The verse "O sirs, how should not the king be strongest, seeing that in such sort he is obeyed? And he held his peace" (1 Esdras 4:12) is part of a contest where three young guardsmen of King Darius argue over what is the strongest force: wine, the king, or women and truth.
Here's a breakdown of the meaning:
"O sirs, how should not the king be strongest, seeing that in such sort he is obeyed?": This statement asserts that the king's strength lies in his absolute obedience from his subjects. The speaker argues that because the king's word is law and everyone follows it, he must be the most powerful. The phrase "in such sort he is obeyed" emphasizes the extent and nature of this obedience, implying it's complete and unwavering.
"And he held his peace.": This brief phrase is about King Darius. It indicates that the King listened to his guardsmen speak and make their arguments. Darius chose not to speak, probably to let the contest unfold naturally.
In summary, the verse argues that the king's power is derived from the complete obedience he commands, and that the king listened silently to what was being said about him.
The verse "O sirs, how should not the king be strongest, seeing that in such sort he is obeyed? And he held his peace" (1 Esdras 4:12) is part of a contest where three young guardsmen of King Darius argue over what is the strongest force: wine, the king, or women and truth.
Here's a breakdown of the meaning:
"O sirs, how should not the king be strongest, seeing that in such sort he is obeyed?": This statement asserts that the king's strength lies in his absolute obedience from his subjects. The speaker argues that because the king's word is law and everyone follows it, he must be the most powerful. The phrase "in such sort he is obeyed" emphasizes the extent and nature of this obedience, implying it's complete and unwavering.
"And he held his peace.": This brief phrase is about King Darius. It indicates that the King listened to his guardsmen speak and make their arguments. Darius chose not to speak, probably to let the contest unfold naturally.
In summary, the verse argues that the king's power is derived from the complete obedience he commands, and that the king listened silently to what was being said about him.
