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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a 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 />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<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/esther/1.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />He immediately consulted with his wise advisers, who knew all the Persian laws and customs, for he always asked their advice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/esther/1.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />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,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/esther/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the king consulted the wise men who knew the times, for it was customary for him to confer with the experts in law and justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/esther/1.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Then the king said to the wise men, which knew the times, (for so <i>was</i> the king's manner toward all that knew law and judgment:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/esther/1.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then the king said to the wise men who understood the times (for this <i>was</i> the king’s manner toward all who knew law and justice,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/esther/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the king said to the wise men who understood the times—for it was the custom of the king <i>to speak</i> this way before all who knew <i>Persian</i> law and justice<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/esther/1.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then the king said to the wise men who understood the times— for it was the custom of the king so to speak before all who knew law and justice<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/esther/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then the king said to the wise men who understood the times—for it was the custom of the king so <i>to speak</i> before all who knew law and justice,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/esther/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then the king said to the wise men who knew the times—for it was the custom of the king thus <i>to speak</i> before all who knew law and justice<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/esther/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then the king spoke to the wise men who understood the times [asking for their advice]—for it was the custom of the king <i>to speak</i> before all those who were familiar with law and legal matters—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/esther/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The king consulted the wise men who understood the times, for it was his normal procedure to confer with experts in law and justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/esther/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The king consulted the wise men who understood the times, for it was his normal procedure to confer with experts in law and justice. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/esther/1.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />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;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/esther/1.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />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;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/esther/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Now, the king usually asked for advice from all the experts in royal decrees and decisions,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/esther/1.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Now it was the king's custom to ask for expert opinion on questions of law and order, so he called for his advisers, who would know what should be done. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/esther/1.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The king spoke to the wise men who understood the times, for it was the king's custom to consult all those who understood law and justice. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/esther/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the king consulted the wise men who knew the times, for it was customary for him to confer with the experts in law and justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/esther/1.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The king then inquired of the wise men who were discerners of the times--for it was the royal custom to confer with all those who were proficient in laws and legalities.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/esther/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Then the king said to the wise men, who knew the times, (for it was the king's custom to consult those who knew law and judgment;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/esther/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Then the king said to the wise men, who knew the times, (for so was the king's manner towards all that knew law and judgment:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/esther/1.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Then the king said to the wise men, who knew the times (for it was the king’s custom to consult those who knew law and judgment; <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/esther/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And the king says to wise men, knowing the times—for so [is] the word of the king before all knowing law and judgment,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/esther/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And the king saith to wise men, knowing the times -- for so is the word of the king before all knowing law and judgment,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/esther/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the king will say to the wise knowing the times, (for thus spake the king before all knowing the edict and judgment:<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/esther/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Baked the wise men, who according to the custom of the kings, were always near his person, and all he did was by their counsel, who knew the laws, and judgments of their forefathers: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/esther/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 3:13>questioned the wise men, who, according to royal custom were always near him and all he did was by their counsel, who knew the laws as well as the judgments of their ancestors,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/esther/1.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />He conferred with the sages who understood the times, because the king’s business was conducted in general consultation with lawyers and jurists.