Esther 6 Study Notes: The King’s Sleepless Night and Mordecai Honored
Unable to sleep, King Xerxes hears the royal records read and learns that Mordecai was never rewarded for saving his life. Haman, arriving to request Mordecai’s death, must lead Mordecai through the city in royal honor; his wife and advisers foresee his fall, and he is hurried off to Esther’s banquet.
General
What did Mordecai and Haman each do after the parade (Esther 6:12)?
Answer: Mordecai returned to his post at the gate, and Haman hurried home in grief
When it was over, Mordecai simply went back to his place by the palace gate. Haman, though, hurried home mourning, his head hidden under a covering (6:12). Covering one’s head was a sign of grief, as when David wept while climbing the Mount of Olives, his head covered (2 Samuel 15:30). Haman’s proud day had turned into humiliation, just as Scripture says that disgrace follows pride (Proverbs 11:2).
- Esther 6:12 (BSB)“Then Mordecai returned to the king’s gate. But Haman rushed home, with his head covered in grief.”After the procession, Mordecai and Haman go their separate ways.
- 2 Samuel 15:30 (BSB)“But David continued up the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went up. His head was covered, and he was walking barefoot. And all the people with him covered their heads and went up, weeping as they went.”Covering the head was a sign of grief, as when David went up the Mount of Olives weeping.
- Proverbs 11:2 (BSB)“When pride comes, disgrace follows, but with humility comes wisdom.”When pride comes, disgrace follows close behind.
Theological
How did Mordecai and Haman each respond once the procession ended (Esther 6:12)?
Answer: Mordecai returned to his post at the gate, and Haman hurried home in grief
Mordecai quietly returns to his place by the palace gate, while Haman hastens home mourning, his head veiled (6:12), the gesture of grief seen when David wept while climbing the Mount of Olives (2 Samuel 15:30). The contrast is pointed: the one honored resumes his post, and the proud man is humiliated, as Proverbs 11:2 says disgrace follows pride.
- Esther 6:12 (BSB)“Then Mordecai returned to the king’s gate. But Haman rushed home, with his head covered in grief.”After the procession, Mordecai and Haman go their separate ways.
- 2 Samuel 15:30 (BSB)“But David continued up the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went up. His head was covered, and he was walking barefoot. And all the people with him covered their heads and went up, weeping as they went.”Covering the head was a sign of grief, as when David went up the Mount of Olives weeping.
- Proverbs 11:2 (BSB)“When pride comes, disgrace follows, but with humility comes wisdom.”When pride comes, disgrace follows close behind.
General
True or False: Haman had come into the palace court intending to request that the king have Mordecai hanged (Esther 6:4-5).
Answer: True
This is true. Just as the king asked who was in the court, Haman had just arrived to ask that Mordecai be put to death on the gallows built for him (6:4), following the advice he had received the night before (5:14). The servants told the king Haman was there, and the king had him brought in (6:5). Haman came to destroy Mordecai at the very moment the king was thinking about honoring him. Scripture teaches that people plan their course while the LORD determines their steps (Proverbs 16:9), and that even outcomes that look like chance are decided by Him (Proverbs 16:33).
- Esther 6:4-5 (BSB)““Who is in the court?” the king asked. Now Haman had just entered the outer court of the palace to ask the king to hang Mordecai on the gallows he had prepared for him. So the king’s attendants answered him, “Haman is there, standing in the court.” “Bring him in,” ordered the king.”As the king asks who is in the court, Haman has just arrived with a request about Mordecai.
- Esther 5:14 (BSB)“His wife Zeresh and all his friends told him, “Have them build a gallows fifty cubits high, and ask the king in the morning to have Mordecai hanged on it. Then go to the banquet with the king and enjoy yourself.” The advice pleased Haman, and he had the gallows constructed.”Haman had been advised the evening before to ask the king in the morning to hang Mordecai.
- Proverbs 16:9 (BSB)“A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.”People plan their course, but the LORD determines where their steps actually lead.
- Proverbs 16:33 (BSB)“The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.”Even what looks like chance is decided by the LORD.
Theological
True or False: Haman had stepped into the palace’s outer court intending to request Mordecai’s hanging (Esther 6:4-5).
Answer: True
This is true. At the very moment the king asks who is waiting outside, Haman has just come in to request Mordecai’s execution on the gallows prepared for him (6:4), acting on the counsel of the previous evening (5:14); he is summoned in (6:5). The timing could hardly be sharper: Haman arrives to destroy the very person the king now means to honor. The book shows providence through such timing, and Scripture elsewhere teaches that the LORD directs the steps of those who plan their way (Proverbs 16:9) and decides even the outcome of a cast lot (Proverbs 16:33).
