In biblical times, the term "grandees" refers to individuals of high social status, nobility, or significant influence within a society. These individuals often held positions of power, wealth, and authority, and their actions and decisions could greatly impact the communities they governed or influenced. The concept of grandees can be seen throughout the Bible, where various figures of authority and nobility play crucial roles in the unfolding of biblical narratives.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, grandees are often depicted as kings, princes, and other high-ranking officials. For example, the kings of Israel and Judah, such as David and Solomon, are considered grandees due to their royal status and the authority they wielded over the nation of Israel. Solomon, in particular, is noted for his wisdom and wealth, which attracted other grandees, such as the Queen of Sheba, to seek his counsel (1 Kings 10:1-13).

The book of Esther provides another example of grandees in the Persian Empire. Haman, a high-ranking official under King Xerxes, is portrayed as a grandee whose influence and ambition nearly led to the destruction of the Jewish people. Esther 3:1 states, "After these events, King Xerxes honored Haman son of Hammedatha the Agagite, elevating him and giving him a seat of honor higher than that of all the other nobles."

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the concept of grandees can be seen in the Roman and Jewish authorities who held power during the time of Jesus. The Herodian dynasty, including Herod the Great and his descendants, are examples of grandees who played significant roles in the political and social landscape of Judea. Herod the Great, known for his architectural projects and political acumen, is mentioned in Matthew 2:1 : "After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem."

The Roman governors, such as Pontius Pilate, also fit the description of grandees. Pilate, as the Roman prefect of Judea, held the authority to judge Jesus, ultimately consenting to His crucifixion despite recognizing His innocence (John 19:6).

Role and Influence

Grandees in the Bible often wielded significant influence over religious, political, and economic matters. Their decisions could lead to prosperity or disaster for their people. For instance, King Solomon's wisdom and wealth brought prosperity to Israel, while the pride and ambition of Haman nearly resulted in genocide.

The Bible also highlights the moral and spiritual responsibilities of grandees. Proverbs 29:2 states, "When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people groan." This underscores the importance of righteous leadership and the impact of a grandee's character on the well-being of their subjects.

Spiritual Lessons

The narratives involving grandees in the Bible often serve as lessons on the use of power and authority. They remind believers of the importance of humility, justice, and reliance on God rather than personal ambition or wealth. The account of King Nebuchadnezzar in the book of Daniel illustrates the consequences of pride and the necessity of acknowledging God's sovereignty (Daniel 4:28-37).

In summary, the concept of grandees in the Bible encompasses a range of individuals who held significant power and influence. Their accounts provide valuable insights into the responsibilities and challenges of leadership, as well as the spiritual truths that transcend their historical contexts.3175. megistan -- the chief men
... great men, lords. Plural from megistos; grandees -- great men, lords. see GREEK
megistos. (megistanes) -- 2 Occurrences. (megistasin) -- 1 Occurrence. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3175.htm - 6k

How Izates was Betrayed by his Own Subjects, and Fought against by ...
... Whereupon the grandees were much displeased, and could not contain their anger at
them; but had an intention, when they should find a proper opportunity, to ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 4 how izates was.htm

Amos
... a lofty scorn this desert man looks upon the palaces, i.4, etc., the winter and
the summer houses, iii.15, in which the luxurious and rapacious grandees of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/amos.htm

These Relate to the Sixth Seal.
... If any one has seen the sun, and moon, and stars, collected together without light;
if he is of the number of grandees, he absolutely approaches to ruin, on ...
/.../mede/a key to the apocalypse/these relate to the sixth.htm

To the Rev. A. Brandram
... although unpublished, has spread like wildfire through Madrid, and every person
is passionately eager to possess a copy; indeed, several grandees of Spain have ...
/.../borrow/letters of george borrow/to the rev a brandram 36.htm

How Helena the Queen of Adiabene and Her Son Izates, Embraced the ...
... But the very day that Monobazus died, queen Helena sent for all the grandees, and
governors of the kingdom, and for those that had the armies committed to ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 2 how helena the.htm

How Artabanus, the King of Parthia Out of Fear of the Secret ...
... 3. And thus was Artahanus restored to his kingdom again by the means of Izates,
when he had lost it by the means of the grandees of the kingdom. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 3 how artabanus the.htm

The City of Benares.
... manufacture of the place is kimkhwab"kinkob as it is called by Europeans"cloth made
of silver and gold tissue, in which the princes and grandees of India ...
/.../life and work in benares and kumaon 1839-1877/chapter vii the city of.htm

Life in Persia.
... him while at prayer, 'God is nearer to me than that image, so that I do not see
it.' This man, I afterwards found, is like most of the other grandees of the ...
/.../rhea/life of henry martyn missionary to india and persia/life in persia.htm

Concerning John of Gichala. Josephus Uses Stratagems against the ...
... However, some of the grandees, out of envy, and some of the rulers also, sent money
to John privately, that he might be able to get together mercenary soldiers ...
/.../chapter 21 concerning john of.htm

Homilies of St. John Chrysostom,
... halt, the maimed in hand or leg, the barefoot, those clad with but one scanty garment,
and that worn out: but let the other have grandees, generals, governors ...
/.../homilies of st john chrysostom 2.htm

Grandees (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Grandees (1 Occurrence). Mark 6:21 And a holiday
being come, when Herod, on his birthday, made a supper ...
/g/grandees.htm - 6k

Granddaughters (1 Occurrence)

/g/granddaughters.htm - 6k

Grandeur (3 Occurrences)

/g/grandeur.htm - 7k

Furniture (24 Occurrences)
... The prophet Amos had a supreme contempt for the luxurious furniture of the grandees
of Samaria (3:12; 6:4). For full particulars see HOUSE; TABERNACLE; TEMPLE. ...
/f/furniture.htm - 16k

Chiliarchs (4 Occurrences)
... Mark 6:21 And a holiday being come, when Herod, on his birthday, made a supper to
his grandees, and to the chiliarchs, and the chief men of Galilee; (DBY). ...
/c/chiliarchs.htm - 7k

Holiday (5 Occurrences)
... Mark 6:21 And a holiday being come, when Herod, on his birthday, made a supper to
his grandees, and to the chiliarchs, and the chief men of Galilee; (DBY). ...
/h/holiday.htm - 8k

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