### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **bîythân**, represented by `{{H1055}}`, designates a **palace**. It appears 3 times across 3 unique verses, with all occurrences found in the book of Esther. The term is likely derived from the word for "house" and is used to describe a large, grand residence fit for royalty.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H1055}}` is used exclusively to refer to the palace of King Ahasuerus in Shushan. It serves as the primary setting for key events in the story of Esther. The term is introduced when the king holds a great feast "in the court of the garden of the king's **palace**" [[Esther 1:5]]. Later, the "palace garden" becomes a pivotal location where the king retreats in wrath against Haman [[Esther 7:7]] and from which he returns to seal Haman's fate [[Esther 7:8]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to contextualize the meaning of a royal residence:
* `{{H1002}}` **bîyrâh** (a castle or palace): This word is used alongside `{{H1055}}` to describe the royal complex in Shushan. For instance, the feast takes place in the garden of the king's **palace** `{{H1055}}`, which is located in Shushan the **palace** `{{H1002}}` [[Esther 1:5]].
* `{{H1594}}` **ginnâh** (garden): This word is directly connected to `{{H1055}}` in every one of its appearances, always as part of the phrase "palace **garden**," highlighting this area as a significant part of the royal grounds [[Esther 7:7]].
* `{{H4428}}` **melek** (king): The **palace** is consistently identified as belonging to the **king**, reinforcing its status as the center of royal power and authority [[Esther 1:5]].
* `{{H4960}}` **mishteh** (banquet, ... feast): The narrative action surrounding the **palace** is often set during a royal **feast** or **banquet**. The king moves from a **banquet** of wine to the palace garden during a critical moment of the story [[Esther 7:7]].
### Theological Significance
While a secular term, the context of `{{H1055}}` provides significant narrative weight.
* **Center of Royal Authority:** The **palace** functions as the ultimate symbol of the Persian king's power and opulence. It is the site of lavish royal feasts and the seat from which the king's authority is exercised [[Esther 1:5]].
* **Stage for Divine Providence:** The **palace** and its garden become the crucial backdrop for the unfolding of God's plan. It is in this human seat of power that Haman's plot is exposed and divine deliverance for the Jews is secured [[Esther 7:8]].
* **Focus on Earthly Dwelling:** The use of `bîythân` for an earthly king's residence provides a contrast to the related word `bîyrâh` `{{H1002}}`, which is also used to describe the temple, a **palace** intended not for man, "but for the LORD God" [[1 Chronicles 29:1]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1055}}` **bîythân** is a specific term for the royal palace within the book of Esther. More than a simple architectural reference, it designates the heart of the Persian empire and the primary setting for a story of conflict and divine intervention. The word anchors the narrative in a world of immense human power, while the events that unfold within the **palace** demonstrate that such power is ultimately subject to the providence of God.
TRV