- Esther 6:4-5 (BSB)““Who is in the court?” the king asked. Now Haman had just entered the outer court of the palace to ask the king to hang Mordecai on the gallows he had prepared for him. So the king’s attendants answered him, “Haman is there, standing in the court.” “Bring him in,” ordered the king.”As the king asks who is in the court, Haman has just arrived with a request about Mordecai.
- Esther 5:14 (BSB)“His wife Zeresh and all his friends told him, “Have them build a gallows fifty cubits high, and ask the king in the morning to have Mordecai hanged on it. Then go to the banquet with the king and enjoy yourself.” The advice pleased Haman, and he had the gallows constructed.”Haman had been advised the evening before to ask the king in the morning to hang Mordecai.
- Proverbs 16:9 (BSB)“A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.”People plan their course, but the LORD determines where their steps actually lead.
- Proverbs 16:33 (BSB)“The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.”Even what looks like chance is decided by the LORD.
General
When the king asked how a man he wished to honor ought to be treated, what did Haman assume (Esther 6:6)?
Answer: That the king could only be speaking about Haman himself
The king asked Haman what ought to be done for a man the king wished to honor, without saying who the man was. Haman said to himself that there was no one the king would rather honor than him (6:6). Just the evening before he had been boasting about his wealth and honors (5:11-12), and his pride made him certain the honor was his. Scripture warns that pride comes before destruction (Proverbs 16:18).
- Esther 6:6 (BSB)“Haman entered, and the king asked him, “What should be done for the man whom the king is delighted to honor?” Now Haman thought to himself, “Whom would the king be delighted to honor more than me?””The king asks Haman’s advice without naming anyone, and Haman draws his own conclusion.
- Esther 5:11-12 (BSB)“Haman recounted to them his glorious wealth, his many sons, and all the ways the king had honored and promoted him over the other officials and servants. “What is more,” Haman added, “Queen Esther invited no one but me to join the king at the banquet she prepared, and I am invited back tomorrow along with the king.”The evening before, Haman had boasted of all the honors he had already received.
- Proverbs 16:18 (BSB)“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”Pride comes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.
Theological
What did Haman assume about the one whom the king intended to honor (Esther 6:6)?
Answer: That the king could only be speaking about Haman himself
The king’s question about the man he delights to honor names no one, and Haman’s private reasoning fills the gap with himself: surely no one is more worthy of the king’s honor (6:6). His self-absorption, already on display in the boasting of the previous evening (5:11-12), blinds him. Pride runs ahead of destruction (Proverbs 16:18).
- Esther 6:6 (BSB)“Haman entered, and the king asked him, “What should be done for the man whom the king is delighted to honor?” Now Haman thought to himself, “Whom would the king be delighted to honor more than me?””The king asks Haman’s advice without naming anyone, and Haman draws his own conclusion.
- Esther 5:11-12 (BSB)“Haman recounted to them his glorious wealth, his many sons, and all the ways the king had honored and promoted him over the other officials and servants. “What is more,” Haman added, “Queen Esther invited no one but me to join the king at the banquet she prepared, and I am invited back tomorrow along with the king.”The evening before, Haman had boasted of all the honors he had already received.
- Proverbs 16:18 (BSB)“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”Pride comes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.
General
What did the king order Haman to do after hearing his proposal (Esther 6:10-11)?
Answer: Haman himself must do it all for Mordecai the Jew, leaving nothing out
The king told Haman to hurry and do everything he had just suggested for Mordecai the Jew, the man seated by the palace gate, and not to leave out a single detail (6:10). So Haman had to dress his enemy in the royal robe, lead him mounted through the public square, and announce the king’s favor before him (6:11). The man who had come to ask for Mordecai’s death ended up honoring him in public. This reversal matches Scripture’s teaching that God brings down and lifts up (1 Samuel 2:7-8), that pride brings a person low (Proverbs 29:23), and, in Jesus’ words, that the self-exalting will be brought low (Luke 14:11).
- Esther 6:10-11 (BSB)““Hurry,” said the king to Haman, “and do just as you proposed. Take the robe and the horse to Mordecai the Jew, who is sitting at the king’s gate. Do not neglect anything that you have suggested.” So Haman took the robe and the horse, arrayed Mordecai, and paraded him through the city square, crying out before him, “This is what is done for the man whom the king is delighted to honor!””The king orders Haman to carry out his own proposal for Mordecai, and Haman obeys.
