Shaashgaz

/shay-ASH-gaz/

Summary

A Persian eunuch who served as keeper of the king's concubines in the court of King Ahasuerus (Xerxes).

☩Role in the Persian Court

Shaashgaz was a chamberlain (eunuch) of the Persian king Ahasuerus who had charge of 'the second house of women'—the royal concubines. After young women had their night with the king, they were placed under Shaashgaz's care in the second harem, unless the king specifically summoned them again by name. This was the house to which women went after being with the king but before being officially designated as queen or favored wife.

Key verses:Esther 2:14

☩Name

The name Shaashgaz is Persian, possibly meaning 'servant of the beautiful' or 'one anxious to learn.' He served a different function from Hegai, who oversaw the virgins being prepared to go before the king.

Related Verses1 mention

Esther· 1 verse

2:14

References

1.James Orr (ed.), "Shaashgaz," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
2.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Shaashgaz," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).
3.George Morrish, "Shaashgaz," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
4.John McClintock and James Strong, "Shaashgaz," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
5.John McClintock and James Strong, "Shaashgaz," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).