Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version 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 New Living Translation He immediately consulted with his wise advisers, who knew all the Persian laws and customs, for he always asked their advice. English Standard Version 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, Berean Standard Bible 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. King James Bible 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: New King James Version Then the king said to the wise men who understood the times (for this was the king’s manner toward all who knew law and justice, New American Standard Bible Then the king said to the wise men who understood the times—for it was the custom of the king to speak this way before all who knew Persian law and justice NASB 1995 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 NASB 1977 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, Legacy Standard Bible Then the king said to the wise men who knew the times—for it was the custom of the king thus to speak before all who knew law and justice Amplified Bible Then the king spoke to the wise men who understood the times [asking for their advice]—for it was the custom of the king to speak before all those who were familiar with law and legal matters— Christian Standard Bible The king consulted the wise men who understood the times, for it was his normal procedure to confer with experts in law and justice. Holman Christian Standard Bible The king consulted the wise men who understood the times, for it was his normal procedure to confer with experts in law and justice. American Standard Version 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; English Revised Version 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; GOD'S WORD® Translation Now, the king usually asked for advice from all the experts in royal decrees and decisions, Good News Translation 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. International Standard Version 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. Majority Standard Bible 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. NET Bible 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. New Heart English Bible 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; Webster's Bible Translation 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: World English Bible 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; Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd the king says to wise men, knowing the times—for so [is] the word of the king before all knowing law and judgment, Young's Literal Translation And the king saith to wise men, knowing the times -- for so is the word of the king before all knowing law and judgment, Smith's Literal Translation And the king will say to the wise knowing the times, (for thus spake the king before all knowing the edict and judgment: Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBaked 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: Catholic Public Domain Version New American Bible He conferred with the sages who understood the times, because the king’s business was conducted in general consultation with lawyers and jurists. New Revised Standard Version 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, Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen 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). Peshitta Holy Bible Translated 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 OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Then 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; Brenton Septuagint Translation And he said to his friends, Thus hast Astin spoken: pronounce therefore upon this case law and judgment. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Queen Vashti Deposed13Then 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. 14His 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.… Cross References Daniel 2:12-13 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. 1 Kings 4:30-31 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. Proverbs 11:14 For lack of guidance, a nation falls, but with many counselors comes deliverance. Proverbs 15:22 Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. Proverbs 24:6 Only with sound guidance should you wage war, and victory lies in a multitude of counselors. 1 Chronicles 12:32 From Issachar, men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do: 200 chiefs with all their kinsmen at their command. Jeremiah 10:7 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. Isaiah 19:11-12 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. Job 12:12-13 Wisdom is found with the elderly, and understanding comes with long life. / Wisdom and strength belong to God; counsel and understanding are His. Ecclesiastes 8:1 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. Matthew 2:1-2 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.” Acts 6:3 Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will assign this responsibility to them Acts 15:2 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. Acts 15:6 So the apostles and elders met to look into this matter. 1 Corinthians 6:5 I say this to your shame. Is there really no one among you wise enough to arbitrate between his brothers? Treasury of Scripture 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: the wise. Jeremiah 10:7 Who would not fear thee, O King of nations? for to thee doth it appertain: forasmuch as among all the wise men of the nations, and in all their kingdoms, there is none like unto thee. Daniel 2:2,12,27 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… Daniel 4:6,7 Therefore made I a decree to bring in all the wise men of Babylon before me, that they might make known unto me the interpretation of the dream… knew. 1 Chronicles 12:32 And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment. Matthew 16:3 And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times? Jump to Previous Business Conducted Consult Custom Customary Decisions Expert Experts Judgment Justice King's Law Manner Matters Procedure Speak Times Towards Understood Versed Way Wise WordJump to Next Business Conducted Consult Custom Customary Decisions Expert Experts Judgment Justice King's Law Manner Matters Procedure Speak Times Towards Understood Versed Way Wise WordEsther 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. Then the king This phrase refers to King Ahasuerus, known historically as Xerxes I of Persia. His reign is marked by opulence and power, and he is a central figure in the Book of Esther. The king's actions and decisions are pivotal in the unfolding of God's providential plan for the Jewish people. Historically, Persian kings were known for their absolute authority, yet they often sought counsel, reflecting a blend of autocracy and advisory governance. consulted the wise men who knew the times for it was customary for him to confer with the experts in law and justice Persons / Places / Events 1. King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I)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. 2. Wise Men 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. 3. Persian Empire The setting of the Book of Esther, a vast and powerful empire that stretched from India to Ethiopia, encompassing many peoples and cultures. 4. Law and Justice 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. 5. The Feast 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. Teaching Points The Importance of Wise CounselSeeking advice from those knowledgeable in God's Word and life experiences is crucial for making sound decisions. Understanding the Times 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. The Role of Law and Justice 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. God's Sovereignty in Human Affairs Even in a pagan empire, God orchestrates events to fulfill His purposes, as seen in the unfolding account of Esther. The Consequences of Decisions The consultation with the wise men led to significant decisions affecting the kingdom, illustrating the far-reaching impact of our choices.(13) Which knew the times.--That is, who were skilled in precedents, and could advise accordingly. For so. . . .--Translate, for so was the king's business laid, before . . . Verse 13. - Then the king said to the wise men. 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). Which knew the times. i.e. persons who were well acquainted with past times, and knew what it was customary to do on each occasion. For so was the king's manner toward all that ]mew law and judgment. 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.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Then the kingהַמֶּ֔לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king consulted וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say the wise men לַחֲכָמִ֖ים (la·ḥă·ḵā·mîm) Preposition-l, Article | Adjective - masculine plural Strong's 2450: Wise who knew יֹדְעֵ֣י (yō·ḏə·‘ê) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct Strong's 3045: To know the times, הָֽעִתִּ֑ים (hā·‘it·tîm) Article | Noun - common plural Strong's 6256: Time, now, when for it was כִּי־ (kî-) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction customary כֵן֙ (ḵên) Adverb Strong's 3651: So -- thus for him הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king to confer דְּבַ֣ר (də·ḇar) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause with לִפְנֵ֕י (lip̄·nê) Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct Strong's 6440: The face the experts יֹדְעֵ֖י (yō·ḏə·‘ê) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct Strong's 3045: To know in law דָּ֥ת (dāṯ) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 1881: A royal edict, statute and justice. וָדִֽין׃ (wā·ḏîn) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1779: Judgement, strife Links Esther 1:13 NIVEsther 1:13 NLT Esther 1:13 ESV Esther 1:13 NASB Esther 1:13 KJV Esther 1:13 BibleApps.com Esther 1:13 Biblia Paralela Esther 1:13 Chinese Bible Esther 1:13 French Bible Esther 1:13 Catholic Bible OT History: Esther 1:13 Then the king said to the wise (Est Esth. 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