- 1 Samuel 2:7-8 (BSB)“The LORD sends poverty and wealth; He humbles and He exalts. He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap. He seats them among princes and bestows on them a throne of honor. For the foundations of the earth are the LORD’s, and upon them He has set the world.”The LORD brings low and lifts up, raising the needy to sit among princes.
- Luke 14:11 (BSB)“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.””Jesus teaches that those who exalt themselves will be humbled and the humble exalted.
- Proverbs 29:23 (BSB)“A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor.”Pride brings a person low, while a humble spirit gains honor.
Theological
What command did the king give Haman in response to his proposal (Esther 6:10-11)?
Answer: Haman himself must do it all for Mordecai the Jew, leaving nothing out
The king orders Haman to make haste and perform every element of his own proposal for Mordecai the Jew, seated by the palace gate, omitting nothing (6:10). Haman therefore robes Mordecai, leads him through the public square on the royal horse, and proclaims the king’s favor before him (6:11). The man who came to seek Mordecai’s execution becomes the herald of his honor. The reversal displays the pattern Scripture states plainly: the LORD humbles and exalts (1 Samuel 2:7-8), pride brings a man low (Proverbs 29:23), and the self-exalting will be humbled (Luke 14:11).
- Esther 6:10-11 (BSB)““Hurry,” said the king to Haman, “and do just as you proposed. Take the robe and the horse to Mordecai the Jew, who is sitting at the king’s gate. Do not neglect anything that you have suggested.” So Haman took the robe and the horse, arrayed Mordecai, and paraded him through the city square, crying out before him, “This is what is done for the man whom the king is delighted to honor!””The king orders Haman to carry out his own proposal for Mordecai, and Haman obeys.
- 1 Samuel 2:7-8 (BSB)“The LORD sends poverty and wealth; He humbles and He exalts. He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap. He seats them among princes and bestows on them a throne of honor. For the foundations of the earth are the LORD’s, and upon them He has set the world.”The LORD brings low and lifts up, raising the needy to sit among princes.
- Luke 14:11 (BSB)“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.””Jesus teaches that those who exalt themselves will be humbled and the humble exalted.
- Proverbs 29:23 (BSB)“A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor.”Pride brings a person low, while a humble spirit gains honor.
General
What honors did Haman propose for the one the king wanted to honor (Esther 6:7-9)?
Answer: A royal robe and horse the king had used, and a prince leading a parade
Believing the honor was for himself, Haman described a grand public display. Royal clothing the king had personally put on and a horse he had ridden, its head adorned with a royal emblem, should be entrusted to a prince of the highest rank. That prince was to dress the man in the robe, lead him mounted through the public square, and announce before him that such is the treatment of the one the king delights to honor (6:7-9). It resembles the way Pharaoh honored Joseph in front of all Egypt (Genesis 41:42-43). Scripture warns against grabbing a place of honor before a king (Proverbs 25:6), and Haman was about to learn why.
- Esther 6:7-9 (BSB)“And Haman told the king, “For the man whom the king is delighted to honor, have them bring a royal robe that the king himself has worn and a horse on which the king himself has ridden—one with a royal crest placed on its head. Let the robe and the horse be entrusted to one of the king’s most noble princes. Let them array the man the king wants to honor and parade him on the horse through the city square, proclaiming before him, ‘This is what is done for the man whom the king is delighted to honor!’””Haman, thinking of himself, describes a public display of royal honor.
- Genesis 41:42-43 (BSB)“Then Pharaoh removed the signet ring from his finger, put it on Joseph’s finger, clothed him in garments of fine linen, and placed a gold chain around his neck. He had Joseph ride in his second chariot, with men calling out before him, “Bow the knee!” So he placed him over all the land of Egypt.”Pharaoh honored Joseph in a similar public way, with royal clothing, a chariot and men calling out before him.
- Proverbs 25:6 (BSB)“Do not exalt yourself in the presence of the king, and do not stand in the place of great men;”Scripture warns against claiming a place of honor for oneself before a king.
Theological
What honors did Haman recommend for the one the king delighted to honor (Esther 6:7-9)?
Answer: A royal robe and horse the king had used, and a prince leading a parade
Imagining himself the recipient, Haman proposes a public spectacle: a robe and a horse from the king’s own use, the horse bearing a royal emblem, placed in the hands of one of the highest princes, who is to array the man, lead him through the public square, and proclaim the king’s favor before him (6:7-9). The scene parallels Joseph’s public elevation by Pharaoh (Genesis 41:42-43). In effect he has claimed honor for himself in the king’s presence, the very thing Proverbs 25:6 warns against.
