Bible Word of the Day
Bible Vocabulary
Cupbearer (Personal Assistant, Friend and Adviser to the King)
Meaning
The position of "Cupbearer" was actually a high-ranking official position in the kingdoms of the ancient near east. The cupbearer was a personal assistant and often time advisor to the king himself. Their job was to review and inspect anything that came into personal contact with the king. They were the last line of defense against poisoning and attack. The name "cupbearer" stems from the tradition of testing, and in some cases tasting the food and wine prior to the king consuming it.
And because of the duties of the position the cupbearer often became the close personal friend of the king and oversaw other officials as well. We see two historical accounts involving cupbearers from the Bible. Both men became wonderful God-honoring leaders. There was Joseph who rose to power and was second only to the Pharaoh himself. And Nehemiah, who was the cupbearer to Artaxerxes the king of Persia (modern day Iran). Nehemiah oversaw the rebuilding of Jerusalem and functioned as the governor for a short time before returning to Persia.
"It came to pass after these things that the butler (cubbearer) and the baker of the king of Egypt offended their lord, the king of Egypt. And Pharaoh was angry with his two officers, the chief butler and the chief baker." (Book of Genesis 40:1-2)
"'O Lord, I pray, please let Your ear be attentive to the prayer of Your servant, and to the prayer of Your servants who desire to fear Your name; and let Your servant prosper this day, I pray, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.' For I was the king's cupbearer." (Book of Nehemiah 1:11)
   
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