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/esther/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Then the king consulted the sages who knew the laws (for this was the king’s procedure toward all who were versed in law and custom,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/esther/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Then the king spoke to the wise men who knew the times (for this was the king's custom, he discussed matters in the presence of all who knew law and judgment).<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/esther/1.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And the King said to the Wisemen, men who knew the times, because thus was the custom of the King; he would speak before all who knew law and judgment<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/esther/1.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />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;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/esther/1.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And he said to his friends, Thus hast Astin spoken: pronounce therefore upon this <i>case</i> law and judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/esther/1-13.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=136" 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">Queen Vashti Deposed</a></span><br> <span class="reftext">13</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: ham·me·leḵ (Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">Then the king</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">consulted</a> <a href="/hebrew/2450.htm" title="2450: la·ḥă·ḵā·mîm (Prep-l, Art:: Adj-mp) -- Wise. From chakam; wise.">the wise men</a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: yō·ḏə·‘ê (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mpc) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">who knew</a> <a href="/hebrew/6256.htm" title="6256: hā·‘it·tîm (Art:: N-cp) -- Time. From ad; time, especially now, when, etc.">the times,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">for it was</a> <a href="/hebrew/3651.htm" title="3651: ḵên (Adv) -- So, thus. From kuwn; properly, set upright; hence just; but usually rightly or so.">customary</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: ham·me·leḵ (Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">for him</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: də·ḇar (N-msc) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">to confer</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: lip̄·nê (Prep-l:: N-cpc) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">with</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: yō·ḏə·‘ê (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mpc) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">the experts</a> <a href="/hebrew/1881.htm" title="1881: dāṯ (N-fs) -- Decree, law. Of uncertain derivation: a royal edict or statute.">in law</a> <a href="/hebrew/1779.htm" title="1779: wā·ḏîn (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- Judgment. From diyn; judgement; by impl. Also strife.">and justice.</a> </span><span class="reftext">14</span>His closest advisors were Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media who had personal access to the king and ranked highest in the kingdom.…<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/2-12.htm">Daniel 2:12-13</a></span><br />This response made the king so angry and furious that he gave orders to destroy all the wise men of Babylon. / So the decree went out that the wise men were to be executed, and men went to look for Daniel and his friends to execute them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/4-30.htm">1 Kings 4:30-31</a></span><br />Solomon’s wisdom was greater than that of all the men of the East, greater than all the wisdom of Egypt. / He was wiser than all men—wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, and wiser than Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol. And his fame spread throughout the surrounding nations.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/11-14.htm">Proverbs 11:14</a></span><br />For lack of guidance, a nation falls, but with many counselors comes deliverance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-22.htm">Proverbs 15:22</a></span><br />Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/24-6.htm">Proverbs 24:6</a></span><br />Only with sound guidance should you wage war, and victory lies in a multitude of counselors.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/12-32.htm">1 Chronicles 12:32</a></span><br />From Issachar, men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do: 200 chiefs with all their kinsmen at their command.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/10-7.htm">Jeremiah 10:7</a></span><br />Who would not fear You, O King of nations? This is Your due. For among all the wise men of the nations, and in all their kingdoms, there is none like You.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/19-11.htm">Isaiah 19:11-12</a></span><br />The princes of Zoan are mere fools; Pharaoh’s wise counselors give senseless advice. How can you say to Pharaoh, “I am one of the wise, a son of eastern kings”? / Where are your wise men now? Let them tell you and reveal what the LORD of Hosts has planned against Egypt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/12-12.htm">Job 12:12-13</a></span><br />Wisdom is found with the elderly, and understanding comes with long life. / Wisdom and strength belong to God; counsel and understanding are His.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/8-1.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:1</a></span><br />Who is like the wise man? Who knows the interpretation of a matter? A man’s wisdom brightens his face, and the sternness of his face is changed.<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="/acts/6-3.htm">Acts 6:3</a></span><br />Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will assign this responsibility to them<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/15-2.htm">Acts 15:2</a></span><br />And after engaging these men in sharp debate, Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/15-6.htm">Acts 15:6</a></span><br />So the apostles and elders met to look into this matter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/6-5.htm">1 Corinthians 6:5</a></span><br />I say this to your shame. Is there really no one among you wise enough to arbitrate between his brothers?</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">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:</p><p class="hdg">the wise.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/10-7.htm">Jeremiah 10:7</a></b></br> Who would not fear thee, O King of nations? for to thee doth it appertain: forasmuch as among all the wise <i>men</i> of the nations, and in all their kingdoms, <i>there is</i> none like unto thee.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/daniel/2-2.htm">Daniel 2:2,12,27</a></b></br> Then the king commanded to call the magicians, and the astrologers, and the sorcerers, and the Chaldeans, for to shew the king his dreams. So they came and stood before the king… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/daniel/4-6.htm">Daniel 4:6,7</a></b></br> Therefore made I a decree to bring in all the wise <i>men</i> of Babylon before me, that they might make known unto me the interpretation of the dream… </p><p class="hdg">knew.