king of kings. Though it was true that Artaxerxes ruled over other kings, Jesus Christ is the ultimate King of Kings (cf. Rev. 19:16), who alone can genuinely make that claim since He will rule over all kings in His coming kingdom (cf. Rev. 11:15). 7:14 seven counselors. This number was according to the Persian tradition (cf. Esth. 1:14). 7:17 now therefore. The royal decree protocol recorded in the opening words of 7:13–16 leads up to the section introduced by these words. 7:22 one hundred talents.