Lexical Summary Meres: Meres Original Word: מֶרֶס Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Meres Of foreign derivation; Meres, a Persian -- Meres. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof foreign origin Definition a Persian noble NASB Translation Meres (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs מֶ֫רֶס proper name, masculine a Persian noble Esther 1:14. Topical Lexicon Identity and Position Meres stands among the “seven princes of Persia and Media who had access to the king and sat first in the kingdom” (Esther 1:14). These men formed the inner circle of royal advisers under King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I). Their rank resembled a cabinet or privy council, bridging the vast imperial administration with the monarch’s person. Historical and Biblical Setting The Book of Esther opens in the third year of Ahasuerus (ca. 483 BC) during a six-month display of imperial splendor at Susa. Persia ruled from India to Cush; decisions issued from the throne affected every province and language group, including the dispersed Jewish communities. Within that political atmosphere, the seven princes functioned as gatekeepers of royal decrees and custodians of Persian law. Classical historians (Herodotus 3.84; 7.8) note a privileged cadre of Persian nobles who could enter the king’s presence unannounced—an arrangement reflected precisely in Esther 1:14. Role within the Narrative of Esther Though Meres never speaks directly, his presence is integral to the chain of events leading to Queen Vashti’s removal and Esther’s eventual rise. By occupying the highest advisory tier, he shared responsibility for the counsel that shaped Vashti’s fate (Esther 1:15–21) and the subsequent search for a new queen (Esther 2:1–4). God’s providence operated through this very machinery; without the initial royal crisis, Esther would not have been positioned to intercede for her people (Esther 4:14). Thus, Meres represents one of the many unseen hands God used to steer imperial policy toward redemptive ends. Theological Themes and Ministry Insights 1. Divine Sovereignty in Human Government Esther 1 highlights the paradox of absolute earthly power under higher divine oversight. Meres held rare access to Persia’s throne, yet the true King directed outcomes for the preservation of His covenant people (Proverbs 21:1). The narrative reminds spiritual leaders that advice offered in moments of governmental crisis can have generational echoes. Like Meres, modern advisers—whether in church, business, or civil service—shape destinies when they speak into leadership vacuums. Meres is scarcely mentioned, but his station mattered. Scripture repeatedly magnifies minor characters whose fleeting roles advance God’s plan (e.g., the servant girl in 2 Kings 5:2; the boy with loaves in John 6:9). Faithfulness is measured by obedience, not fame. Related Biblical Parallels • Joseph in Genesis 41: a foreign court adviser whose wisdom preserved nations. Lessons for Contemporary Believers • Pray for those who serve in advisory roles (1 Timothy 2:1–2), recognizing that quiet counsel often channels divine purposes. Forms and Transliterations מֶ֥רֶס מרס me·res meresLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Esther 1:14 HEB: אַדְמָ֣תָא תַרְשִׁ֔ישׁ מֶ֥רֶס מַרְסְנָ֖א מְמוּכָ֑ן NAS: Tarshish, Meres, Marsena KJV: Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, INT: Admatha Tarshish Meres Marsena and Memucan |
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