Topics

Shushan

Shushan was the winter capital of the Persian Empire where God sovereignly preserved His people through Esther's courage and wisdom during a plot to destroy the Jews.

Overview

Shushan (also called Susa) served as one of the royal cities of the Persian Empire during the reign of King Ahasuerus. This was the backdrop for the book of Esther, where God's providence protected the Jewish people from Haman's genocidal plot. Though God's name is never mentioned in Esther, His hand guided events through Esther's position as queen and Mordecai's faithfulness.

Key Scriptures

"In those days when King Ahasuerus sat on his royal throne in Shushan the citadel" (Esther 1:2, ESV). "So the couriers went out, hastened by the king's command, and the decree was issued in Shushan the citadel" (Esther 8:14, ESV). "The Jews had light and gladness and joy and honor. And in every province and in every city, wherever the king's command and his edict reached, there was gladness and joy among the Jews, a feast and a holiday" (Esther 8:15-16, ESV).

Application

Trust that God remains active in your circumstances even when His presence seems hidden, working through faithful obedience to accomplish His purposes.

Scripture References 14
Full Topical Reference List 14 total — Nave's Topical Bible

1. Capital of the Medo-Persian empire