Count — Total: 73x in 73
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Outline of Biblical Usage [?]
-
to cry, cry out, call, call for help
-
(Qal)
-
to call (to one’s aid)
-
to cry, cry out (in need)
-
(Niphal) to be assembled, be called together, be joined together
-
(Hiphil)
-
to call, call out, call together, summon
-
to make a crying, proclaim
-
to have a proclamation made
-
to call out to, call out at
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זָעַק zâʻaq, zaw-ak’; a primitive root; to shriek (from anguish or danger); by analogy, (as a herald) to announce or convene publicly:—assemble, call (together), (make a) cry (out), come with such a company, gather (together), cause to be proclaimed.
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bitter
KJV Translation Count — Total: 38x in 35v
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Outline of Biblical Usage [?]
adj
-
bitter, bitterness
-
of water or food
-
of harlot’s end, end of wickedness, cry (fig.)
-
of pain (subst)
adv
-
bitterly
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מַר mar, mar; or (feminine) מָרָה mârâh; from H4843; bitter (literally or figuratively); also (as noun) bitterness, or (adverbially) bitterly:— angry, bitter(-ly, -ness), chafed, discontented, × great, heavy.
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4So Esther’s maids and her chamberlains came and told it her. Then was the queen exceedingly grieved; and she sent raiment to clothe Mordecai, and to take away his sackcloth from him: but he received it not.
5Then called Esther for Hatach, one of the king’s chamberlains, whom he had appointed to attend on her, and gave him a commandment to Mordecai, to know what it was, and why it was.
6So Hatach went forth to Mordecai to the street of the city, which was before the king’s gate.
7And Mordecai told him of all that had happened to him, and of the sum of the money that Haman had promised to pay to the king’s treasuries for the Jews, to destroy them.
8Also he gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given at Shushan to destroy them, to show it to Esther, and to declare it to her, and to charge her that she should go in to the king, to make supplication to him, and to make request before him for her people.
Notes: |
raiment
KJV Translation Count — Total: 217x in 190v
The KJV translates Strongs H899 in the following manner: garment (107x),clothes (69x), cloth (13x), raiment (12x), apparel (4x), robe (4x), wardrobe (2x),very (2x), clothing (1x), lap (1x), rags (1x), vestures (1x).
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Outline of Biblical Usage [?]
-
treachery, deceit
-
(CLBL) garment, clothing (used indiscriminately)
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בֶּגֶד beged, behg’-ed; from H898; a covering, i.e. clothing; also treachery or pillage:—apparel, cloth(-es, ing), garment, lap, rag, raiment, robe, × very (treacherously), vesture, wardrobe.
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grieved
KJV Translation Count — Total: 62x in 58v
The KJV translates Strongs H2342 in the following manner: pain (6x),formed (5x), bring forth (4x), pained (4x), tremble (4x), travail (4x), dance (2x),calve (2x), grieved (2x), grievous (2x), wounded (2x), shake (2x),miscellaneous (23x).
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Outline of Biblical Usage [?]
-
to twist, whirl, dance, writhe, fear, tremble, travail, be in anguish, be pained
-
(Qal)
-
to dance
-
to twist, writhe
-
to whirl, whirl about
-
(Polel)
-
to dance
-
to writhe (in travail with), bear, bring forth
-
to wait anxiously
-
(Pulal)
-
to be made to writhe, be made to bear
-
to be brought forth
-
(Hophal) to be born
-
(Hithpolel)
-
whirling (participle)
-
writhing, suffering torture (participle)
-
to wait longingly
-
(Hithpalpel) to be distressed
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חוּל chûwl, khool; or חִיל chîyl; a primitive root; properly, to twist or whirl (in a circular or spiral manner), i.e. (specifically) to dance, to writhe in pain (especially of parturition) or fear; figuratively, to wait, to pervert:—bear, (make to) bring forth, (make to) calve, dance, drive away, fall grievously (with pain), fear, form, great, grieve, (be) grievous, hope, look, make, be in pain, be much (sore) pained, rest, shake, shapen, (be) sorrow(-ful), stay, tarry, travail (with pain), tremble, trust, wait carefully (patiently), be wounded.
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Hatach = “verily”
-
a eunuch in the court of Ahasuerus
|
9And Hatach came and told Esther the words of Mordecai.
