Zethar is a figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Esther. He is identified as one of the seven eunuchs who served in the court of King Ahasuerus, the Persian monarch traditionally identified with Xerxes I. The role of Zethar and his fellow eunuchs was significant in the royal court, as they were entrusted with carrying out the king's commands and managing various aspects of palace life.

Biblical Reference:

Zethar is mentioned in Esther 1:10, which states: "On the seventh day, when King Ahasuerus was in high spirits from wine, he commanded the seven eunuchs who served him—Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas—" . This passage highlights the context in which Zethar is introduced, during a lavish banquet hosted by King Ahasuerus. The king, in a state of revelry, instructs his eunuchs to bring Queen Vashti before him to display her beauty to the assembled guests.

Role and Significance:

The mention of Zethar, along with the other eunuchs, underscores the hierarchical and administrative structure of the Persian court. Eunuchs like Zethar were often chosen for their loyalty and reliability, serving as intermediaries between the king and his subjects. Their presence in the narrative of Esther illustrates the opulence and complexity of the Persian Empire's governance.

Zethar's role, though briefly mentioned, is part of the larger narrative that sets the stage for the events leading to Queen Esther's rise to prominence. The refusal of Queen Vashti to appear before the king, as conveyed by the eunuchs, leads to her removal and the subsequent search for a new queen, ultimately resulting in Esther's selection.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the ancient Near Eastern context, eunuchs were commonly employed in royal courts due to their perceived trustworthiness and inability to establish dynasties that might threaten the king's lineage. Their duties could range from managing the king's harem to overseeing various administrative tasks. Zethar's inclusion in the list of eunuchs serving King Ahasuerus reflects this broader cultural practice.

The Book of Esther, while set in a historical context, is also a narrative rich with themes of providence, courage, and the survival of the Jewish people in a foreign land. Zethar's mention, though brief, contributes to the authenticity and detail of the courtly setting in which these themes unfold.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the account of Esther, including the roles of minor characters like Zethar, demonstrates God's sovereignty and the unfolding of His plans through seemingly ordinary events and individuals. The narrative invites readers to consider how God works through human history, using both prominent and obscure figures to achieve His purposes.

In summary, Zethar's role as one of the seven eunuchs in the court of King Ahasuerus, while minor, is part of the intricate tapestry of the Book of Esther. His mention serves to enhance the historical and cultural setting of the narrative, providing insight into the workings of the Persian Empire and the divine orchestration of events that lead to the deliverance of the Jewish people.Zethar

he that examines or beholds

Zethar

(star), one of the seven eunuchs of Ahasuerus, (Esther 1:10) (B.C. 453.)

ZETHAR

ze'-thar (zethar; Oppert, Esther, 25, compares Persian zaitar, "conqueror"; see BDB; Septuagint Abataza): A eunuch of Ahasuerus (Esther 1:10).

2242. Zethar -- a eunuch of Ahasuerus
... 2241, 2242. Zethar. 2243 . a eunuch of Ahasuerus. Transliteration: Zethar
Phonetic Spelling: (zay-thar') Short Definition: Zethar. ...
/hebrew/2242.htm - 5kZethar (1 Occurrence)
...ZETHAR. ze'-thar (zethar; Oppert, Esther, 25, compares Persian zaitar, "conqueror";
see BDB; Septuagint Abataza): A eunuch of Ahasuerus (Esther 1:10). ...
/z/zethar.htm - 7k

Zeus (3 Occurrences)

/z/zeus.htm - 8k

Xerxes (24 Occurrences)
... Esther 1:10 On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine,
he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcass ...
/x/xerxes.htm - 14k

Zethan (1 Occurrence)

/z/zethan.htm - 7k

Unsexed (26 Occurrences)
... 1:10 On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was glad with wine, he gave
orders to Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas ...
/u/unsexed.htm - 15k

Eunuchs (33 Occurrences)
... Esther 1:10 On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine,
he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcass ...
/e/eunuchs.htm - 17k

Mehuman (1 Occurrence)
... Esther 1:10 On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine,
he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcass ...
/m/mehuman.htm - 7k

Mehu'man (1 Occurrence)
... Esther 1:10 On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine,
he commanded Mehuman, Bizzetha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas ...
/m/mehu'man.htm - 6k

Biztha (1 Occurrence)
... Esther 1:10 On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine,
he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcass ...
/b/biztha.htm - 7k

Bizzetha (1 Occurrence)
... Esther 1:10 On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine,
he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas ...
/b/bizzetha.htm - 6k

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