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Memucan

Memucan was one of the seven princes of Persia and Media who served King Ahasuerus and played a significant role in advising the king regarding Queen Vashti's refusal to obey his command.

Overview

Memucan was among the seven wise men who had access to the king and understood the times (Esther 1:13-14). When Queen Vashti refused to come before King Ahasuerus at his banquet, Memucan stepped forward with counsel that would have far-reaching consequences for the kingdom and its women.

Key Scriptures

"And the king said to the wise men who knew the times (for this was the king's procedure toward all who knew law and justice)" (Esther 1:13, ESV).

"Then Memucan said before the king and the princes, 'Queen Vashti has wronged not only the king but also all the princes and all the peoples who are in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus. For the queen's conduct will become known to all women, causing them to look with contempt on their husbands' (Esther 1:16-17, ESV).

"If it pleases the king, let a royal order go out from him, and let it be written among the laws of the Persians and the Medes so that it cannot be altered, that Vashti is never again to come before King Ahasuerus" (Esther 1:19, ESV).

Application

Memucan's example reminds us that our counsel can profoundly influence decisions affecting many; we should seek wisdom from God's Word before advising others.

Scripture References 8
Full Topical Reference List 8 total — Nave's Topical Bible

One of the seven princes of Ahasuerus who counsels the king to divorce Queen Vashti.