10Again Esther spoke to Hatach, and gave him commandment to Mordecai;
11All the king’s servants, and the people of the king’s provinces, do know, that whoever, whether man or women, shall come to the king into the inner court, who is not called, there is one law of his to put him to death, except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden scepter, that he may live: but I have not been called to come in to the king these thirty days.
12And they told to Mordecai Esther’s words.
Notes: |
golden
KJV Translation Count — Total: 389x in 336v
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Outline of Biblical Usage [?]
-
gold
-
as precious metal
-
as a measure of weight
-
of brilliance, splendour (fig.)
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זָהָב zâhâb, zaw-hawb’; from an unused root meaning to shimmer; gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e. yellow), as oil, a clear sky:—gold(-en), fair weather.
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sceptre
KJV Translation Count — Total: 4x
The KJV translates Strongs H8275 in the following manner: sceptre (4x).
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Outline of Biblical Usage [?]
-
sceptre
-
(TWOT) dart, spear
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שַׁרְבִיט sharbîyṭ, shar-beet’; for H7626; a rod of empire:—sceptre.
KJV Translation Count — Total: 190x in 178v
The KJV translates Strongs H7626 in the following manner: tribe (140x),rod (34x), sceptre (10x), staff (2x), miscellaneous (4x).
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Outline of Biblical Usage [?]
-
rod, staff, branch, offshoot, club, sceptre, tribe
-
rod, staff
-
shaft (of spear, dart)
-
club (of shepherd’s implement)
-
truncheon, sceptre (mark of authority)
-
clan, tribe
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שֵׁבֶט shêbeṭ, shay’-bet; from an unused root probably meaning to branch off; a scion, i.e. (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan:—× correction, dart, rod, sceptre, staff, tribe.
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13Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with yourself that you shall escape in the king’s house, more than all the Jews.
14For if you altogether hold your peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but you and your father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knows whether you are come to the kingdom for such a time as this?
Esther Agrees to Help the Jews
15Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer,
16Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast you for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in to the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.
17So Mordecai went his way, and did according to all that Esther had commanded him.
Chapter 5 : Esther Plans a Banquet
1Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king’s house, over against the king’s house: and the king sat on his royal throne in the royal house, over against the gate of the house.
2And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favor in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the scepter.
3Then said the king to her, What will you, queen Esther? and what is your request? it shall be even given you to the half of the kingdom.
4And Esther answered, If it seem good to the king, let the king and Haman come this day to the banquet that I have prepared for him.
Notes: |
stood
KJV Translation Count — Total: 521x in 495v
The KJV translates Strongs H5975 in the following manner: stood (171x),stand (137x), (raise, stand…) up (42x), set (32x), stay (17x), still (15x),appointed (10x), standing (10x), endure (8x), remain (8x), present (7x),continue (6x), withstand (6x), waited (5x), establish (5x), miscellaneous (42x).
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Outline of Biblical Usage [?]
-
to stand, remain, endure, take one’s stand
-
(Qal)
-
to stand, take one’s stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of
-
to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease
-
to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast
-
to make a stand, hold one’s ground
-
to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright
-
to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against
-
to stand with, take one’s stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid
-
(Hiphil)
-
to station, set
-
to cause to stand firm, maintain
-
to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect
-
to present (one) before (king)
-
to appoint, ordain, establish
-
(Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
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עָמַד ʻâmad, aw-mad’; a primitive root; to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive):—abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry.
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throne
KJV Translation Count — Total: 135x in 124v
The KJV translates Strongs H3678 in the following manner: throne (127x),seat (7x), stool (1x).
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Outline of Biblical Usage [?]
-
seat (of honour), throne, seat, stool
-
seat (of honour), throne
-
royal dignity, authority, power (fig.)
|
כִּסֵּא kiççêʼ, kis-say’; or כִּסֵּה kiççêh; from H3680; properly, covered, i.e. a throne (as canopied):—seat, stool, throne.
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5Then the king said, Cause Haman to make haste, that he may do as Esther has said. So the king and Haman came to the banquet that Esther had prepared.
6And the king said to Esther at the banquet of wine, What is your petition? and it shall be granted you: and what is your request? even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed.
7Then answered Esther, and said, My petition and my request is;
8If I have found favor in the sight of the king, and if it please the king to grant my petition, and to perform my request, let the king and Haman come to the banquet that I shall prepare for them, and I will do to morrow as the king has said.
