Esther 1:13 Meaning and Explanation
“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:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The king turns to his learned advisers, men versed in law and the times, for counsel.
What Does Esther 1:13 Mean?
Unable to act alone, the king consults his wise men, those who knew the times and were skilled in law and judgment. A private humiliation is now treated as a matter of state. The narrator notes that this was the king's manner, his habit of leaning on counselors, which will recur throughout the book.
This dependence on advisers is itself a theme. Ahasuerus rarely initiates wisely; he is steered by whoever last has his ear, whether Memucan here, Haman later, or Esther at the end. A ruler so easily led is dangerous, for the same openness that lets in deadly counsel will, in time, let in deliverance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Esther 1:13
What does Esther 1:13 mean?
The king turns to his learned advisers, men versed in law and the times, for counsel.