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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Esther 1:2 In those days King Xerxes sat on his royal throne in the citadel of Susa.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/esther/1-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/17_Est_01_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Esther 1:2 - Xerxes' Royal Feast" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="In those days King Xerxes sat on his royal throne in the citadel of Susa." /><script type="application/javascript" 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href="/bsb/esther/1.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/esther/1.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />At that time King Xerxes reigned from his royal throne in the citadel of Susa,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/esther/1.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />At that time Xerxes ruled his empire from his royal throne at the fortress of Susa.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/esther/1.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />in those days when King Ahasuerus sat on his royal throne in Susa, the citadel,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/esther/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />In those days King Xerxes sat on his royal throne in the citadel of Susa.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/esther/1.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br /><i>That</i> in those days, when the king Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which <i>was</i> in Shushan the palace,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/esther/1.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />in those days when King Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which <i>was</i> in Shushan the citadel,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/esther/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />in those days as King Ahasuerus sat on his royal throne which <i>was</i> at the citadel in Susa,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/esther/1.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />in those days as King Ahasuerus sat on his royal throne which was at the citadel in Susa,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/esther/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />in those days as King Ahasuerus sat on his royal throne which <i>was</i> in Susa the capital,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/esther/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />in those days as King Ahasuerus sat on his royal throne which <i>was</i> at the citadel in Susa,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/esther/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />in those days when King Ahasuerus sat on his royal throne which was at the citadel in Susa [the capital of the Persian Empire],<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/esther/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />In those days King Ahasuerus reigned from his royal throne in the fortress at Susa.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/esther/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />In those days King Ahasuerus reigned from his royal throne in the fortress at Susa.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/esther/1.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />that in those days, when the king Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which was in Shushan the palace,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/esther/1.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />that in those days, when the king Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which was in Shushan the palace,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/esther/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />At the time when King Xerxes sat on the royal throne in the fortress of Susa,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/esther/1.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />At that time King Ahasuerus was ruling from Susa the capital.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/esther/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />In those days King Xerxes sat on his royal throne in the citadel of Susa.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/esther/1.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />In those days, as King Ahasuerus sat on his royal throne in Susa the citadel,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/esther/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />that in those days, when the King Achshayarsh sat on the throne of his kingdom, which was in Shushan the palace,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/esther/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />That in those days, when the king Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which was in Shushan the palace,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/esther/1.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />in those days, when the King Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which was in Susa the palace, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/esther/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />in those days, at the sitting of King Ahasuerus on the throne of his kingdom, that [is] in Shushan the palace,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/esther/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> in those days, at the sitting of the king Ahasuerus on the throne of his kingdom, that is in Shushan the palace,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/esther/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />In those days, when king Ahasuerus sat upon the throne of his kingdom, which was in Shushan the fortress,<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/esther/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />When he sat on the throne of his kingdom, the city Susan was the capital of his kingdom. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/esther/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 3:2>when he sat on the throne of his kingdom, the city of Susa was the root of his kingdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/esther/1.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />while he was occupying the royal throne in the royal precinct of Susa,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/esther/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />In those days when King Ahasuerus sat on his royal throne in the citadel of Susa,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/esther/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />In the days when King Akhshirash sat on the throne of his kingdom, which was in Shushan the palace,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/esther/1.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />In those days when King Akhshiresh was sitting on the throne of his kingdom, that was in Shushan the Palace.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/esther/1.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />that in those days, when the king Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which was in Shushan the castle,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/esther/1.