Notes: |
banquet
KJV Translation Count — Total: 46x in 43v
The KJV translates Strongs H4960 in the following manner: feast (31x),banquet (10x), drink (5x).
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Outline of Biblical Usage [?]
-
feast, drink, banquet
-
feast, banquet
-
drink
|
מִשְׁתֶּה mishteh, mish-teh’; from H8354; drink, by implication, drinking (the act); also (by implication) a banquet or (generally) feast:—banquet, drank, drink, feast((-ed), -ing).
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Haman’s Plot against Mordecai
9Then went Haman forth that day joyful and with a glad heart: but when Haman saw Mordecai in the king’s gate, that he stood not up, nor moved for him, he was full of indignation against Mordecai.
10Nevertheless Haman refrained himself: and when he came home, he sent and called for his friends, and Zeresh his wife.
11And Haman told them of the glory of his riches, and the multitude of his children, and all the things wherein the king had promoted him, and how he had advanced him above the princes and servants of the king.
12Haman said moreover, Yes, Esther the queen did let no man come in with the king to the banquet that she had prepared but myself; and to morrow am I invited to her also with the king.
13Yet all this avails me nothing, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king’s gate.
14Then said Zeresh his wife and all his friends to him, Let a gallows be made of fifty cubits high, and to morrow speak you to the king that Mordecai may be hanged thereon: then go you in merrily with the king to the banquet. And the thing pleased Haman; and he caused the gallows to be made.
Notes: |
Zeresh = “gold”
-
the wife of Haman, the Agagite
gallows
KJV Translation Count — Total: 328x in 288v
The KJV translates Strongs H6086 in the following manner: tree (162x),wood (107x), timber (23x), stick (14x), gallows (8x), staff (4x), stock (4x),carpenter (with H2796) (2x), branches (1x), helve (1x), planks (1x), stalks (1x).
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Outline of Biblical Usage [?]
-
tree, wood, timber, stock, plank, stalk, stick, gallows
-
tree, trees
-
wood, pieces of wood, gallows, firewood, cedar-wood, woody flax
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עֵץ ʻêts, ates; from H6095; a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks):— carpenter, gallows, helve, pine, plank, staff, stalk, stick, stock, timber, tree, wood.
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Chapter 6 : Mordecai is Honored
1On that night could not the king sleep, and he commanded to bring the book of records of the chronicles; and they were read before the king.
2And it was found written, that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king’s chamberlains, the keepers of the door, who sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus.
3And the king said, What honor and dignity has been done to Mordecai for this? Then said the king’s servants that ministered to him, There is nothing done for him.
4And the king said, Who is in the court? Now Haman was come into the outward court of the king’s house, to speak to the king to hang Mordecai on the gallows that he had prepared for him.
5And the king’s servants said to him, Behold, Haman stands in the court. And the king said, Let him come in.
6So Haman came in. And the king said to him, What shall be done to the man whom the king delights to honor? Now Haman thought in his heart, To whom would the king delight to do honor more than to myself?
7And Haman answered the king, For the man whom the king delights to honor,
8Let the royal apparel be brought which the king uses to wear, and the horse that the king rides on, and the crown royal which is set on his head:
9And let this apparel and horse be delivered to the hand of one of the king’s most noble princes, that they may array the man with whom the king delights to honor, and bring him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaim before him, Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delights to honor.
Haman Forced to Honor Mordecai
10Then the king said to Haman, Make haste, and take the apparel and the horse, as you have said, and do even so to Mordecai the Jew, that sits at the king’s gate: let nothing fail of all that you have spoken.
11Then took Haman the apparel and the horse, and arrayed Mordecai, and brought him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaimed before him, Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delights to honor.
12And Mordecai came again to the king’s gate. But Haman hurried to his house mourning, and having his head covered.
13And Haman told Zeresh his wife and all his friends every thing that had befallen him. Then said his wise men and Zeresh his wife to him, If Mordecai be of the seed of the Jews, before whom you have begun to fall, you shall not prevail against him, but shall surely fall before him.
14And while they were yet talking with him, came the king’s chamberlains, and hurried to bring Haman to the banquet that Esther had prepared.
Chapter 7 : Esther Pleads for Her People
1So the king and Haman came to banquet with Esther the queen.
2And the king said again to Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine, What is your petition, queen Esther? and it shall be granted you: and what is your request? and it shall be performed, even to the half of the kingdom.