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_chronicles/12-32.htm">1 Chronicles 12:32</a></b></br> And of the children of Issachar, <i>which were men</i> that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them <i>were</i> two hundred; and all their brethren <i>were</i> at their commandment.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/16-3.htm">Matthew 16:3</a></b></br> And in the morning, <i>It will be</i> foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O <i>ye</i> hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not <i>discern</i> the signs of the times?</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/nehemiah/13-30.htm">Business</a> <a href="/ezra/5-17.htm">Conducted</a> <a href="/ezra/2-63.htm">Consult</a> <a href="/ezra/7-24.htm">Custom</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-25.htm">Customary</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-13.htm">Decisions</a> <a href="/nehemiah/11-35.htm">Expert</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/22-15.htm">Experts</a> <a href="/ezra/7-26.htm">Judgment</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/19-7.htm">Justice</a> <a href="/esther/1-12.htm">King's</a> <a href="/esther/1-8.htm">Law</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-16.htm">Manner</a> <a href="/nehemiah/11-24.htm">Matters</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/24-19.htm">Procedure</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-24.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-31.htm">Times</a> <a href="/nehemiah/12-31.htm">Towards</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-7.htm">Understood</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/13-2.htm">Versed</a> <a href="/esther/1-8.htm">Way</a> <a href="/ezra/8-25.htm">Wise</a> <a href="/esther/1-12.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/esther/3-9.htm">Business</a> <a href="/obadiah/1-7.htm">Conducted</a> <a href="/psalms/62-4.htm">Consult</a> <a href="/esther/9-23.htm">Custom</a> <a href="/psalms/119-132.htm">Customary</a> <a href="/job/8-3.htm">Decisions</a> <a href="/psalms/18-34.htm">Expert</a> <a href="/mark/7-9.htm">Experts</a> <a href="/job/8-3.htm">Judgment</a> <a href="/job/8-3.htm">Justice</a> <a href="/esther/1-14.htm">King's</a> <a href="/esther/1-15.htm">Law</a> <a href="/esther/2-12.htm">Manner</a> <a href="/esther/3-4.htm">Matters</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-5.htm">Procedure</a> <a href="/esther/1-18.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/esther/9-31.htm">Times</a> <a href="/esther/8-4.htm">Towards</a> <a href="/job/13-1.htm">Understood</a> <a href="/isaiah/3-3.htm">Versed</a> <a href="/esther/1-18.htm">Way</a> <a href="/esther/2-13.htm">Wise</a> <a href="/esther/1-21.htm">Word</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>Then the king consulted the wise men</b><br>In the Persian Empire, it was common for kings to seek counsel from advisors or wise men. These individuals were often well-versed in various fields, including governance, astrology, and history. This practice is seen throughout the Bible, such as in the story of Pharaoh consulting his magicians and wise men in <a href="/genesis/41-8.htm">Genesis 41:8</a>. The reliance on advisors highlights the importance of wisdom and counsel in leadership, a theme echoed in <a href="/proverbs/11-14.htm">Proverbs 11:14</a>, which states, "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety."<p><b>who knew the times</b><br>The phrase "who knew the times" suggests that these wise men had an understanding of the cultural, political, and possibly astrological contexts of the era. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, knowledge of the times often included an understanding of celestial events, which were believed to influence earthly affairs. This is similar to the magi in <a href="/matthew/2.htm">Matthew 2:1-2</a>, who followed the star to find Jesus, indicating their knowledge of the times through astrology.<p><b>for it was customary for him to confer with the experts in law and justice</b><br>The Persian Empire was known for its complex legal system, and it was customary for the king to consult with legal experts to ensure that his decisions were just and in accordance with the law. This reflects the structured governance of the empire, as seen in the Book of Daniel, where laws of the Medes and Persians are described as unchangeable (<a href="/daniel/6-8.htm">Daniel 6:8</a>). The emphasis on law and justice can also be seen as a foreshadowing of the ultimate justice brought by Jesus Christ, who fulfills the law (<a href="/matthew/5-17.htm">Matthew 5:17</a>) and embodies divine justice and mercy.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/k/king_ahasuerus.htm">King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I)</a></b><br>The Persian king who ruled over a vast empire. Known for his opulence and the grand feast he held, which sets the stage for the events in the Book of Esther.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/w/wise_men.htm">Wise Men</a></b><br>Advisors to King Ahasuerus, described as those who "knew the times." They were experts in law and justice, providing counsel to the king on important matters.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/p/persian_empire.htm">Persian Empire</a></b><br>The setting of the Book of Esther, a vast and powerful empire that stretched from India to Ethiopia, encompassing many peoples and cultures.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/l/law_and_justice.htm">Law and Justice</a></b><br>The legal and judicial system of the Persian Empire, which the wise men were experts in. This system played a crucial role in the decisions made by the king.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_feast.htm">The Feast</a></b><br>A grand banquet held by King Ahasuerus, which lasted for 180 days, followed by a seven-day feast. It was during this event that Queen Vashti refused the king's command, leading to the consultation with the wise men.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_wise_counsel.htm">The Importance of Wise Counsel</a></b><br>Seeking advice from those knowledgeable in God's Word and life experiences is crucial for making sound decisions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_the_times.htm">Understanding the Times</a></b><br>Like the wise men who "knew the times," Christians are called to discern the times and act wisely, aligning their actions with God's will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_law_and_justice.htm">The Role of Law and Justice</a></b><br>The emphasis on law and justice in the Persian Empire reminds us of the importance of upholding God's standards of righteousness and justice in our lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_human_affairs.htm">God's Sovereignty in Human Affairs</a></b><br>Even in a pagan empire, God orchestrates events to fulfill His purposes, as seen in the unfolding account of Esther.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_decisions.htm">The Consequences of Decisions</a></b><br>The consultation with the wise men led to significant decisions affecting the kingdom, illustrating the far-reaching impact of our choices.