Meres is one of the seven princes of Persia and Media mentioned in the Book of Esther, a historical narrative found in the Old Testament. The account of Meres is brief, yet it provides insight into the political structure and royal court of the Persian Empire during the reign of King Ahasuerus, commonly identified with Xerxes I, who ruled from 486 to 465 BC.

Biblical Reference:

Meres is specifically mentioned in Esther 1:14. The context of this passage is the grand banquet hosted by King Ahasuerus in the third year of his reign. During this feast, the king, in a state of inebriation, commands his queen, Vashti, to appear before the guests to display her beauty. When Vashti refuses, the king consults his wise men and advisors on how to respond to her disobedience. Meres is listed among these advisors:

"Those closest to him were Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media who had personal access to the king and ranked highest in the kingdom." (Esther 1:14)

Role and Significance:

Meres, as one of the seven princes, held a position of significant influence and authority within the Persian Empire. These princes were not only advisors but also had direct access to the king, indicating their high status and the trust placed in them by Ahasuerus. The role of these princes was crucial in the administration of the empire, as they were involved in making important decisions and providing counsel to the king.

The mention of Meres and his fellow princes highlights the structured hierarchy and governance of the Persian court. Their presence in the narrative underscores the importance of wise counsel and the potential consequences of royal decisions, as seen in the subsequent events of the Book of Esther.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The Persian Empire, at its height, was a vast and diverse realm, encompassing various peoples and cultures. The inclusion of Media alongside Persia in the title of the princes reflects the dual nature of the empire's leadership, as Media was a significant region within the empire. The political system was characterized by a centralized monarchy supported by a network of satraps and advisors, such as Meres, who played key roles in maintaining the stability and governance of the empire.

The Book of Esther provides a glimpse into the opulence and complexity of the Persian court, as well as the intricate dynamics of power and influence. The narrative, while focusing on the deliverance of the Jewish people, also serves as a historical account of the Persian Empire's inner workings, with figures like Meres contributing to the broader tapestry of the account.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the account of Esther, including the mention of Meres, illustrates the providence of God in the affairs of nations and individuals. Although Meres and the other princes are not central figures in the narrative, their roles as advisors to the king set the stage for the unfolding of God's plan for the Jewish people. The events in the Book of Esther demonstrate how God can use even the political structures and leaders of a foreign empire to achieve His purposes and protect His chosen people.Meres

defluxion; imposthume

Meres

(lofty), one of the seven counsellors of Ahasuerus. (Esther 1:14)

4825. Meres -- a Persian noble
... 4824, 4825. Meres. 4826 . a Persian noble. Transliteration: Meres Phonetic
Spelling: (meh'-res) Short Definition: Meres. Word Origin ...
/hebrew/4825.htm - 5k

Sargon of Assyria (722-705 BC )
... and the shore stretched a labyrinth of fens and peat-bogs, irregularly divided by
canals and channels freshly formed each year in flood-time, meres strewn with ...
/.../chapter iiisargon of assyria 722-705.htm

The Reaction against Egypt
... Sangarios into the Euxine. The others flow into the lowlands, forming meres,
marshes, and lakes of fluctuating extent. The largest of ...
/.../chapter iithe reaction against egypt.htm

Meres (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Meres (1 Occurrence). Esther 1:14 and the next to
him were Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena ...
/m/meres.htm - 6k

Tarshish (24 Occurrences)
... Esther 1:14 and the next to him were Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres,
Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, who saw the ...
/t/tarshish.htm - 17k

Memu'can (3 Occurrences)
... Esther 1:14 and the next unto him was Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres,
Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, who saw the ...
/m/memu'can.htm - 7k

Marse'na (1 Occurrence)
... Esther 1:14 and the next unto him was Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres,
Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, who saw the ...
/m/marse'na.htm - 6k

Meremoth's (1 Occurrence)

/m/meremoth's.htm - 6k

Marsena (1 Occurrence)
... Esther 1:14 and the next to him were Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres,
Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, who saw the ...
/m/marsena.htm - 7k

Memucan (3 Occurrences)
... Esther 1:14 and the next to him were Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres,
Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, who saw the ...
/m/memucan.htm - 8k

Merhak (1 Occurrence)

/m/merhak.htm - 6k

Carshena (1 Occurrence)
... Esther 1:14 and the next to him were Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres,
Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, who saw the ...
/c/carshena.htm - 7k

Carshe'na (1 Occurrence)
... Esther 1:14 and the next unto him was Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres,
Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, who saw the ...
/c/carshe'na.htm - 6k

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