3Then Esther the queen answered and said, If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request:
4For we are sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be slain, and to perish. But if we had been sold for slaves and bondwomen, I had held my tongue, although the enemy could not countervail the king’s damage.
5Then the king Ahasuerus answered and said to Esther the queen, Who is he, and where is he, that dared presume in his heart to do so?
6And Esther said, The adversary and enemy is this wicked Haman. Then Haman was afraid before the king and the queen.
Notes: |
Haman = “Magnificent”; associated with the Planet “Mercury” |
Haman is Hanged
7And the king arising from the banquet of wine in his wrath went into the palace garden: and Haman stood up to make request for his life to Esther the queen; for he saw that there was evil determined against him by the king.
8Then the king returned out of the palace garden into the place of the banquet of wine; and Haman was fallen on the bed where on Esther was. Then said the king, Will he force the queen also before me in the house? As the word went out of king’s mouth, they covered Haman’s face.
9And Harbonah, one of the chamberlains, said before the king, Behold also, the gallows fifty cubits high, which Haman had made for Mordecai, who spoken good for the king, stands in the house of Haman. Then the king said, Hang him thereon.
10So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then was the king’s wrath pacified.
Chapter 8 : Mordecai is Advanced
1On that day did the king Ahasuerus give the house of Haman the Jews’ enemy to Esther the queen. And Mordecai came before the king; for Esther had told what he was to her.
2And the king took off his ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it to Mordecai. And Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman.
3And Esther spoke yet again before the king, and fell down at his feet, and sought him with tears to put away the mischief of Haman the Agagite, and his device that he had devised against the Jews.
4Then the king held out the golden scepter toward Esther. So Esther arose, and stood before the king,
5And said, If it please the king, and if I have favor in his sight, and the thing seem right before the king, and I be pleasing in his eyes, let it be written to reverse the letters devised by Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, which he wrote to destroy the Jews which are in all the king’s provinces:
6For how can I endure to see the evil that shall come to my people? or how can I endure to see the destruction of my kindred?
Xerxes’ Decree
7Then the king Ahasuerus said to Esther the queen and to Mordecai the Jew, Behold, I have given Esther the house of Haman, and him they have hanged on the gallows, because he laid his hand on the Jews.
8Write you also for the Jews, as it likes you, in the king’s name, and seal it with the king’s ring: for the writing which is written in the king’s name, and sealed with the king’s ring, may no man reverse.
9Then were the king’s scribes called at that time in the third month, that is, the month Sivan, on the three and twentieth day thereof; and it was written according to all that Mordecai commanded to the Jews, and to the lieutenants, and the deputies and rulers of the provinces which are from India to Ethiopia, an 127 provinces, to every province according to the writing thereof, and to every people after their language, and to the Jews according to their writing, and according to their language.
10And he wrote in the king Ahasuerus’ name, and sealed it with the king’s ring, and sent letters by posts on horseback, and riders on mules, camels, and young dromedaries:
11Wherein the king granted the Jews which were in every city to gather themselves together, and to stand for their life, to destroy, to slay and to cause to perish, all the power of the people and province that would assault them, both little ones and women, and to take the spoil of them for a prey,
12On one day in all the provinces of king Ahasuerus, namely, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar.
13The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published to all people, and that the Jews should be ready against that day to avenge themselves on their enemies.
14So the posts that rode on mules and camels went out, being hastened and pressed on by the king’s commandment. And the decree was given at Shushan the palace.
15And Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal apparel of blue and white, and with a great crown of gold, and with a garment of fine linen and purple: and the city of Shushan rejoiced and was glad.
16The Jews had light, and gladness, and joy, and honor.
17And in every province, and in every city, wherever the king’s commandment and his decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a good day. And many of the people of the land became Jews; for the fear of the Jews fell on them.
Chapter 9 : The Jews Destroy Their Enemies
1Now in the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar, on the thirteenth day of the same, when the king’s commandment and his decree drew near to be put in execution, in the day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to have power over them, (though it was turned to the contrary, that the Jews had rule over them that hated them;)
2The Jews gathered themselves together in their cities throughout all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, to lay hand on such as sought their hurt: and no man could withstand them; for the fear of them fell on all people.
3And all the rulers of the provinces, and the lieutenants, and the deputies, and officers of the king, helped the Jews; because the fear of Mordecai fell on them.