- Esther 6:7-9 (BSB)“And Haman told the king, “For the man whom the king is delighted to honor, have them bring a royal robe that the king himself has worn and a horse on which the king himself has ridden—one with a royal crest placed on its head. Let the robe and the horse be entrusted to one of the king’s most noble princes. Let them array the man the king wants to honor and parade him on the horse through the city square, proclaiming before him, ‘This is what is done for the man whom the king is delighted to honor!’””Haman, thinking of himself, describes a public display of royal honor.
- Genesis 41:42-43 (BSB)“Then Pharaoh removed the signet ring from his finger, put it on Joseph’s finger, clothed him in garments of fine linen, and placed a gold chain around his neck. He had Joseph ride in his second chariot, with men calling out before him, “Bow the knee!” So he placed him over all the land of Egypt.”Pharaoh honored Joseph in a similar public way, with royal clothing, a chariot and men calling out before him.
- Proverbs 25:6 (BSB)“Do not exalt yourself in the presence of the king, and do not stand in the place of great men;”Scripture warns against claiming a place of honor for oneself before a king.
General
When the king heard the record of how Mordecai had uncovered the plot against him, what did his attendants tell him (Esther 6:2-3)?
Answer: That nothing at all had been done to honor Mordecai for it
As the chronicles were read, they reached the account of how Mordecai had uncovered a plot by Bigthana and Teresh, a pair of eunuchs (palace officials) guarding the entrance, who had planned to kill King Xerxes (6:2; compare 2:21-22). The king asked what honor Mordecai had received for this, and his attendants answered that he had received none (6:3). Mordecai’s good deed had gone unrewarded, just as Joseph was forgotten for a time by the cupbearer he had helped (Genesis 40:23). Now, at exactly this point in the story, it was brought back to mind.
- Esther 6:2-3 (BSB)“And there it was found recorded that Mordecai had exposed Bigthana and Teresh, two of the eunuchs who guarded the king’s entrance, when they had conspired to assassinate King Xerxes. The king inquired, “What honor or dignity has been bestowed on Mordecai for this act?” “Nothing has been done for him,” replied the king’s attendants.”The reading reaches Mordecai’s exposure of the assassination plot, and the king asks how he was rewarded.
- Esther 2:21-22 (BSB)“In those days, while Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate, Bigthan and Teresh, two of the king’s eunuchs who guarded the entrance, grew angry and conspired to assassinate King Xerxes. When Mordecai learned of the plot, he reported it to Queen Esther, and she informed the king on Mordecai’s behalf.”Mordecai had learned of the eunuchs’ plot against the king and reported it through Esther.
- Genesis 40:23 (BSB)“The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot all about him.”Joseph’s kindness to the cupbearer was likewise forgotten, much as Mordecai’s service had been.
Theological
What did the king learn when he asked about Mordecai’s reward for exposing the plot (Esther 6:2-3)?
Answer: That nothing at all had been done to honor Mordecai for it
The reading arrives at Mordecai’s exposure of Bigthana and Teresh, the eunuchs at the entrance who had conspired to kill Xerxes (6:2; 2:21-22). Asked what honor had been conferred for it, the attendants report that none had (6:3). The deed had lain forgotten, much as Joseph was forgotten by the cupbearer (Genesis 40:23), only to be recalled at the precise moment it would matter most.
- Esther 6:2-3 (BSB)“And there it was found recorded that Mordecai had exposed Bigthana and Teresh, two of the eunuchs who guarded the king’s entrance, when they had conspired to assassinate King Xerxes. The king inquired, “What honor or dignity has been bestowed on Mordecai for this act?” “Nothing has been done for him,” replied the king’s attendants.”The reading reaches Mordecai’s exposure of the assassination plot, and the king asks how he was rewarded.
- Esther 2:21-22 (BSB)“In those days, while Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate, Bigthan and Teresh, two of the king’s eunuchs who guarded the entrance, grew angry and conspired to assassinate King Xerxes. When Mordecai learned of the plot, he reported it to Queen Esther, and she informed the king on Mordecai’s behalf.”Mordecai had learned of the eunuchs’ plot against the king and reported it through Esther.
- Genesis 40:23 (BSB)“The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot all about him.”Joseph’s kindness to the cupbearer was likewise forgotten, much as Mordecai’s service had been.