<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_does_the_bible_say_on_christians_in_govt.htm">What does the Bible say about Christians in government?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_no_persian_record_of_mordecai's_act.htm">Esther 6:2—Why is there no extra-biblical record of Mordecai’s act to foil an assassination plot, if such an event would likely have been recorded by Persian scribes? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_1_kings_13_align_with_protected_prophets.htm">How does 1 Kings 13 align with other biblical passages where faithful prophets are protected rather than misled or punished?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_isn't_esther's_decree_in_persian_records.htm">Esther 3:10–15 – Why is there no mention in Persian archives or other sources of this monumental royal decree to annihilate an entire ethnic group?</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>(13) <span class= "bld">Which knew the times.</span>--That is, who were skilled in precedents, and could advise accordingly.<p><span class= "bld">For so. . . .</span>--Translate, <span class= "ital">for so was the king's business laid, before . . .</span><p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/esther/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 13.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Then the king said to the wise men</span>. Angry as he was, Ahasuerus had still some power of self-restraint. He was in the presence of his whole court, and of a great assembly of the people. It would not be seemly that he should vent his passion in violent words, imprecations, or threats. His dignity required that he should at any rate seem calm, and, instead of issuing any hasty order, should proceed deliberately to consider what were the next steps to be taken. Xerxes appears to have been rather fond of asking advice (Herod., 7:8, 48, 234; 8:101); and he now, in a sufficiently dignified way, required the opinion of his "wise men" on the practical question, What was to be done to Vashti? (see ver. 15<span class="cmt_word">). Which knew the times</span>. <span class="accented">i.e.</span> persons who were well acquainted with past times, and knew what it was customary to do on each occasion<span class="cmt_word">. For so was the king's manner toward all that ]mew law and judgment</span>. Rather, "For so was the business of the king brought before such as knew law and judgment." Each matter which concerned the king was submitted to learned persons for their opinion before any actual step was taken (compare Herod., 3:31, where Cambyses asks the opinion of the royal judges with respect to his proposed marriage with his sister). It is not a special practice of Ahasuerus, but a general usage of the Persian monarchy, which m noticed. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/esther/1-13.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">Then the king</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ</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">consulted</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֣אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the wise men</span><br /><span class="heb">לַחֲכָמִ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(la·ḥă·ḵā·mîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l, Article | Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2450.htm">Strong's 2450: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wise</span><br /><br /><span class="word">who knew</span><br /><span class="heb">יֹדְעֵ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(yō·ḏə·‘ê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> </span><span class="str2">To know</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the times,</span><br /><span class="heb">הָֽעִתִּ֑ים</span> <span class="translit">(hā·‘it·tîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6256.htm">Strong's 6256: </a> </span><span class="str2">Time, now, when</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for it was</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּי־</span> <span class="translit">(kî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">customary</span><br /><span class="heb">כֵן֙</span> <span class="translit">(ḵên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3651.htm">Strong's 3651: </a> </span><span class="str2">So -- thus</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for him</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ</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">to confer</span><br /><span class="heb">דְּבַ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(də·ḇar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> </span><span class="str2">A word, a matter, thing, a cause</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with</span><br /><span class="heb">לִפְנֵ֕י</span> <span class="translit">(lip̄·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> </span><span class="str2">The face</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the experts</span><br /><span class="heb">יֹדְעֵ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(yō·ḏə·‘ê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> </span><span class="str2">To know</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in law</span><br /><span class="heb">דָּ֥ת</span> <span class="translit">(dāṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1881.htm">Strong's 1881: </a> </span><span class="str2">A royal edict, statute</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and justice.</span><br /><span class="heb">וָדִֽין׃</span> <span class="translit">(wā·ḏîn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1779.htm">Strong's 1779: </a> </span><span class="str2">Judgement, strife</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/esther/1-13.htm">Esther 1:13 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/esther/1-13.htm">Esther 1:13 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/esther/1-13.htm">Esther 1:13 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/esther/1-13.htm">Esther 1:13 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/esther/1-13.htm">Esther 1:13 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/esther/1-13.htm">Esther 1:13 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/esther/1-13.htm">Esther 1:13 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/esther/1-13.htm">Esther 1:13 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/esther/1-13.htm">Esther 1:13 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/esther/1-13.htm">Esther 1:13 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/esther/1-13.htm">OT History: Esther 1:13 Then the king said to the wise (Est Esth. Es) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/esther/1-12.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Esther 1:12"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Esther 1:12" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/esther/1-14.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Esther 1:14"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Esther 1:14" /></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>