4For Mordecai was great in the king’s house, and his fame went out throughout all the provinces: for this man Mordecai waxed greater and greater.
5Thus the Jews smote all their enemies with the stroke of the sword, and slaughter, and destruction, and did what they would to those that hated them.
6And in Shushan the palace the Jews slew and destroyed five hundred men.
7And Parshandatha, and Dalphon, and Aspatha,
8And Poratha, and Adalia, and Aridatha,
9And Parmashta, and Arisai, and Aridai, and Vajezatha,
10The ten sons of Haman the son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews, slew they; but on the spoil laid they not their hand.
11On that day the number of those that were slain in Shushan the palace was brought before the king.
Haman’s Sons Hanged
12And the king said to Esther the queen, The Jews have slain and destroyed five hundred men in Shushan the palace, and the ten sons of Haman; what have they done in the rest of the king’s provinces? now what is your petition? and it shall be granted you: or what is your request further? and it shall be done.
13Then said Esther, If it please the king, let it be granted to the Jews which are in Shushan to do to morrow also according to this day’s decree, and let Haman’s ten sons be hanged on the gallows.
14And the king commanded it so to be done: and the decree was given at Shushan; and they hanged Haman’s ten sons.
15For the Jews that were in Shushan gathered themselves together on the fourteenth day also of the month Adar, and slew three hundred men at Shushan; but on the prey they laid not their hand.
16But the other Jews that were in the king’s provinces gathered themselves together, and stood for their lives, and had rest from their enemies, and slew of their foes 75,000, but they laid not their hands on the prey,
17On the thirteenth day of the month Adar; and on the fourteenth day of the same rested they, and made it a day of feasting and gladness.
The Feast of Purim Instituted
18But the Jews that were at Shushan assembled together on the thirteenth day thereof, and on the fourteenth thereof; and on the fifteenth day of the same they rested, and made it a day of feasting and gladness.
19Therefore the Jews of the villages, that dwelled in the unwalled towns, made the fourteenth day of the month Adar a day of gladness and feasting, and a good day, and of sending portions one to another.
20And Mordecai wrote these things, and sent letters to all the Jews that were in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, both near and far,
21To establish this among them, that they should keep the fourteenth day of the month Adar, and the fifteenth day of the same, yearly,
22As the days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month which was turned to them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day: that they should make them days of feasting and joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor.
23And the Jews undertook to do as they had begun, and as Mordecai had written to them;
24Because Haman the son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of all the Jews, had devised against the Jews to destroy them, and had cast Pur, that is, the lot, to consume them, and to destroy them;
25But when Esther came before the king, he commanded by letters that his wicked device, which he devised against the Jews, should return on his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows.
26Why they called these days Purim after the name of Pur. Therefore for all the words of this letter, and of that which they had seen concerning this matter, and which had come to them,
27The Jews ordained, and took on them, and on their seed, and on all such as joined themselves to them, so as it should not fail, that they would keep these two days according to their writing, and according to their appointed time every year;
28And that these days should be remembered and kept throughout every generation, every family, every province, and every city; and that these days of Purim should not fail from among the Jews, nor the memorial of them perish from their seed.
29Then Esther the queen, the daughter of Abihail, and Mordecai the Jew, wrote with all authority, to confirm this second letter of Purim.
30And he sent the letters to all the Jews, to the hundred twenty and seven provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, with words of peace and truth,
31To confirm these days of Purim in their times appointed, according as Mordecai the Jew and Esther the queen had enjoined them, and as they had decreed for themselves and for their seed, the matters of the fastings and their cry.
32And the decree of Esther confirmed these matters of Purim; and it was written in the book.
Chapter 10 : Tribute to Xerxes and Mordecai
1And the king Ahasuerus laid a tribute on the land, and on the isles of the sea.
2And all the acts of his power and of his might, and the declaration of the greatness of Mordecai, whereunto the king advanced him, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Media and Persia?
3For Mordecai the Jew was next to king Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews, and accepted of the multitude of his brothers, seeking the wealth of his people, and speaking peace to all his seed.
Esther (star) born out of Jacob, Numbers 24:17
- 10 chapters
- 17th book
- 127 mentioned 3 times
- 167 verses
- xerxes – sex 666 “ruler of heroes”
- mentioned 190 times in Esther
Susa – Shushan : lily a lily (from its whiteness), as a flower of arch
- SHUSHAN, a city known to the Greeks as Susa, in the province of Elam anciently called Susiana.
