Lexical Summary Shethar: Shethar Original Word: שֵׁתָר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Shethar Of foreign derivation; Shethar, a Persian satrap -- Shethar. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof foreign origin Definition a prince of Pers. NASB Translation Shethar (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs שֵׁתָר proper name, masculine a prince of Persia Esther 1:14; Σαρσαθαιος. Topical Lexicon Name and Meaning Shethar (שֵׁתָר) is a Persian courtier whose name is often connected to the idea of a “star,” a fitting title in a royal entourage where servants were meant to reflect their sovereign’s glory. Biblical Occurrence Esther 1:14 lists Shethar second among “the seven nobles of Persia and Media who had access to the king and sat first in the kingdom”. His lone appearance is enough to identify him as one of the highest-ranking officials during the early years of King Ahasuerus’ reign. Historical Context 1. Persian Protocol: Persian monarchs surrounded themselves with a small cadre of trusted counselors who literally “saw the king’s face.” Archaeological finds from Persepolis confirm that such men held authority just below the crown. Role in the Persian Court • Inner-circle Counselor – Shethar stood among those who could approach the king without formal summons, an honor guarding both the ruler’s person and policy. Theological Reflection 1. Divine Providence – Though unnamed later, Shethar’s early cameo is part of the tapestry God wove to exalt Esther and save the Jews. His silence when Memucan spoke reminds the reader that the Lord directs even the speech of advisors (Proverbs 21:1). Ministry Applications • Serve Faithfully in Secular Posts – Like Shethar, Christians may be placed within governmental systems. Loyalty and integrity in such roles advance God’s larger plan (Daniel 6:3). Related Biblical Parallels • Nathan confronting David (2 Samuel 12:1–13) – the prophetic dimension of court counsel. Summary Although mentioned only once, Shethar embodies the strategic placement of influential counselors within God’s redemptive storyline. His role in Esther 1 sets the stage for the fall of Vashti, the rise of Esther, and ultimately the deliverance of the Jewish people, reminding readers that every office—however briefly noted—lies under the Lord’s sovereign governance. Forms and Transliterations שֵׁתָר֙ שתר šê·ṯār šêṯār sheTarLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Esther 1:14 HEB: אֵלָ֗יו כַּרְשְׁנָ֤א שֵׁתָר֙ אַדְמָ֣תָא תַרְשִׁ֔ישׁ NAS: to him: Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, KJV: unto him [was] Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, INT: to him Carshena Shethar Admatha Tarshish |