Lexical Summary Mehuman: Mehuman Original Word: מְהוּמָן Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Mehuman Of Persian origin; Mehuman, a eunuch of Xerxes -- Mehuman. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof foreign origin Definition a eunuch of Ahasuerus NASB Translation Mehuman (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs מְהוּמָן proper name, masculine a eunuch of Ahasuerus (id.; but ᵐ5 Ἀμαν) Esther 1:10. II. [אָמַן] see יָמַן. Topical Lexicon Historical Context Mehuman appears in the court narrative of Esther, set in the reign of King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I, 486–465 BC). The opening chapter depicts a lavish, six-month display of imperial glory concluded by a seven-day feast in the spring palace at Susa. Persian monarchs relied on a corps of trusted eunuchs who exercised administrative, military, and domestic authority. Mehuman is listed first among these seven chamberlains, suggesting senior standing within the royal household. Appearance in Scripture Esther 1:10 records the sole mention: “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 attending King Xerxes— to bring Queen Vashti before him wearing her royal crown…”. Mehuman participates in an order that precipitates Vashti’s refusal, the resulting vacancy of the queenly throne, and ultimately Esther’s exaltation. Thus, although Mehuman never speaks, his obedience forms a link in the providential chain that protects the Jewish people. Servant Leadership in the Persian Court 1. Access: Eunuchs held unparalleled access to the king’s person and private quarters, a role demanding confidentiality and unquestioning compliance. Theological Significance Providence: Scripture weaves even minor court officials into the unfolding redemptive story. God employs Mehuman’s simple act of service to initiate events leading to Israel’s preservation (Esther 4:14). Hierarchy and Order: The Persian court mirrors heaven’s ordered ranks (Daniel 4:17). Earthly structures, though pagan, are still used by God for His purposes (Romans 13:1). Human Responsibility: The obedience of seemingly insignificant individuals matters in God’s plan; faithfulness in small tasks influences outcomes beyond their knowledge (Luke 16:10). Ministry Applications • Faithful Service: Like Mehuman, believers may serve behind the scenes, seldom noticed yet essential to kingdom advance (1 Corinthians 12:22–24). Related Themes and Cross-References • God’s use of foreign courts (Genesis 41:1–40; Daniel 6:1–28). Summary Mehuman, though mentioned only once, exemplifies how anonymous fidelity within secular structures advances God’s covenant purposes. His brief appearance reminds readers that no act of service is insignificant when God is writing the story. Forms and Transliterations לִ֠מְהוּמָן למהומן lim·hū·mān limhūmān LimhumonLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Esther 1:10 HEB: בַּיָּ֑יִן אָמַ֡ר לִ֠מְהוּמָן בִּזְּתָ֨א חַרְבוֹנָ֜א NAS: he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, KJV: he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, INT: wine commanded Mehuman Biztha Harbona 1 Occurrence |
    |