The Hebrew word Shaʻashgaz, represented by H8190, is a proper name of Persian derivation. It appears 1 times across 1 unique verses in the Bible. The name belongs to a eunuch who served Xerxes.
In the biblical narrative, Shaʻashgaz H8190 is identified as the king's H4428 chamberlain H5631 who was in charge of the royal concubines H6370. His role is described in the account of the women brought to the palace. After a woman spent a night with the king, she would be moved to the "second house H1004 of the women H802" and placed under the custody H3027 of Shaashgaz H8190. She would not see the king again unless he delighted H2654 in her and called H7121 for her by name H8034 Esther 2:14.
Several related words from his single appearance help clarify his position and context:
- H5631 çârîyç (chamberlain, eunuch, officer): This title denotes a specific role within the royal court, often a minister of state or a valet for the female apartments. Such officers held positions of trust, as seen with the prince of the eunuchs in Daniel's time Daniel 1:9.
- H4428 melek (king): Shaashgaz was a servant of the king H4428, the ultimate earthly authority in the narrative. The king's heart and will are shown to be under a higher power Proverbs 21:1.
- H8104 shâmar (kept, guard, protect): This word describes Shaashgaz's function to kept H8104 or guard the concubines. The term signifies careful oversight and protection, much like the LORD is said to keep H8104 a city Psalms 127:1.
- H6370 pîylegesh (concubine): These were the women under Shaashgaz's charge. Concubines were a recognized part of patriarchal and royal households, though distinct from wives Genesis 25:6.
The mention of H8190 provides a glimpse into the structure of the Persian court and related themes.
- Royal Authority: The system managed by Shaashgaz demonstrates the absolute power of the king H4428. A woman's future depended entirely on whether the king delighted H2654 in her, a word also used to describe God's favor Micah 7:18.
- Order and Custody: His role as the chamberlain H5631 who kept H8104 the concubines highlights the highly structured and regulated environment of the royal palace, where every person and duty was meticulously organized.
- Stewardship in Service: Shaashgaz was entrusted with a specific and sensitive responsibility within the king's household. His position as keeper of the second house H1004 of the women illustrates a role of delegated authority and service to the crown Esther 2:14.
In summary, H8190 Shaʻashgaz is not a common word but the specific name of a historical figure in a position of royal service. His singular mention in scripture is significant for the detailed picture it paints of the protocols and power dynamics within the court of King Xerxes. He exemplifies the role of a trusted officer carrying out the will of the monarch.
TRV