Esther 1:13

13 Since it was customary for the king to consult experts in matters of law and justice, he spoke with the wise men who understood the times

Esther 1:13 in Other Translations

13 Then 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:

13 Then the king said to the wise men who knew the times (for this was the king's procedure toward all who were versed in law and judgment,

13 He immediately consulted with his wise advisers, who knew all the Persian laws and customs, for he always asked their advice.

13 the king called in his counselors, all experts in legal matters. It was the king's practice to consult his expert advisors.

13 Then the king said to the wise men, who knew the times, (for so was the king's manner toward all that knew law and judgment;

13 Now, the king usually asked for advice from all the experts in royal decrees and decisions,

13 The king consulted the wise men who understood the times,for it was his normal procedure to confer with experts in law and justice.

13 It was the king's practice to ask advice from those who knew a lot about matters of law and fairness. So he spoke with the wise men who were supposed to understand what was going on at that time.

Esther 1:13 Meaning and Commentary

Esther 1:13

Then the king said to the wise men that knew the times
Astrologers, as Aben Ezra, that knew the fit time for doing anything; or that had knowledge of ancient times, historians, well read in history, and knew things that had happened similar to this:

for so was the king's manner towards all that knew law and judgment;
it was customary with him in any case of difficulty to have the opinion and advice of those that were expert in the law, and well understood right and wrong. These are called by Herodotus ^F20 the king's judges.

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FOOTNOTES:

F20 Thalia, sive, l. 3. c. 14, 31. so in Aelian. Var. Hist. l. 1. c. 34.

Esther 1:13 In-Context

11 to bring before him Queen Vashti, wearing her royal crown, in order to display her beauty to the people and nobles, for she was lovely to look at.

12 But when the attendants delivered the king’s command, Queen Vashti refused to come. Then the king became furious and burned with anger.

13 Since it was customary for the king to consult experts in matters of law and justice, he spoke with the wise men who understood the times

14 and were closest to the king—Karshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena and Memukan, the seven nobles of Persia and Media who had special access to the king and were highest in the kingdom.

15 “According to law, what must be done to Queen Vashti?” he asked. “She has not obeyed the command of King Xerxes that the eunuchs have taken to her.”

Cross References

• 1. 1 Chronicles 12:32; Jeremiah 10:7; Daniel 2:12