Overview
The Bible addresses shushan across 12 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in Esther and Nehemiah. Closely related themes include Medo-Persian Kingdom, Medes, Chamberlain and Mordecai. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Mordecai, Esther, Nehemiah and Ahasuerus.
Key Bible verses about shushan
Old Testament
Esther
That in those days, when the king Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which was in Shushan the palace,
In the third year of his reign, he made a feast unto all his princes and his servants; the power of Persia and Media, the nobles and princes of the provinces, being before him:
And when these days were expired, the king made a feast unto all the people that were present in Shushan the palace, both unto great and small, seven days, in the court of the garden of the king's palace; present: Heb. found
Now in Shushan the palace there was a certain Jew, whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite;
So it came to pass, when the king's commandment and his decree was heard, and when many maidens were gathered together unto Shushan the palace, to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was brought also unto the king's house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women.
Also he gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given at Shushan to destroy them, to shew it unto Esther, and to declare it unto her, and to charge her that she should go in unto the king, to make supplication unto him, and to make request before him for her people.
Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish. present: Heb. found
So the posts that rode upon mules and camels went out, being hastened and pressed on by the king's commandment. And the decree was given at Shushan the palace.
And Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal apparel of blue and white, and with a great crown of gold, and with a garment of fine linen and purple: and the city of Shushan rejoiced and was glad. blue: or, violet
On that day the number of those that were slain in Shushan the palace was brought before the king. was: Heb. came
For the Jews that were in Shushan gathered themselves together on the fourteenth day also of the month Adar, and slew three hundred men at Shushan; but on the prey they laid not their hand.
People in the Bible and shushan
Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.
In the Bible dictionary
Studying shushan for yourself
- Begin with Nehemiah 1:1, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Compare how Esther and Nehemiah each treat the theme.
- Consider the lives of Mordecai, Esther and Nehemiah and how their stories intersect with it.
- Widen the study to related themes: Medo-Persian Kingdom, Medes, Chamberlain and Mordecai.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about shushan?
The Bible addresses shushan across 12 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in Esther and Nehemiah. Closely related themes include Medo-Persian Kingdom, Medes, Chamberlain and Mordecai. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Mordecai, Esther, Nehemiah and Ahasuerus.
How many Bible verses are about shushan?
The Bible references shushan in 12 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention shushan?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is Nehemiah 1:1: “The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah. And it came to pass in the month Chisleu, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the palace,”
Which people in the Bible are associated with shushan?
Mordecai, Esther, Nehemiah and Ahasuerus.
Preach & teach
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