Who are Chartumim and Ashafim?
Who are Mechashfim?
Ibn Ezra: They seem to change nature.
Malbim: They act via Shedim (demons).
Who are Kasdim?
Ibn Ezra: They are astrologers.
Malbim: They cast lotteries.
What is the significance of those whom the king summonsed?
Ibn Ezra: Gizrin are people who seek omens. The king needed them, and not Chachamim of measure, calculation, building and supreme Chochmah. Chartumim know dreams, and how the Nefesh sees visions at night. Ashafim (doctors) know changes in the body via the pulse or urine. Most dreams are based on the body. Mechashfim know the proper times for their actions ? perhaps they can know the dream based on the position of the stars at the time. Astrologers know about a person based on [the stars] at the time of his birth.
Malbim: All of them claim to know hidden matters. He informed them from the beginning that he wants them to tell him his dream, so they will prepare all needed for this, before they come in front of the king. They should have told him that they cannot! Coming in front of him unable to do his request is like rebellion 1 !
If they were not told to come only if they know the dream, it is rebellion not to come! Perhaps he will be able to give some information that can help them to know the dream!
