Topical Encyclopedia Carshe'na is one of the seven princes of Persia and Media mentioned in the Book of Esther in the Old Testament. The name appears in Esther 1:14, where the princes are listed as advisors to King Ahasuerus (commonly identified with Xerxes I). The Berean Standard Bible renders the verse as follows:"The closest advisors to him were Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media who had personal access to the king and ranked highest in the kingdom." (Esther 1:14) Historical Context The Book of Esther is set during the reign of King Ahasuerus, who ruled over a vast empire stretching from India to Cush (Esther 1:1). The narrative takes place in the Persian capital of Susa. The seven princes, including Carshe'na, were part of the king's inner circle, holding significant influence and authority. Their role was to provide counsel and assist in the administration of the empire. Role in the Book of Esther Carshe'na, along with the other six princes, is mentioned in the context of Queen Vashti's refusal to appear before King Ahasuerus during a royal banquet. This event prompted the king to consult his advisors on how to respond to Vashti's disobedience. Although Carshe'na's specific contributions to the discussion are not detailed, the collective advice of the princes led to Vashti's removal as queen and set the stage for Esther's rise to prominence. Cultural and Religious Significance In the Persian court, the seven princes held a status akin to that of the "seven counselors" or "seven wise men," a concept that appears in various ancient Near Eastern cultures. Their presence in the narrative underscores the hierarchical and bureaucratic nature of the Persian Empire, as well as the importance of wise counsel in governance. From a religious perspective, the Book of Esther is notable for its themes of divine providence and the deliverance of the Jewish people. While Carshe'na's role is minor, the actions and decisions of the Persian court ultimately contribute to the unfolding of God's plan for His people, as seen in the preservation of the Jews from Haman's plot. Etymology and Interpretations The name Carshe'na is of uncertain origin, and its meaning is not definitively known. Some scholars suggest it may be of Persian origin, while others propose a possible connection to Median or other regional languages. The lack of additional biblical or historical references to Carshe'na limits the scope of interpretation. In summary, Carshe'na is a figure whose brief mention in the Book of Esther highlights the political and advisory structures of the Persian Empire. His inclusion in the narrative serves to illustrate the broader context in which the account of Esther unfolds, emphasizing the interplay between human authority and divine intervention. Concordance Carshe'na (1 Occurrence)Esther 1:14 Thesaurus Carshe'na (1 Occurrence)Carshe'na. Carshena, Carshe'na. Cart . Multi-Version Concordance Carshe'na (1 Occurrence). Esther 1:14 and the next unto him was ... /c/carshe'na.htm - 6k Carshena (1 Occurrence) Cart (12 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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