Topical Encyclopedia In the ancient Near Eastern context, a cup-bearer was a high-ranking official in royal courts, entrusted with the critical duty of serving wine to the king. This role was not merely ceremonial; it carried significant responsibilities and required a person of integrity and trustworthiness. The cup-bearer was often in close proximity to the king, providing an opportunity for influence and counsel, and was responsible for ensuring the safety of the king's drink, protecting him from potential poisoning.Biblical References: 1. Nehemiah: The most notable cup-bearer in the Bible is Nehemiah, who served King Artaxerxes of Persia. Nehemiah's position allowed him to gain the king's favor and request permission to return to Jerusalem to rebuild its walls. The Book of Nehemiah opens with Nehemiah's account of his role: "I was cupbearer to the king" (Nehemiah 1:11). His position underscores the trust and esteem he held in the Persian court, which he leveraged for the benefit of his people. 2. Joseph's Encounter: Another reference to a cup-bearer is found in the account of Joseph in Egypt. The chief cup-bearer, imprisoned with Joseph, had a dream interpreted by Joseph, which eventually led to Joseph's rise to power. Genesis 40:21 states, "He restored the chief cupbearer to his position, so that he once again placed the cup in Pharaoh’s hand." This narrative highlights the cup-bearer's role in the royal court and the potential for divine providence to work through such positions. Role and Significance: The role of a cup-bearer was multifaceted. Primarily, it involved the tasting and serving of wine to ensure it was not poisoned, a task that required absolute loyalty and courage. The cup-bearer needed to be a person of impeccable character, as the king's life was literally in their hands. This position often allowed the cup-bearer to become a confidant and advisor to the king, as seen in Nehemiah's case, where his relationship with King Artaxerxes was pivotal in the restoration of Jerusalem. In the broader biblical narrative, cup-bearers symbolize the themes of trust, loyalty, and divine providence. Their presence in the Scriptures serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the ways He can use individuals in positions of influence to fulfill His purposes. The accounts of Nehemiah and the Egyptian cup-bearer illustrate how God orchestrates events and places people in strategic roles to accomplish His divine plans. Cultural Context: In ancient cultures, the cup-bearer was often a position of honor and influence. The role required not only vigilance against threats but also the ability to navigate the complexities of court life. The cup-bearer needed to be astute, discerning, and capable of maintaining the king's confidence. This position was sometimes filled by eunuchs, who were trusted to serve in close proximity to the royal family without posing a threat to the royal lineage. The cup-bearer's role is a testament to the intricate social and political structures of ancient kingdoms, where personal loyalty and service were highly valued. The biblical accounts of cup-bearers provide insight into the workings of ancient courts and the significant impact individuals in such roles could have on the unfolding of biblical history. Strong's Hebrew 4945a. mashqeh -- butler, cupbearer... Word Origin from shaqah Definition butler, cupbearer NASB Word Usage cupbearer (10), cupbearers (2). 4945, 4945a. mashqeh. 4945b . Strong's Numbers. /hebrew/4945a.htm - 5k Library Judging, Therefore, that it Stood Thus with this Matter... With whom we are to Associate. Frugality a Good Provision for the Christian. Chapter xl On Eutropius, the Eunuch, Patrician and Consul. A Royal Seeker after Wisdom Herod is Made Procurator of all Syria; Malichus is Afraid of Him ... A Ruler who Wronged his People October the Twenty-Third Masters and Servants The visit to Media. Thesaurus Cupbearers (2 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Cupbearers (2 Occurrences). 1 Kings 10:5 And the meat of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and ... /c/cupbearers.htm - 7k Cup-bearers (7 Occurrences) Cupbearer (10 Occurrences) Cup-bearer (5 Occurrences) Overwhelmed (33 Occurrences) Deportment (12 Occurrences) Bearers (11 Occurrences) Butler (9 Occurrences) Attire (11 Occurrences) Attendance (12 Occurrences) Resources Why did Jesus ask God to “let this cup pass from me”? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that my cup runneth over? | GotQuestions.org What kind of divination did Joseph do in Genesis 44:5, 15? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Cup-bearers (7 Occurrences)Genesis 40:2 Genesis 40:9 Genesis 40:21 Genesis 40:23 Genesis 41:9 1 Kings 10:5 2 Chronicles 9:4 Subtopics Related Terms |
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