Topical Encyclopedia Introduction: Shushan, also known as Susa, was an ancient city of significant historical and biblical importance. It served as the capital of Elam and later became one of the principal cities of the Persian Empire. The city is prominently mentioned in the Bible, particularly in the books of Esther, Nehemiah, and Daniel. Biblical References: Shushan is first mentioned in the context of the Persian Empire, where it served as a royal city. The Book of Esther provides a detailed account of events that took place in Shushan, particularly in the palace of King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I). Esther 1:2 states, "In those days King Xerxes sat on his royal throne in the citadel of Susa." The narrative of Esther unfolds in this city, where Esther becomes queen and intercedes for the Jewish people, leading to their deliverance from Haman's plot. In the Book of Nehemiah, Shushan is mentioned as the location where Nehemiah served as cupbearer to King Artaxerxes. Nehemiah 1:1 records, "The words of Nehemiah son of Hacaliah: In the month of Kislev, in the twentieth year, while I was in the citadel of Susa." Nehemiah's position in Shushan allowed him to gain the king's favor and permission to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. The Book of Daniel also references Shushan. In Daniel 8:2 , Daniel describes a vision he had while in the city: "In my 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, involving a ram and a goat, is interpreted as a prophecy concerning the Medo-Persian and Greek empires. Historical and Archaeological Context: Shushan was strategically located in the fertile region of Elam, near the Choaspes River (modern-day Karkheh River). The city's prominence rose under the Elamites and continued to grow under the Assyrians and Babylonians. However, it reached its zenith during the Achaemenid Empire, when it became one of the empire's four capitals, alongside Babylon, Ecbatana, and Persepolis. Archaeological excavations have uncovered significant remains of the ancient city, including the royal palace complex where the events of Esther likely took place. The palace, known for its grandeur, was constructed by Darius I and expanded by his successors. The site has yielded numerous artifacts, including inscriptions and reliefs that provide insight into the city's history and the Persian Empire's administration. Cultural and Religious Significance: Shushan holds a special place in Jewish history due to the events of Purim, which commemorate the deliverance of the Jewish people from Haman's plot as recorded in the Book of Esther. The festival of Purim is celebrated annually, with readings from the Megillah (the Book of Esther) and the giving of gifts and charity. The city's mention in the prophetic visions of Daniel underscores its significance in biblical prophecy and eschatology. Daniel's vision in Shushan is seen as a foretelling of the rise and fall of empires, demonstrating God's sovereignty over history. Conclusion: While Shushan's physical remnants are now part of modern-day Iran, its legacy endures through its biblical narratives and historical significance. The city's role in the unfolding of God's plan for His people is a testament to its enduring importance in biblical history. Smith's Bible Dictionary Shushan or Susa(a lily), is said to have received its name from the abundance of the lily (shushan or shushanah) in its neighborhood. It was originally the capital of the country called in Scripture Elam, and by the classical writers Susis or Susiana. In the time of Daniel Susa was in the possession of the Babylonians, to whom Elam had probably passed at the division of the Assyrian empire made by Cyaxares and Nabopolassar. (Daniel 8:2) The conquest of Babylon by Cyrus transferred Susa to the Persian dominion; and it was not long before the Achaemenian princes determined to make it the capital of their whole empire and the chief place of their own residence. According to some writers the change was made by Cyrus; according to others it had at any rate taken place before the death of Cambyses; but, according to the evidence of the place itself and of the other Achaemenian monuments, it would seem most probable that the transfer was really the work of Darius Hystaspes. Nehemiah resided here. (Nehemiah 1:1) Shushan was situated on the Ulai or Choaspes. It is identified with the modern Sus or Shush , its ruins are about three miles in circumference. (Here have been found the remains of the great palace build by Darius, the father of Xerxes, in which and the surrounding buildings took place the scenes recorded in the life of Esther. The great central hall was 343 feet long by 244 feet wide. The king's gate, says Schaff, where Mordecai sat, "was probably a hall 100 feet square, 150 feet from the northern portico. Between these two was probably the inner court, where Esther appeared before the king." --ED.) Strong's Hebrew 7800. Shushan -- residence of Pers. kings... kings NASB Word Usage Susa (21). Shushan. The same as shuwshan; Shushan, a place in Persia -- Shushan. see HEBREW shuwshan. 7799, 7800. Shushan. 7801 . ... /hebrew/7800.htm - 6k Library A Reformer's Schooling The Later Hebrew Histories. Babylonia and Assyria The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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