Topical Encyclopedia Memu'can is a figure mentioned in the Book of Esther, one of the historical books of the Old Testament. He is identified as one of the seven princes of Persia and Media who served in the court of King Ahasuerus, also known as Xerxes I. Memu'can's role is particularly noted in the first chapter of Esther, where he plays a significant part in the events leading to Queen Vashti's removal.Biblical Account In Esther 1:10-22, during a lavish banquet hosted by King Ahasuerus, Queen Vashti refuses the king's command to appear before him and his guests. This act of defiance prompts the king to consult his wise men, who understood the laws and customs of the time. Memu'can is among these advisors and is specifically named in the narrative. The Berean Standard Bible records Memu'can's counsel to the king: "Then Memu'can replied in the presence of the king and the princes: 'Queen Vashti has wronged not only the king, but all the princes and the peoples in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus. For the conduct of the queen will become known to all women, causing them to despise their husbands and say, "King Ahasuerus commanded Queen Vashti to be brought before him, but she did not come." This very day the noble women of Persia and Media who have heard about the queen's conduct will say the same thing to all the king's officials, resulting in much contempt and wrath.'" (Esther 1:16-18) Memu'can's advice was to issue a royal decree that Vashti be removed from her position as queen and that her royal estate be given to someone more worthy. He suggested that this decree be proclaimed throughout the king's vast realm to ensure that all women would respect their husbands, from the greatest to the least. The king and his officials found Memu'can's advice agreeable, and the decree was enacted. Historical and Cultural Context Memu'can's counsel reflects the patriarchal structure of Persian society, where the king's authority was paramount, and the queen's public disobedience was seen as a threat to the social order. The decision to remove Vashti and replace her with another queen was intended to reinforce the king's authority and prevent similar acts of defiance among the populace. The narrative of Memu'can and Vashti sets the stage for the introduction of Esther, a Jewish woman who would become queen and play a crucial role in the deliverance of her people. Memu'can's actions, therefore, are pivotal in the unfolding of the events that lead to Esther's rise to prominence. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, Memu'can's role in the account of Esther highlights themes of divine providence and the sovereignty of God. Although Memu'can's advice was politically motivated, it inadvertently set the stage for Esther's ascension to the throne, which was instrumental in God's plan to protect the Jewish people from annihilation. This underscores the belief that God can use even the decisions of secular rulers and their advisors to fulfill His purposes. Memu'can's presence in the narrative serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between human actions and divine will, a recurring theme throughout the biblical text. Concordance Memu'can (3 Occurrences)Esther 1:14 Esther 1:16 Esther 1:21 Thesaurus Memu'can (3 Occurrences)Memu'can. Memucan, Memu'can. Me'my . Multi-Version Concordance Memu'can (3 Occurrences). Esther 1:14 and the next unto him was Carshena ... /m/memu'can.htm - 7k Memucan (3 Occurrences) Me'my (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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