- It has been identified with the modern Sus, or Shush.
- There are many and large ruins, but the whole region is a gloomy wilderness.
- residence of Persian kings
Mentioned
- 18 times in Esther
- 1 in Daniel
- 1 in Nehemiah
- Ezra 4:9 then wrote Rehum the chancellor, and Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their companions, the Dinaites, and the Apharsathchites, the Tarpelites, the Apharsites, the Archevites, the Babylonians, the Shushanchites, the Dehaites, the Elamites,
- Nehemiah 1:1 The words of Nehemiah the son of Hacaliah. Now it happened in the month Chislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the palace,
- Esther 1:2 that in those days, when the King Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which was in Shushan the palace,
- Esther 1:5 When these days were fulfilled, the king made a seven day feast for all the people who were present in Shushan the palace, both great and small, in the court of the garden of the king’s palace.
- Esther 2:3 Let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the beautiful young virgins to the citadel of Susa, to the women’s house, to the custody of Hegai the king’s eunuch, keeper of the women. Let cosmetics be given them;
- Esther 2:5 There was a certain Jew in the citadel of Susa, whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite,
- Esther 2:8 So it happened, when the king’s commandment and his decree was heard, and when many maidens were gathered together to the citadel of Susa, to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was taken into the king’s house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women.
- Esther 3:15 The couriers went forth in haste by the king’s commandment, and the decree was given out in the citadel of Susa. The king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city of Shushan was perplexed.
- Esther 4:8 He also gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given out in Shushan to destroy them, to show it to Esther, and to declare it to her, and to urge her to go in to the king, to make supplication to him, and to make request before him, for her people.
- Esther 4:16 “Go, gather together all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day. I and my maidens will also fast the same way. Then I will go in to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish.”
- Esther 8:14 So the couriers who rode on royal horses went out, hastened and pressed on by the king’s commandment. The decree was given out in the citadel of Susa.
- Esther 8:15 Mordecai went out of the presence of the king in royal clothing of blue and white, and with a great crown of gold, and with a robe of fine linen and purple; and the city of Susa shouted and was glad.
- Esther 9:6 In the citadel of Susa, the Jews killed and destroyed five hundred men.
- Esther 9:11 On that day, the number of those who were slain in the citadel of Susa was brought before the king.
- Esther 9:12 The king said to Esther the queen, “The Jews have slain and destroyed five hundred men in the citadel of Susa, including the ten sons of Haman; what then have they done in the rest of the king’s provinces! Now what is your petition? It shall be granted you. What is your further request? It shall be done.”
- Esther 9:13 Then Esther said, “If it pleases the king, let it be granted to the Jews who are in Shushan to do tomorrow also according to this day’s decree, and let Haman’s ten sons be hanged on the gallows.”
- Esther 9:14 The king commanded this to be done. A decree was given out in Shushan; and they hanged Haman’s ten sons.
- Esther 9:15 The Jews who were in Shushan gathered themselves together on the fourteenth day also of the month Adar, and killed three hundred men in Shushan; but they didn’t lay their hand on the spoil.
- Esther 9:18 But the Jews who were in Shushan assembled together on the thirteenth and on the fourteenth days of the month; and on the fifteenth day of that month, they rested, and made it a day of feasting and gladness.
- Daniel 8:2 I saw in the vision; now it was so, that when I saw, I was in the citadel of Susa, which is in the province of Elam; and I saw in the vision, and I was by the river Ulai.
The Prophecy from Peor
1When Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he did not go as at other times to seek omens but he set his face toward the wilderness. 2And Balaam lifted up his eyes and saw Israel camping tribe by tribe; and the Spirit of God came upon him.
3 He took up his discourse and said,
“The oracle of Balaam the son of Beor,
And the oracle of the man whose eye is opened;
4The oracle of him who hears the words of God,
Who sees the vision of the Almighty,
Falling down, yet having his eyes uncovered,
5 How fair are your tents, O Jacob,
Your dwellings, O Israel!
6 “Like valleys that stretch out,
Like gardens beside the river,
Like aloes planted by the LORD,
Like cedars beside the waters.
7 “Water will flow from his buckets,
And his seed will be by many waters,
And his king shall be higher than Agag,
And his kingdom shall be exalted.
8 “God brings him out of Egypt,
He is for him like the horns of the wild ox.
