Ester 1:13-14

1:13 The king then inquired of the wise men who were discerners of the times – for it was the royal custom to confer with all those who were proficient in laws and legalities. ¹  1:14 Those who were closest to him were Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan. These men were the seven officials of Persia and Media who saw the king on a regular basis ²  and had the most prominent offices ³  in the kingdom.

[1:13]  ¹ tn Heb “judgment” (so KJV); NASB, NIV “justice”; NRSV “custom.”

[1:14]  ² tn Heb “seers of the face of the king”; NASB “who had access to the king’s presence.”

[1:14]  ³ tn Heb “were sitting first”; NAB “held first rank in the realm.”