Shaashgaz is a figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Esther. He is identified as one of the eunuchs serving in the court of King Ahasuerus, the Persian monarch who reigned from India to Cush, over 127 provinces (Esther 1:1). The name "Shaashgaz" is of uncertain origin and meaning, but it is likely of Persian or Median derivation, reflecting the multicultural nature of the Persian Empire.

Biblical Reference:

Shaashgaz is mentioned in Esther 2:14, which states: "In the evening she would go in, and in the morning she would return to the second harem, under the supervision of Shaashgaz, the king’s eunuch in charge of the concubines. She would not return to the king unless he delighted in her and summoned her by name."

Role and Responsibilities:

Shaashgaz held a significant position within the royal court as the custodian of the king's concubines. This role was crucial in maintaining the order and security of the harem, a secluded part of the palace where the king's wives and concubines resided. As a eunuch, Shaashgaz was entrusted with this responsibility due to the perceived loyalty and lack of personal ambition that eunuchs were thought to possess, making them ideal for such sensitive positions.

The mention of Shaashgaz in the context of Esther's account highlights the complex social and political structures of the Persian Empire. The harem was not only a place of residence for the king's women but also a political institution where alliances were formed, and influence was wielded. Shaashgaz's role would have required him to manage these dynamics carefully, ensuring the king's interests were protected.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The Book of Esther provides a glimpse into the opulence and intricacies of the Persian court. The presence of eunuchs like Shaashgaz underscores the administrative sophistication of the empire, where specialized roles were created to manage the vast and diverse needs of the royal household. Eunuchs were often chosen for their positions due to their perceived loyalty and inability to produce heirs, which minimized the risk of power struggles within the court.

In the broader narrative of Esther, Shaashgaz's role, though minor, is part of the backdrop against which Esther rises to prominence. Her journey from the harem to becoming queen is marked by the careful navigation of court protocols and the favor she finds with King Ahasuerus, ultimately leading to her pivotal role in saving the Jewish people from Haman's plot.

Theological Significance:

While Shaashgaz himself is not a central figure in the theological themes of the Book of Esther, his mention contributes to the understanding of God's providence and sovereignty. The detailed description of court life, including the roles of individuals like Shaashgaz, sets the stage for the unfolding of God's plan through Esther. The narrative demonstrates how God can work through seemingly mundane and secular circumstances to achieve His purposes, using individuals in various positions to bring about His will.

In summary, Shaashgaz serves as a minor yet integral part of the Persian court's functioning, illustrating the complex social structures of the time and providing context for the divine orchestration of events in the Book of Esther.Shaashgaz

he that presses the fleece; that shears the sheep

Servant of the beautiful, a chief eunuch in the second house of the harem of king Ahasuerus (Esther 2:14). SHAASHGAZ

sha-ash'-gaz (sha`ashgaz; Septuagint reads Gai, the same name it gives to the official referred to in Esther 2:8, 15; the name may go back to the Old Bactrian word Sasakshant, "one anxious to learn" (Scheft); most commentators suggest no explanation): A chamberlain of Ahasuerus, king of Persia; as keeper of "the second house of women," he had Esther under his charge (2:14).

8190. Shaashgaz -- a Pers. eunuch
... 8189, 8190. Shaashgaz. 8191 . a Pers. eunuch. Transliteration: Shaashgaz
Phonetic Spelling: (shah-ash-gaz') Short Definition: Shaashgaz. ...
/hebrew/8190.htm - 5kShaashgaz (1 Occurrence)
... 2:14). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. SHAASHGAZ. sha-ash'-gaz ... 2:14).
Multi-Version Concordance Shaashgaz (1 Occurrence). Esther 2:14 ...
/s/shaashgaz.htm - 7k

Shabbethai (3 Occurrences)

/s/shabbethai.htm - 9k

Women's (9 Occurrences)
... Esther 2:14 In the evening she went, and on the next day she returned into the second
women's house, to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king's eunuch, who kept ...
/w/women's.htm - 9k

Concubines (18 Occurrences)
... Esther 2:14 In the evening she went, and on the next day she returned into the second
women's house, to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king's eunuch, who kept ...
/c/concubines.htm - 13k

Shaarim (1 Occurrence)

/s/shaarim.htm - 6k

Custody (27 Occurrences)
... Esther 2:14 In the evening she went, and on the next day she returned into the second
women's house, to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king's eunuch, who kept ...
/c/custody.htm - 15k

Delighted (56 Occurrences)
... Esther 2:14 In the evening she went, and on the next day she returned into the second
women's house, to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king's eunuch, who kept ...
/d/delighted.htm - 23k

Eunuch (20 Occurrences)
... Esther 2:14 In the evening she went, and on the next day she returned into the second
women's house, to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king's eunuch, who kept ...
/e/eunuch.htm - 22k

Summoned (103 Occurrences)
... Esther 2:14 In the evening she went, and on the next day she returned into the second
women's house, to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king's eunuch, who kept ...
/s/summoned.htm - 35k

Harem (8 Occurrences)
... Esther 2:14 In the evening she went, and on the next day she returned into the second
women's house, to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king's eunuch, who kept ...
/h/harem.htm - 9k

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