Shushan(susa)
Summary
The ancient capital of Elam and later winter residence of Persian kings, where the events of Esther occurred and where Nehemiah served as cupbearer to Artaxerxes.
☩Geography and History
Shushan (Greek: Susa) was located in the province of Elam, named for its abundant lilies. It served as capital of the Elamite empire before being conquered by the Assyrians and later the Persians. Darius the Great built a magnificent palace there, and the Achaemenid kings made it their winter residence, preferring its milder climate to Persepolis. The city lay between streams of the Eulaeus and Shapur, with canals creating a well-watered, fertile region.
☩In the Book of Esther
The entire drama of Esther unfolds at Shushan—from Vashti's banishment to Esther's elevation, from Haman's plot to Mordecai's triumph. The descriptions reveal a place of immense wealth and luxury, with gardens, marble pillars, and vessels of gold. The feast of Purim was celebrated at Shushan on a different date than elsewhere because fighting there continued an extra day. The detailed descriptions of the palace precincts show intimate knowledge of the royal compound.
☩Daniel and Nehemiah
Daniel saw himself in vision at Shushan when he received the prophecy of the ram and the goat, symbolizing Medo-Persian and Greek empires. Nehemiah served as cupbearer to King Artaxerxes at Shushan when he learned of Jerusalem's ruined walls, prompting his grief and prayer that led to his mission to rebuild. These associations place Shushan at crucial moments in Israel's post-exilic history.
References
- 1.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Shushan," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).
- 2.George Morrish, "Shushan," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 3.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Shushan," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).