Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the role of a chamberlain was significant within the royal court, serving as an officer or official who managed the household affairs of a king or noble. The chamberlain was entrusted with various responsibilities, often including the oversight of the king's private quarters, treasury, and sometimes even acting as a personal advisor or confidant.The Hebrew term often translated as "chamberlain" is "saris," which can also mean "eunuch." However, not all chamberlains were necessarily eunuchs, as the term could also refer to high-ranking officials who were not physically altered. The role of a chamberlain was one of trust and authority, as they had direct access to the king and were involved in the inner workings of the royal household. Biblical References: 1. Esther 1:10-11 : "On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas—the seven eunuchs who attended King Xerxes—to bring Queen Vashti before him, wearing her royal crown, to display her beauty to the people and officials, for she was lovely to look at." In this passage, the chamberlains, referred to as eunuchs, are seen serving King Xerxes by carrying out his commands, highlighting their role in the royal court. 2. 2 Kings 23:11 : "He removed from the entrance to the house of the LORD the horses that the kings of Judah had dedicated to the sun. They were in the court near the chamber of an official named Nathan-Melech, who was a chamberlain, and he burned the chariots of the sun with fire." Nathan-Melech is identified as a chamberlain, indicating his position within the royal administration and his proximity to the king's affairs. 3. Acts 12:20 : "Now Herod was very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon. So they came to him with one accord, and having won over Blastus, the king’s chamberlain, they asked for peace, because their country depended on the king’s country for food." Here, Blastus, the chamberlain, plays a diplomatic role, acting as an intermediary between King Herod and the people of Tyre and Sidon, demonstrating the chamberlain's influence and importance in political matters. The chamberlain's position was one of both privilege and responsibility, requiring loyalty and discretion. As a trusted member of the king's inner circle, the chamberlain's duties could extend beyond mere household management to include significant political and administrative functions. The biblical portrayal of chamberlains underscores their integral role in the governance and daily operations of a royal court, reflecting the broader societal structures of ancient Near Eastern monarchies. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 23:11And he took away the horses that the kings of Judah had given to the sun, at the entering in of the house of the LORD, by the chamber of Nathanmelech the chamberlain, which was in the suburbs, and burned the chariots of the sun with fire. Nave's Topical Index Esther 1:10-15 Esther 2:3-21 Esther 4:4,5 Acts 12:20 Romans 16:23 Greek 986. Blastos -- Blastus, the chamberlain of Herod Agrippa I ... Blastus Definition: Blastus, chamberlain of King Herod Agrippa I ... blastano Definition Blastus, the chamberlain of Herod ... of blastano; Blastus, an officer of Herod ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/986.htm - 6k Library In Travel-Worn Garb Vergilius Went Early to See the King. ... The Return of Xerxes to Persia. The Last Two Decades. Footnotes Last Things The Doctrines of Grace do not Lead to Sin General Index to Sozomen's Ecclesiastical History. Conclusion --Repent Ye, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand. Peter Stood Up. A Case of Conscience Resolved Resources Chamberlain: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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