The seven men listed were not random advisors but an elite council, a formal part of the Persian government. Commentators explain this structure has historical roots, established by the seven nobles who helped King Darius (Xerxes' father) take the throne. As a reward, they were granted the unique privilege of direct access to the king, as noted by the phrase "who saw the king's face." This same council is also mentioned in Ezra 7:14.