Tarshish תַרְשִׁישׁ
One of the seven princes of Persia and Media
Who is Tarshish in the Bible?
Tarshish was one of the seven princes of Persia and Media during the reign of King Ahasuerus, as recorded in Esther 1:14. These seven princes held the highest positions in the Persian Empire and had special access to the king's presence, serving as his most trusted advisors. When Queen Vashti refused to appear before the king at his grand feast, Ahasuerus consulted with Tarshish and the other princes for guidance on how to handle her disobedience according to Persian law. Though Tarshish appears only briefly in Scripture, his inclusion among the king's inner circle demonstrates his significant political influence in one of history's great empires, and his role in the events of Esther helps set in motion the circumstances that would lead to the Jewish people's deliverance.
Biography
Tarshish is mentioned in Est.1.14 as one of the seven princes of Persia and Media who served as advisors to King Ahasuerus (also known as Xerxes I). These seven princes had special access to the king's presence and were the most prominent officials in the Persian Empire.
The context of Esther 1 describes a grand feast held by King Ahasuerus in the third year of his reign. During this feast, the king summoned his wife, Queen Vashti, to appear before him and his guests, but she refused. Angered by her refusal, the king consulted his wise men, including Tarshish, to determine the appropriate course of action according to the law.
Tarshish, along with the other princes, advised the king to issue a royal decree proclaiming that Vashti would never again enter the king's presence and that her royal position would be given to another woman. This decree was intended to discourage other women in the kingdom from defying their husbands' authority.
Apart from his role as one of the seven princes and his involvement in advising the king regarding Vashti's disobedience, no other information is provided about Tarshish's personal life, background, or subsequent actions in the book of Esther.
In Scripture
1 biblical book ; 1 with study contentEsther 1 verse
- Esther 1:14
"His closest advisors 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."
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Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | תַרְשִׁישׁ | tarĕšiyš | Tarshish , a place on the Mediterranean, hence, the ephithet of a merchant vessel (as if for or from that port); also the name of a Persian and of an Israelite |