He will devour the nations who are his adversaries,
And will crush their bones in pieces,
And shatter them with his arrows.
9 “He couches, he lies down as a lion,
And as a lion, who dares rouse him?
Blessed is everyone who blesses you,
And cursed is everyone who curses you.”
10Then Balak’s anger burned against Balaam, and he struck his hands together; and Balak said to Balaam, “I called you to curse my enemies, but behold, you have persisted in blessing them these three times! 11“Therefore, flee to your place now. I said I would honor you greatly, but behold, the LORD has held you back from honor.” 12Balaam said to Balak, “Did I not tell your messengers whom you had sent to me, saying, 13‘Though Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not do anything contrary to the command of the LORD, either good or bad, of my own accord. What the LORD speaks, that I will speak’? 14“And now, behold, I am going to my people; come, and I will advise you what this people will do to your people in the days to come.”
15 He took up his discourse and said,
“The oracle of Balaam the son of Beor,
And the oracle of the man whose eye is opened,
16 The oracle of him who hears the words of God,
And knows the knowledge of the Most High,
Who sees the vision of the Almighty,
Falling down, yet having his eyes uncovered.
17“I see him, but not now;
I behold him, but not near;
A star shall come forth from Jacob,
A scepter shall rise from Israel,
And shall crush through the forehead of Moab,
And tear down all the sons of Sheth.
18“Edom shall be a possession, Seir, its enemies, also will be a possession,
While Israel performs valiantly.
19“One from Jacob shall have dominion,
And will destroy the remnant from the city.”
20And he looked at Amalek and took up his discourse and said,
“Amalek was the first of the nations, But his end shall be destruction.”
21 And he looked at the Kenite, and took up his discourse and said,
“Your dwelling place is enduring, And your nest is set in the cliff.
22 “Nevertheless Kain will be consumed;
How long will Asshur keep you captive?”
23Then he took up his discourse and said,
“Alas, who can live except God has ordained it?
24“But ships shall come from the coast of Kittim,
And they shall afflict Asshur and will afflict Eber;
So they also will come to destruction.”
25Then Balaam arose and departed and returned to his place, and Balak also went his way.
Jerusalem
jer
usa –
lem –
- (to make amends, make an end, finish, full, give again, make good, repay again, recompense, render, requite, make restitution, restore, reward)
- properly, requital, i.e. A (voluntary) sacrifice in thanks — peace offering
- Ornament; also a (straight) trumpet (from the tubular shape): lily
- Jesus – lily of the valley
- 1 Aries (ram) 3/21 – 4/19
- 2 Taurus (bull) 4/20 – 5/20
- 3 Gemini (twins/pillars) 5/21 – 6/20
- 4 cancer (crab) 6/21 – 7/22
- 5 leo (lion) 7/23 – 8-22
- 6 virgo 8/23 – 9/22
- 7 libra (scales) (weighed) 9/23 – 10/22
- 8 scorpio 10/23 – 11/21
- 9 sagittarius 11/21 – 12/21
- 10 capricorn (goat) 12/22 – 1/19
- 11 aquarius 1/20 – 2/18
- 12 pisces 2/19 -3/20
1ST FALL OF BABYLON (777)
7 77 = 539
- 539 Statute Miles = the distance from Babylon to Temple Mount in Jerusalem
- 539 BC was the Fall of Babylon and when Daniels Writing on the Wall occurred:
DANIEL 5:25
And this [is] the writing that was written, MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN
26 “interpretation of the message: MENE – God has numbered your kingdom and put an end to it.
27 TEKEL – you have been weighed on the scales and found deficient.
28 PERES – your kingdom has been divided and given over to the Medes and Persians.”
***Medes / Persians Esther
EZEKIAL 45: THE LORD’S PORTION OF THE LAND
1“And when you divide by lot the land for inheritance, you shall offer an allotment to the LORD, a holy portion of the land; the length shall be the length of 25,000 cubits, and the width shall be 20,000. It shall be holy within all its boundary round about. 2“Out of this there shall be for the holy place a square round about five hundred by five hundred cubits, and fifty cubits for its open space round about. 3“From this area you shall measure a length of 25,000 cubits and a width of 10,000 cubits; and in it shall be the sanctuary, the most holy place. 4“It shall be the holy portion of the land; it shall be for the priests, the ministers of the sanctuary, who come near to minister to the LORD, and it shall be a place for their houses and a holy place for the sanctuary. 5“An area 25,000 cubits in length and 10,000 in width shall be for the Levites, the ministers of the house, and for their possession cities to dwell in. 6“You shall give the city possession of an area 5,000 cubits wide and 25,000 cubits long, alongside the allotment of the holy portion; it shall be for the whole house of Israel.
