In his anger, Ahasuerus asked his legal experts for advice. This, the author tells us, was common practice in the Persian Empire. We know that the same was true of the Babylonian Empire, where Daniel himself had served as an adviser to the king.
These men understood the times. In other words, they had a good knowledge of history. They could advise the king, based on how similar matters had been handled in the past.
13 Then the king said to the wise men who knew the times (for this was the king’s procedure toward all who were versed in law and judgment,