Definition: On 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,
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Esther 1:10. It's a really interesting and dramatic start to the story! Here's a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse sets the stage for a big problem – a royal banquet where a king is enjoying too much wine, leading to a potential crisis. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Esther 1:10” : This refers to a specific event in the Book of Esther. It's a chapter about a Jewish woman named Esther who becomes queen of Persia. “On the seventh day…” : This tells us this is a significant moment – it’s a turning point, like a milestone. “…when the heart of the king was merry with wine…” : This is key! The king was really enjoying himself. He was drinking and celebrating, likely to excess. "Merry with wine" suggests he's in a state of overindulgence. “he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Bigtha, Zethar, and Carcas…” : This is where it gets a little more complex. The king has a team of servants (called “chamberlains”) who are responsible for handling his affairs. These people were all present at this banquet. "Mehuman," "Biztha," etc., are names given to these specific individuals. So, what's the meaning ? The king was so intoxicated with wine that he made a decision: he ordered his servants to bring seven chamberlains (seven people) to be present. These chamberlains were there to oversee the king’s actions and make sure everything was handled correctly. In short, the verse tells us that the king's celebration was causing a problem – he needed someone to watch over him. Why is this important? This verse is a foundational moment in Jewish history. It shows how quickly things can escalate when people become overly intoxicated. It’s a reminder of the importance of moderation and careful oversight, even for those in positions of power. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Connect it to a broader biblical theme (like responsibility or judgment)?