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />in those days, when king Artaxerxes was on the throne in the city of Susa,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/esther/1-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TRosJDhNG-8?start=8" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/esther/1.htm">Xerxes' Royal Feast</a></span><br><span class="reftext">1</span>This is what happened in the days of Xerxes, who reigned over 127 provinces from India to Cush. <span class="reftext">2</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1992.htm" title="1992: hā·hêm (Art:: Pro-3mp) -- They. Or hemmah; masculine plural from halak; they.">In those</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: bay·yā·mîm (Prep-b, Art:: N-mp) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">days</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: ham·me·leḵ (Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">King</a> <a href="/hebrew/325.htm" title="325: ’ă·ḥaš·wê·rō·wōš (N-proper-ms) -- King of Persia. Or pachashrosh; of Persian origin; Achashverosh, the title of a Persian king.">Xerxes</a> <a href="/hebrew/3427.htm" title="3427: kə·še·ḇeṯ (Prep-k:: V-Qal-Inf) -- A primitive root; properly, to sit down; by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry.">sat</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">on</a> <a href="/hebrew/4438.htm" title="4438: mal·ḵū·ṯōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Royalty, royal power, reign, kingdom. Or malkuth; or malkuyah; from malak; a rule; concretely, a dominion.">his royal</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3678.htm" title="3678: kis·sê (N-msc) -- Seat of honor, throne. Or kicceh; from kacah; properly, covered, i.e. A throne.">throne</a> <a href="/hebrew/1002.htm" title="1002: hab·bî·rāh (Art:: N-fs) -- A castle, palace. Of foreign origin; a castle or palace.">in the citadel</a> <a href="/hebrew/7800.htm" title="7800: bə·šū·šan (Prep-b:: N-proper-ms) -- Residence of Pers. kings. The same as shuwshan; Shushan, a place in Persia.">of Susa.</a> </span><span class="reftext">3</span>In 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.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/6-1.htm">Daniel 6:1-3</a></span><br />Now 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/4-21.htm">1 Kings 4:21</a></span><br />And 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezra/4-6.htm">Ezra 4:6</a></span><br />At the beginning of the reign of Xerxes, an accusation was lodged against the people of Judah and Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/1-1.htm">Nehemiah 1:1</a></span><br />These 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,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/2-48.htm">Daniel 2:48-49</a></span><br />Then 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/10-23.htm">1 Kings 10:23-24</a></span><br />So 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/9-22.htm">2 Chronicles 9:22-23</a></span><br />So 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/5-29.htm">Daniel 5:29</a></span><br />Then 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/1-46.htm">1 Kings 1:46-48</a></span><br />Moreover, 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.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/36-20.htm">2 Chronicles 36:20</a></span><br />Those 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/2-1.htm">Matthew 2:1-2</a></span><br />After 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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/2-1.htm">Luke 2:1</a></span><br />Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that a census should be taken of the whole empire.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/25-13.htm">Acts 25:13</a></span><br />After several days had passed, King Agrippa and Bernice came down to Caesarea to pay their respects to Festus.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/17-12.htm">Revelation 17:12-13</a></span><br />The 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/27-11.htm">Matthew 27:11</a></span><br />Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, who questioned Him: “Are You the King of the Jews?” “You have said so,” Jesus replied.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">That in those days, when the king Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which was in Shushan the palace,</p><p class="hdg">sat.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/7-1.htm">2 Samuel 7:1</a></b></br> 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;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/1-46.htm">1 Kings 1:46</a></b></br> And also Solomon sitteth on the throne of the kingdom.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/daniel/4-4.htm">Daniel 4:4</a></b></br> I Nebuchadnezzar was at rest in mine house, and flourishing in my palace:</p><p class="hdg">Shushan.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/esther/2-3.htm">Esther 2:3</a></b></br> 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 given <i>them</i>:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/esther/3-15.htm">Esther 3:15</a></b></br> 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.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/esther/4-16.htm">Esther 4:16</a></b></br> 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, which <i>is</i> not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/esther/1-1.htm">Ahasuerus</a> <a href="/esther/1-1.htm">Ahasu-E'rus</a> <a href="/nehemiah/1-1.htm">Capital</a> <a href="/nehemiah/7-2.htm">Castle</a> <a href="/nehemiah/7-2.htm">Citadel</a> <a href="/nehemiah/7-2.htm">Fortress</a> <a href="/esther/1-1.htm">Kingdom</a> <a href="/nehemiah/7-2.htm">Palace</a> <a href="/esther/1-1.htm">Reigned</a> <a href="/ezra/8-36.htm">Royal</a> <a href="/ezra/4-20.htm">Ruling</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-17.htm">Sat</a> <a href="/nehemiah/1-1.htm">Shushan</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-6.htm">Sitting</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-25.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/nehemiah/1-1.htm">Susa</a> <a href="/nehemiah/3-7.htm">Throne</a> <a href="/esther/1-1.htm">Time</a> <a href="/esther/1-1.htm">Xerxes</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/esther/1-9.htm">Ahasuerus</a> <a href="/esther/1-9.htm">Ahasu-E'rus</a> <a href="/esther/2-5.htm">Capital</a> <a href="/esther/2-5.htm">Castle</a> <a href="/esther/1-5.htm">Citadel</a> <a href="/esther/2-5.htm">Fortress</a> <a href="/esther/1-3.htm">Kingdom</a> <a href="/esther/1-5.htm">Palace</a> <a href="/psalms/47-8.htm">Reigned</a> <a href="/esther/1-4.htm">Royal</a> <a href="/job/34-30.htm">Ruling</a> <a href="/esther/1-14.htm">Sat</a> <a href="/esther/1-5.htm">Shushan</a> <a href="/esther/1-14.htm">Sitting</a> <a href="/job/4-3.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/esther/1-5.htm">Susa</a> <a href="/esther/5-1.htm">Throne</a> <a href="/esther/2-19.htm">Time</a> <a href="/esther/1-9.htm">Xerxes</a><div class="vheading2">Esther 1</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/esther/1-1.htm">Xerxes makes royal feasts.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/esther/1-10.htm">Vashti, sent for, refuses to come.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/esther/1-13.htm">Xerxes, by the counsel of Memucan, puts away Vashti, and decrees men's sovereignty.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/esther/1.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/esther/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/esther/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>In those days</b><br>This 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.