Jump to: Hitchcock's • Smith's • ISBE • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Mehuman is a minor biblical figure mentioned in the Book of Esther, which is part of the Ketuvim, or Writings, in the Hebrew Bible and the Old Testament in the Christian canon. The name "Mehuman" is of Persian origin, and it is often interpreted to mean "faithful" or "trustworthy." Mehuman is one of the seven eunuchs who served in the court of King Ahasuerus, also known as Xerxes I, the Persian king who reigned from 486 to 465 BC.Biblical Reference: Mehuman is specifically mentioned in Esther 1:10. The context of this passage is a grand banquet hosted by King Ahasuerus in the third year of his reign. The king, in a display of his wealth and power, held a feast for all his officials and servants, which lasted for 180 days. Following this, he hosted a seven-day banquet for all the people present in the citadel of Susa, from the greatest to the least. On the seventh day of the feast, when the king was "in high spirits from wine," he commanded his seven eunuchs to bring Queen Vashti before him, wearing her royal crown, to display her beauty to the people and nobles. The eunuchs named in Esther 1:10 are Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar, and Carkas. The Berean Standard Bible states: "On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar, and Carkas, the seven eunuchs who attended him," Role and Significance: Mehuman's role, along with the other eunuchs, was to serve the king and carry out his orders. Eunuchs in ancient Persian courts often held significant positions of trust and responsibility, as they were seen as loyal servants who could be relied upon to manage the king's affairs without personal ambition for power or family legacy. The incident involving Mehuman and the other eunuchs is pivotal in the narrative of the Book of Esther. Queen Vashti's refusal to appear before the king as commanded led to her being deposed, setting the stage for Esther, a Jewish woman, to become queen. This change in queenship ultimately plays a crucial role in the deliverance of the Jewish people from a plot to annihilate them, orchestrated by Haman, an advisor to the king. Cultural and Historical Context: The mention of Mehuman and the other eunuchs provides insight into the opulence and hierarchical structure of the Persian court. The presence of eunuchs highlights the influence of Persian customs and governance during this period. Eunuchs were often chosen for their loyalty and were entrusted with sensitive tasks, including managing the royal harem and serving as intermediaries between the king and his subjects. While Mehuman himself does not play a significant role beyond this brief mention, his inclusion in the narrative underscores the meticulous attention to detail in the biblical account, reflecting the historical and cultural setting of the Persian Empire during the reign of Ahasuerus. Theological Implications: From a theological perspective, the account of Esther, including the role of Mehuman, illustrates themes of divine providence and the sovereignty of God in the affairs of nations and individuals. Although God is not explicitly mentioned in the Book of Esther, His hand is seen in the orchestration of events that lead to the preservation of the Jewish people. The narrative encourages believers to trust in God's faithfulness and His ability to work through seemingly ordinary and even adverse circumstances to fulfill His purposes. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary MehumanSmith's Bible Dictionary Mehuman(faithful), one of the seven eunuchs of Ahasuerus. (Esther 1:10) Easton's Bible Dictionary Faithful, one of the eunchs whom Ahasuerus (Xerxes) commanded to bring in Vashti (Esther 1:10). International Standard Bible Encyclopedia MEHUMANme-hu'-man (me`human (Esther 1:10)): A eunuch of Ahasuerus, the first of the seven chamberlains. Strong's Hebrew 4104. Mehuman -- a eunuch of Ahasuerus... 4103, 4104. Mehuman. 4105 . a eunuch of Ahasuerus. Transliteration: Mehuman Phonetic Spelling: (meh-hoo-mawn') Short Definition: Mehuman. ... /hebrew/4104.htm - 5k Thesaurus Mehuman (1 Occurrence)...MEHUMAN. me-hu'-man (me`human (Esther 1:10)): A eunuch of Ahasuerus, the first of the seven chamberlains. Multi-Version Concordance Mehuman (1 Occurrence). ... /m/mehuman.htm - 7k Mehu'man (1 Occurrence) Xerxes (24 Occurrences) Zethar (1 Occurrence) Unsexed (26 Occurrences) Eunuchs (33 Occurrences) Me-hu'ja-el (1 Occurrence) Biztha (1 Occurrence) Bizzetha (1 Occurrence) Bigtha (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Mehuman (1 Occurrence)Esther 1:10 Subtopics Mehuman: A Chamberlain of Ahasuerus Related Terms |
    |