New International VersionAt that time King Xerxes reigned from his royal throne in the citadel of Susa,
New Living TranslationAt that time Xerxes ruled his empire from his royal throne at the fortress of Susa.
English Standard Versionin those days when King Ahasuerus sat on his royal throne in Susa, the citadel,
Berean Standard BibleIn those days King Xerxes sat on his royal throne in the citadel of Susa.
King James BibleThat in those days, when the king Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which was in Shushan the palace,
New King James Versionin those days when King Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which was in Shushan the citadel,
New American Standard Biblein those days as King Ahasuerus sat on his royal throne which was at the citadel in Susa,
NASB 1995in those days as King Ahasuerus sat on his royal throne which was at the citadel in Susa,
NASB 1977in those days as King Ahasuerus sat on his royal throne which was in Susa the capital,
Legacy Standard Biblein those days as King Ahasuerus sat on his royal throne which was at the citadel in Susa,
Amplified Biblein those days when King Ahasuerus sat on his royal throne which was at the citadel in Susa [the capital of the Persian Empire],
Christian Standard BibleIn those days King Ahasuerus reigned from his royal throne in the fortress at Susa.
Holman Christian Standard BibleIn those days King Ahasuerus reigned from his royal throne in the fortress at Susa.
American Standard Versionthat in those days, when the king Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which was in Shushan the palace,
English Revised Versionthat in those days, when the king Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which was in Shushan the palace,
GOD'S WORD® TranslationAt the time when King Xerxes sat on the royal throne in the fortress of Susa,
International Standard VersionAt that time King Ahasuerus was ruling from Susa the capital.
NET BibleIn those days, as King Ahasuerus sat on his royal throne in Susa the citadel,
New Heart English Biblethat in those days, when the King Achshayarsh sat on the throne of his kingdom, which was in Shushan the palace,
Webster's Bible TranslationThat in those days, when the king Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which was in Shushan the palace, Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleIn those days King Xerxes sat on his royal throne in the citadel of Susa.
World English Biblein those days, when the King Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which was in Susa the palace, Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionin those days, at the sitting of King Ahasuerus on the throne of his kingdom, that [is] in Shushan the palace,
Young's Literal Translation in those days, at the sitting of the king Ahasuerus on the throne of his kingdom, that is in Shushan the palace,
Smith's Literal TranslationIn those days, when king Ahasuerus sat upon the throne of his kingdom, which was in Shushan the fortress, Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleWhen he sat on the throne of his kingdom, the city Susan was the capital of his kingdom.
Catholic Public Domain Versionwhen he sat on the throne of his kingdom, the city of Susa was the root of his kingdom.
New American Bible while he was occupying the royal throne in the royal precinct of Susa,
New Revised Standard Version In those days when King Ahasuerus sat on his royal throne in the citadel of Susa,Translations from Aramaic Lamsa Bible In the days when King Akhshirash sat on the throne of his kingdom, which was in Shushan the palace,
Peshitta Holy Bible Translated In those days when King Akhshiresh was sitting on the throne of his kingdom, that was in Shushan the Palace.OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917 that in those days, when the king Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which was in Shushan the castle,
Brenton Septuagint Translation in those days, when king Artaxerxes was on the throne in the city of Susa,
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Xerxes' Royal Feast1This is what happened in the days of Xerxes, who reigned over 127 provinces from India to Cush. 2In thosedaysKingXerxessatonhis royalthronein the citadelof Susa.3In the third year of his reign, Xerxes held a feast for all his officials and servants. The military leaders of Persia and Media were there, along with the nobles and princes of the provinces.…
Cross References Daniel 6:1-3Now it pleased Darius to appoint 120 satraps to rule throughout the kingdom, / and over them three administrators, including Daniel, to whom these satraps were accountable so that the king would not suffer loss. / Soon, by his extraordinary spirit, Daniel distinguished himself among the administrators and satraps. So the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.
1 Kings 4:21And Solomon reigned over all the kingdoms from the Euphrates to the land of the Philistines, as far as the border of Egypt. These kingdoms offered tribute and served Solomon all the days of his life.
Ezra 4:6At the beginning of the reign of Xerxes, an accusation was lodged against the people of Judah and Jerusalem.