<p><b>King Xerxes</b><br>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.<p><b>sat on his royal throne</b><br>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.<p><b>in the citadel of Susa</b><br>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.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/k/king_xerxes.htm">King Xerxes (Ahasuerus)</a></b><br>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.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/r/royal_throne.htm">Royal Throne</a></b><br>Symbolizes authority, power, and governance. The throne is a physical representation of Xerxes' rule over the Persian Empire.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/c/citadel_of_susa.htm">Citadel of Susa</a></b><br>A 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.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_over_earthly_kingdoms.htm">God's Sovereignty Over Earthly Kingdoms</a></b><br>Despite the grandeur and power of earthly rulers, God remains sovereign. Xerxes' reign is a reminder that all authority is ultimately under God's control.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_place_in_god's_plan.htm">The Importance of Place in God's Plan</a></b><br>The 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.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_authority_in_god's_design.htm">The Role of Authority in God's Design</a></b><br>Authority, 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.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/historical_context_enhances_understanding.htm">Historical Context Enhances Understanding</a></b><br>Understanding the historical and cultural context of the Persian Empire enriches our comprehension of the events in Esther and God's work through history.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_esther_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Esther 1</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_challenges_did_esther_face.htm">What challenges did Esther face in her life?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_no_persian_rulers_in_esther.htm">Why does the Book of Esther lack references to known historical Persian rulers?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_queen_vashti_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Queen Vashti in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_reconcile_esther_4_14_with_no_god.htm">How do we reconcile Esther 4:14’s mention of deliverance with the absence of God’s name throughout the book? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/esther/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(2) <span class= "bld">Shushan.</span>--Susa. Mentioned also in <a href="/nehemiah/1-1.htm" title="The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah. And it came to pass in the month Chisleu, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the palace,">Nehemiah 1:1</a>. It was the general abode of the Persian kings. (See Herod. vii. 6.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/esther/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 2.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The throne of his kingdom, which was in Shushan</span>. 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.,' <span class="accented">pessim</span>, etc.). "Shushan <span class="cmt_word">the palace"</span> is distinguished from Shushan the city (<a href="/esther/9-12.htm">Esther 9:12-15</a>), 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. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/esther/1-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">In those</span><br /><span class="heb">הָהֵ֑ם</span> <span class="translit">(hā·hêm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Pronoun - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1992.htm">Strong's 1992: </a> </span><span class="str2">They</span><br /><br /><span class="word">days</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּיָּמִ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(bay·yā·mîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> </span><span class="str2">A day</span><br /><br /><span class="word">King</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(ham·me·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Xerxes</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲחַשְׁוֵר֗וֹשׁ</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·ḥaš·wê·rō·wōš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_325.htm">Strong's 325: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ahasuerus -- king of Persia</span><br /><br /><span class="word">sat</span><br /><span class="heb">כְּשֶׁ֣בֶת ׀</span> <span class="translit">(kə·še·ḇeṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7675.htm">Strong's 7675: </a> </span><span class="str2">Session, an abode, locality</span><br /><br /><span class="word">on</span><br /><span class="heb">עַ֚ל</span> <span class="translit">(‘al)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his royal</span><br /><span class="heb">מַלְכוּת֔וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(mal·ḵū·ṯōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4438.htm">Strong's 4438: </a> </span><span class="str2">Royalty, royal power, reign, kingdom</span><br /><br /><span class="word">throne</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּסֵּ֣א</span> <span class="translit">(kis·sê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3678.htm">Strong's 3678: </a> </span><span class="str2">Seat of honor, throne</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in the citadel</span><br /><span class="heb">הַבִּירָֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(hab·bî·rāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1002.htm">Strong's 1002: </a> </span><span class="str2">A castle, palace</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Susa.</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּשׁוּשַׁ֥ן</span> <span class="translit">(bə·šū·šan)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7800.htm">Strong's 7800: </a> </span><span class="str2">Susa -- residence of person kings</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/esther/1-2.htm">Esther 1:2 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/esther/1-2.htm">Esther 1:2 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/esther/1-2.htm">Esther 1:2 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/esther/1-2.htm">Esther 1:2 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/esther/1-2.htm">Esther 1:2 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/esther/1-2.htm">Esther 1:2 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/esther/1-2.htm">Esther 1:2 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/esther/1-2.htm">Esther 1:2 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/esther/1-2.htm">Esther 1:2 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/esther/1-2.htm">Esther 1:2 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/esther/1-2.htm">OT History: Esther 1:2 That in those days when the King (Est Esth. Es) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/esther/1-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Esther 1:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Esther 1:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/esther/1-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Esther 1:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Esther 1:3" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>