Abagtha
“Fortune-given or fortunate one (Persian origin)”
Summary
One of the seven eunuchs who served in the court of the Persian king Ahasuerus (Xerxes) and was commanded to bring Queen Vashti before the king.
☩Identity and Role
Abagtha was one of the seven chief eunuchs, or chamberlains, in the palace of King Ahasuerus (Xerxes) of Persia. These seven officials held positions of considerable trust, having access to the royal chambers and serving as intermediaries between the king and the royal household. On the seventh day of the king's great feast, when his heart was merry with wine, Ahasuerus commanded Abagtha and his six fellow eunuchs to bring Queen Vashti before him wearing her royal crown, so he might display her beauty to his guests. The queen's refusal to appear set in motion the events that would eventually lead to Esther becoming queen.
Related Verses1 mention
Esther· 1 verse
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Abagtha," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. I (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Abagtha," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. I (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Abagtha," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).