Nehemiah 1:1These are the words of Nehemiah son of Hacaliah: In the month of Chislev, in the twentieth year, while I was in the citadel of Susa,
Daniel 2:48-49Then the king promoted Daniel and gave him many generous gifts. He made him ruler over the entire province of Babylon and chief administrator over all the wise men of Babylon. / And at Daniel’s request, the king appointed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to manage the province of Babylon, while Daniel remained in the king’s court.
1 Kings 10:23-24So King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom. / The whole world sought an audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom that God had put in his heart.
2 Chronicles 9:22-23So King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom. / All the kings of the earth sought an audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom that God had put in his heart.
Daniel 5:29Then Belshazzar gave the command, and they clothed Daniel in purple, placed a gold chain around his neck, and proclaimed him the third highest ruler in the kingdom.
1 Kings 1:46-48Moreover, Solomon has taken his seat on the royal throne. / The king’s servants have also gone to congratulate our lord King David, saying, ‘May your God make the name of Solomon more famous than your own name, and may He make his throne greater than your throne.’ And the king has bowed in worship on his bed, / saying, ‘Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel! Today He has provided one to sit on my throne, and my eyes have seen it.’”
2 Chronicles 36:20Those who escaped the sword were carried by Nebuchadnezzar into exile in Babylon, and they became servants to him and his sons until the kingdom of Persia came to power.
Matthew 2:1-2After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, / asking, “Where is the One who has been born King of the Jews? We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.”
Luke 2:1Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that a census should be taken of the whole empire.
Acts 25:13After several days had passed, King Agrippa and Bernice came down to Caesarea to pay their respects to Festus.
Revelation 17:12-13The ten horns you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but will receive one hour of authority as kings along with the beast. / These kings have one purpose: to yield their power and authority to the beast.
Matthew 27:11Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, who questioned Him: “Are You the King of the Jews?” “You have said so,” Jesus replied.
Treasury of Scripture That in those days, when the king Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which was in Shushan the palace, sat. 2 Samuel 7:1 And it came to pass, when the king sat in his house, and the LORD had given him rest round about from all his enemies; 1 Kings 1:46 And also Solomon sitteth on the throne of the kingdom. Daniel 4:4 I Nebuchadnezzar was at rest in mine house, and flourishing in my palace: Shushan. Esther 2:3 And let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the fair young virgins unto Shushan the palace, to the house of the women, unto the custody of Hege the king's chamberlain, keeper of the women; and let their things for purification be giventhem: Esther 3:15 The 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. Esther 4:16 Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye 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 unto the king, whichis not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish. Jump to Previous AhasuerusAhasu-E'rusCapitalCastleCitadelFortressKingdomPalaceReignedRoyalRulingSatShushanSittingStrongSusaThroneTimeXerxesJump to Next AhasuerusAhasu-E'rusCapitalCastleCitadelFortressKingdomPalaceReignedRoyalRulingSatShushanSittingStrongSusaThroneTimeXerxesEsther 1 1.Xerxes makes royal feasts.10.Vashti, sent for, refuses to come.13.Xerxes, by the counsel of Memucan, puts away Vashti, and decrees men's sovereignty.In those daysThis phrase sets the historical context for the events of the Book of Esther. The narrative takes place during the reign of King Xerxes, also known as Ahasuerus, who ruled the Persian Empire from 486 to 465 BC. This period is significant in Jewish history as it occurs after the Babylonian exile, during the time when many Jews were living in the Persian Empire. King Xerxes Xerxes I was a prominent Persian king known for his vast empire and military campaigns, including the famous battles against Greece. His reign is well-documented in historical records, providing a backdrop for the events in Esther. Xerxes' character and decisions play a crucial role in the unfolding of the story, highlighting themes of power, providence, and divine