Teresh
“Strictness; or Firm (Persian)”
Summary
Teresh was one of two eunuchs who plotted to assassinate King Ahasuerus of Persia; the conspiracy was discovered by Mordecai and the plotters were hanged.
☩The Conspiracy
Teresh was one of two chamberlains who served as doorkeepers at the palace of King Ahasuerus (Xerxes) of Persia. Together with his fellow conspirator Bigthan (or Bigthana), he plotted to assassinate the king. Their motives are not explicitly stated, but their position as doorkeepers would have given them access to carry out such a scheme.
☩Discovery and Execution
The plot was discovered by Mordecai the Jew, who reported it to Queen Esther, who in turn informed the king in Mordecai's name. An investigation confirmed the conspiracy, and both Teresh and Bigthan were hanged on a tree (or impaled). The matter was recorded in the chronicles of the kingdom, but Mordecai received no immediate reward. This apparent oversight would later prove providential when the king, unable to sleep, had the chronicles read to him and learned of Mordecai's unrewarded service—leading to Mordecai's honor and Haman's humiliation.
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Teresh," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. X (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Teresh," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. V (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.George Morrish, "Teresh," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 4.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Teresh," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).