Palace: At Shushan
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Topical Encyclopedia
The palace at Shushan, also known as Susa, holds significant historical and biblical importance. Shushan was one of the principal cities of the ancient Persian Empire and served as a royal residence for Persian kings. The city is located in present-day Iran and is frequently mentioned in the Bible, particularly in the books of Esther, Nehemiah, and Daniel.

Biblical References:

1. Book of Esther: The palace at Shushan is prominently featured in the Book of Esther. It is the setting for much of the narrative, where King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I) reigns. The account begins with a grand banquet held in the palace, showcasing the king's wealth and splendor. Esther 1:2-3 states, "In those days King Xerxes sat on his royal throne in the citadel of Susa. In the third year of his reign, he held a feast for all his officials and servants." The palace is also where Esther, a Jewish woman, becomes queen and later intercedes to save her people from a plot devised by Haman, the king's advisor.

2. Book of Nehemiah: Nehemiah, a Jewish cupbearer to King Artaxerxes I, also resided in the palace at Shushan. Nehemiah 1:1 records, "These are the words of Nehemiah son of Hacaliah: In the month of Kislev, in the twentieth year, while I was in the citadel of Susa." It is from this location that Nehemiah learns of the desolation of Jerusalem and prays for the opportunity to return and rebuild the city's walls.

3. Book of Daniel: The prophet Daniel also mentions Shushan in his visions. In Daniel 8:2 , he writes, "And in the vision I saw myself in the citadel of Susa, in the province of Elam; in the vision I was beside the Ulai Canal." This vision, which includes the ram and the goat, is significant for its prophetic insights into future empires and events.

Historical and Archaeological Context:

Shushan was an ancient city with a rich history, serving as a capital for the Elamites before becoming a key city in the Persian Empire. The palace itself was an architectural marvel, known for its grandeur and opulence. Archaeological excavations have uncovered remnants of the palace complex, including the Apadana (audience hall), which was adorned with intricate reliefs and columns.

The palace at Shushan was not only a political center but also a cultural and administrative hub. It played a crucial role in the administration of the vast Persian Empire, serving as a winter residence for the kings due to its favorable climate.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the palace at Shushan is a testament to God's providence and sovereignty. The events that transpired within its walls, particularly in the Book of Esther, highlight God's protection and deliverance of His people. Esther's rise to queenship and her courageous intervention are seen as divinely orchestrated, demonstrating that God can work through individuals and circumstances to fulfill His purposes.

The palace at Shushan, therefore, stands as a symbol of God's faithfulness and the unfolding of His divine plan amidst the complexities of human history.
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Nehemiah 1:1
The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah. And it came to pass in the month Chisleu, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the palace,
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Esther 1:2
That in those days, when the king Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which was in Shushan the palace,
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Esther 7:7
And the king arising from the banquet of wine in his wrath went into the palace garden: and Haman stood up to make request for his life to Esther the queen; for he saw that there was evil determined against him by the king.
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Daniel 8:2
And I saw in a vision; and it came to pass, when I saw, that I was at Shushan in the palace, which is in the province of Elam; and I saw in a vision, and I was by the river of Ulai.
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Library

The Prophet Nehemiah
... Now mark, it meant a good deal for Nehemiah to give up the palace of Shushan and
his high office, and identify himself with the despised and captive Jews. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/men of the bible/iv the prophet nehemiah.htm

The Later Hebrew Histories.
... of Mordecai, the Jews turn upon their enemies, and slay in one day seventy-five
thousand of them,"five hundred in the palace of Shushan,"among whom are the ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter vi the later hebrew.htm

The Saint's Heritage and Watchword
... shall be utterly confounded. There is a God in the courts of heaven, and
an Esther in the palace of Shushan. Thou thyself shalt be ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 50 1904/the saints heritage and watchword.htm

A Reformer's Schooling
... And it came to pass in the month Chislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan
the palace, 2. That Hanani, one of my brethren, came, he and certain men ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/a reformers schooling.htm

Esther, the Queen.
... At the end of these days he made another feast to all who were in Shushan, a feast
of seven days, and which included great and small. The palace garden was ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxxiv esther the queen.htm

"Pray Without Ceasing"
... The monarch whose palace was in Shushan would have none approach him unless he sent
for them, but the King of kings has called for all his people, and they may ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/pray without ceasing.htm

Concerning Esther and Mordecai and Haman; and How in the Reign of ...
... Her uncle also removed from Babylon to Shushan, and dwelt there, being every day
about the palace, and inquiring how the damsel did, for he loved her as though ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 concerning esther and.htm

The Best of the Best
... come and gather. "I am the lily." What lily? The lily of the palace of Shushan,
enclosed and guarded from all approach? No; but, "I ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 42 1896/the best of the best.htm

The Church and Social Evils
... Living in a palace, and surrounded with luxury, his heart was with his brethren;
and the ruins of Jerusalem were dearer to him than the pomp of Shushan. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the church and social evils.htm

Nehemiah's Answer to a Call for Help
... In the twentieth year of Artaxerxes' reign, in the month of November, I((Nehemiah)
was in Shushan, the royal palace, when Hanani, one of my brothers, and ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/nehemiahs answer to a call.htm

Resources
Was Daniel made a eunuch in Babylon? | GotQuestions.org

Is Isaiah 53 'The Suffering Servant' a prophecy about Jesus? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Herod the Great? | GotQuestions.org

Palace: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Subtopics

Palace

Palace for Kings

Palace of a Government

Palace of David

Palace of Solomon

Palace: Archives Kept In

Palace: At Babylon

Palace: At Shushan

Palace: Proclamations Issued From

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Palace: At Babylon
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