intervention. sat on his royal throne The imagery of a king sitting on his throne symbolizes authority, governance, and the exercise of power. In the context of Esther, it underscores Xerxes' control over the vast Persian Empire. This setting also foreshadows the dramatic events that will unfold, where the king's decisions will have significant implications for the Jewish people. in the citadel of Susa Susa, also known as Shushan, was one of the major capitals of the Persian Empire. Archaeological excavations have revealed the grandeur of the city, including the royal palace where much of the story of Esther takes place. Susa's significance is further highlighted in other biblical texts, such as Nehemiah and Daniel, indicating its importance as a center of political and cultural activity. The citadel, or fortified palace, serves as the backdrop for the narrative, emphasizing the themes of protection and divine orchestration in the lives of God's people. Persons / Places / Events 1. King Xerxes (Ahasuerus)The Persian king who reigned over a vast empire. Known for his wealth and power, he plays a central role in the Book of Esther. 2. Royal ThroneSymbolizes authority, power, and governance. The throne is a physical representation of Xerxes' rule over the Persian Empire. 3. Citadel of SusaA fortified palace complex in the city of Susa, one of the capitals of the Persian Empire. It serves as the setting for much of the Book of Esther. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty Over Earthly KingdomsDespite the grandeur and power of earthly rulers, God remains sovereign. Xerxes' reign is a reminder that all authority is ultimately under God's control. The Importance of Place in God's PlanThe citadel of Susa is not just a backdrop but a significant location where God's providential plan unfolds. God uses specific places to accomplish His purposes. The Role of Authority in God's DesignAuthority, as represented by the royal throne, is part of God's design for order and governance. Believers are called to respect and pray for those in authority. Historical Context Enhances UnderstandingUnderstanding the historical and cultural context of the Persian Empire enriches our comprehension of the events in Esther and God's work through history. Lists and Questions Top 10 Lessons from Esther 1
What challenges did Esther face in her life?
Why does the Book of Esther lack references to known historical Persian rulers?
Who was Queen Vashti in the Bible?
How do we reconcile Esther 4:14’s mention of deliverance with the absence of God’s name throughout the book?(2) Shushan.--Susa. Mentioned also in Nehemiah 1:1. It was the general abode of the Persian kings. (See Herod. vii. 6.) Verse 2. - The throne of his kingdom, which was in Shushan. Though the Persian court resided a part of the year at Ecbatana, and occasionally visited Persepolis and Babylon (Xen., 'Cyrop.,' 8:6, § 2; 'Anab.,' 3:5, § 15), yet Susa was decidedly the ordinary seat of government, and ranked as the capital of the empire (see Herod., 3:49; AEschyl., 'Pers.,' 11. 122, 123; Ctes., 'Exe. Pers.,' pessim, etc.). "Shushan the palace" is distinguished from Shushan the city ( Esther 9:12-15), the one occupying a lofty but artificial eminence towards the west, while the other lay at the base of this mound, stretching out a considerable distance towards the east.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew In thoseהָהֵ֑ם(hā·hêm)Article | Pronoun - third person masculine plural Strong's 1992:Theydaysבַּיָּמִ֖ים(bay·yā·mîm)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 3117:A dayKingהַמֶּ֣לֶךְ(ham·me·leḵ)Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428:A kingXerxesאֲחַשְׁוֵר֗וֹשׁ(’ă·ḥaš·wê·rō·wōš)Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 325:Ahasuerus -- king of Persiasatכְּשֶׁ֣בֶת ׀(kə·še·ḇeṯ)Preposition-k | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 7675:Session, an abode, localityonעַ֚ל(‘al)Preposition Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againsthis royalמַלְכוּת֔וֹ(mal·ḵū·ṯōw)Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 4438:Royalty, royal power, reign, kingdomthroneכִּסֵּ֣א(kis·sê)Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3678:Seat of honor, thronein the citadelהַבִּירָֽה׃(hab·bî·rāh)Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 1002:A castle, palaceof Susa.בְּשׁוּשַׁ֥ן(bə·šū·šan)Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 7800:Susa -- residence of person kings
Links Esther 1:2 NIVEsther 1:2 NLTEsther 1:2 ESVEsther 1:2 NASBEsther 1:2 KJV
Esther 1:2 BibleApps.comEsther 1:2 Biblia ParalelaEsther 1:2 Chinese BibleEsther 1:2 French BibleEsther 1:2 Catholic Bible
OT History: Esther 1:2 That in those days when the King (Est Esth. Es) |