PORTION FOR THE PRINCE
7“The prince shall have land on either side of the holy allotment and the property of the city, adjacent to the holy allotment and the property of the city, on the west side toward the west and on the east side toward the east, and in length comparable to one of the portions, from the west border to the east border. 8“This shall be his land for a possession in Israel; so My princes shall no longer oppress My people, but they shall give the rest of the land to the house of Israel according to their tribes.” 9‘Thus says the Lord GOD, “Enough, you princes of Israel; put away violence and destruction, and practice justice and righteousness. Stop your expropriations from My people,” declares the Lord GOD. 10“You shall have just balances, a just ephah and a just bath. 11“The ephah and the bath shall be the same quantity, so that the bath will contain a tenth of a homer and the ephah a tenth of a homer; their standard shall be according to the homer. 12“The shekel shall be 20 gerahs; 20 shekels, 25 shekels,and15 shekels shall be your maneh. 13“This is the offering that you shall offer: a sixth of an ephah (17%) from a homer of wheat; a sixth of an ephah (16.666 or 17%) from a homer of barley; 14 and the prescribed portion of oil (namely, the bath of oil), a tenth of a bath from each kor (which is ten baths or a homer, for ten baths are a homer); 15 and one sheep from each flock of two hundred from the watering places of Israel—for a grain offering, for a burnt offering and for peace offerings, to make atonement for them,” declares the Lord GOD.16“All the people of the land shall give to this offering for the prince in Israel. 17 “It shall be the prince’s part to provide the burnt offerings, the grain offerings and the drink offerings, at the feasts, on the new moons and on the sabbaths, at all the appointed feasts of the house of Israel; he shall provide the sin offering, the grain offering, the burnt offering and the peace offerings, to make atonement for the house of Israel.” 18‘Thus says the Lord GOD, “In the first month, on the first of the month, you shall take a young bull without blemish and cleanse the sanctuary. 19“The priest shall take some of the blood from the sin offering and put it on the door posts of the house, on the four corners of the ledge of the altar and on the posts of the gate of the inner court. 20“Thus you shall do on the seventh day of the month for everyone who goes astray or is naive; so you shall make atonement for the house. 21“In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month, you shall have the Passover, a feast of seven days; unleavened bread shall be eaten. 22“On that day the prince shall provide for himself and all the people of the land a bull for a sin offering. 23“During the seven days of the feast he shall provide as a burnt offering to the LORD seven bulls and seven rams without blemish on every day of the seven days, and a male goat daily for a sin offering. 24“He shall provide as a grain offering an ephah with a bull, an ephah with a ram and a hin of oil with an ephah. 25“In the seventh month, on the fifteenth day of the month, at the feast, he shall provide like this, seven days for the sin offering, the burnt offering, the grain offering and the oil.”
MENE = 50 Shekels MENE = 50 Shekels TEKEL = 1 Shekel UPHARSIN = 25 Shekels
126 shekels (total)
126 shekels x 20 gerahs = 2520
2520
- 2520 is the unifying constant that links the creation of God to His influence within creation
- Measurement used for Ark of Covenant based off The Sacred Cubit – 25.20″
- Length of Solomon’s Court = 2520″
- Degrees in 7 (360°) days = 2520°
- Days in 7 prophetic years = 2520
- for more on this see : Jerusalem Temple at the Center of Time
JEREMIAH 32
8 So Hanameel mine uncle’s son came to me in the court of the prison according to the word of the Lord, and said unto me, Buy my field, I pray thee, that is in Anathoth, which is in the country of Benjamin: for the right of inheritance is thine, and the redemption is thine; buy it for thyself. Then I knew that this was the word of the Lord. 9 And I bought the field of Hanameel my uncle’s son, that was in Anathoth, and weighed him the money, even 17 shekels of silver. 10 And I subscribed the evidence, and sealed it, and took witnesses, and weighed him the money in the balances.
13 (rebellion) is the index of 37 (Jupiter) which is the 12th prime number (12 stars above her head)
13 full moons every year (Moon under her feet)