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The Banquet of VashtiJacopo del Sellaio (Florence 1442–1493) · c. 1485

Carcas

/KAR-kas/

Summary

One of the seven eunuchs who served King Ahasuerus of Persia and were sent to summon Queen Vashti to the royal banquet.

Identity

Carcas was the last named of the seven eunuchs (chamberlains) who served in the harem of King Ahasuerus (Xerxes) of Persia. His name has been compared to the Sanskrit karkafa, meaning 'severe.' These chamberlains held positions of trust and intimate access to the royal household.

Key verses:Esther 1:10

Mission to Vashti

On the seventh day of the king's great banquet, when his heart was merry with wine, Ahasuerus commanded his seven chamberlains—Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas—to bring Queen Vashti before him wearing the royal crown, to display her beauty to the princes and people. Vashti's refusal to come set in motion the events that would ultimately lead to Esther becoming queen.

Key verses:Esther 1:10-12

Related Verses1 mention

Esther· 1 verse

References

  1. 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Carcas," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. II (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
  2. 2.James Orr (ed.), "Carcas," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. I (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
  3. 3.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Carcas," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).