General
On the night the king could not sleep, what did he do (Esther 6:1)?
Answer: He had the royal chronicles fetched and read aloud to him
That night the king could not sleep, so he called for the official chronicles of his reign to be fetched and read aloud (6:1). This was the very record in which Mordecai’s earlier service had been written down (2:23). This sleepless night sets the great turnaround of the story in motion. The book shows God’s rule through events like this one, and the rest of Scripture teaches plainly that the LORD directs a king’s heart (Proverbs 21:1) and that Israel’s Protector never dozes or sleeps (Psalm 121:4).
- Esther 6:1 (BSB)“That night sleep escaped the king; so he ordered the Book of Records, the Chronicles, to be brought in and read to him.”On the night after Esther’s first banquet the king cannot sleep and calls for the royal records.
- Esther 2:23 (BSB)“After the report had been investigated and verified, both officials were hanged on the gallows. And all this was recorded in the Book of the Chronicles in the presence of the king.”Mordecai’s earlier service had been written in the royal chronicles in the king’s presence.
- Proverbs 21:1 (BSB)“The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases.”Scripture teaches that the LORD directs a king’s heart wherever He pleases.
- Psalm 121:4 (BSB)“Behold, the Protector of Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.”Scripture teaches that the One who protects Israel never sleeps.
Theological
What did the king do when he could not sleep (Esther 6:1)?
Answer: He had the royal chronicles fetched and read aloud to him
On that night the king is sleepless and commands that the royal annals be fetched and read before him (6:1), the same annals in which Mordecai’s exposure of the plot had been entered (2:23). The hinge of the whole reversal turns on a king’s restless night. Scripture states outright what the book shows through events: a king’s heart lies in the LORD’s hand (Proverbs 21:1), and Israel’s Protector never slumbers (Psalm 121:4).
- Esther 6:1 (BSB)“That night sleep escaped the king; so he ordered the Book of Records, the Chronicles, to be brought in and read to him.”On the night after Esther’s first banquet the king cannot sleep and calls for the royal records.
- Esther 2:23 (BSB)“After the report had been investigated and verified, both officials were hanged on the gallows. And all this was recorded in the Book of the Chronicles in the presence of the king.”Mordecai’s earlier service had been written in the royal chronicles in the king’s presence.
- Proverbs 21:1 (BSB)“The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases.”Scripture teaches that the LORD directs a king’s heart wherever He pleases.
- Psalm 121:4 (BSB)“Behold, the Protector of Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.”Scripture teaches that the One who protects Israel never sleeps.
General
When Haman described the day’s events to Zeresh and his advisers, what did they tell him (Esther 6:13-14)?
Answer: That since Mordecai was Jewish, Haman would not prevail but would fall
Haman reported the whole day to Zeresh and his friends. His wife and those advisers answered that because Mordecai, the man before whom his fall had already started, was Jewish, Haman could not win against him and would certainly fall before him (6:13). Before they had even finished talking, the royal eunuchs came and hurried Haman off to Esther’s banquet (6:14), and before long their words came true when Haman was hanged on his own gallows (7:10). Scripture teaches that God keeps His covenant people, the people He has bound Himself to by promise, beginning with His promise to Abraham to bless anyone who blessed him and curse anyone who cursed him (Genesis 12:3), and that the Lord sees the day coming for the wicked who plot against the righteous (Psalm 37:12-13).
- Esther 6:13-14 (BSB)“Haman told his wife Zeresh and all his friends everything that had happened. His advisers and his wife Zeresh said to him, “Since Mordecai, before whom your downfall has begun, is Jewish, you will not prevail against him—for surely you will fall before him.” While they were still speaking with Haman, the king’s eunuchs arrived and rushed him to the banquet that Esther had prepared.”Zeresh and Haman’s advisers foresee his defeat, and the king’s eunuchs arrive to take him to the banquet.
- Genesis 12:3 (BSB)“I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you; and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you.””God promised Abraham that He would bless those who bless him and curse those who curse him.
- Esther 7:10 (BSB)“So they hanged Haman on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the fury of the king subsided.”Their words come true when Haman is hanged on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai.
- Psalm 37:12-13 (BSB)“The wicked scheme against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them, but the Lord laughs, seeing that their day is coming.”The wicked plot against the righteous, but the Lord sees that their day is coming.
Theological
What did Zeresh and Haman’s advisers predict after his humiliation (Esther 6:13-14)?
Answer: That since Mordecai was Jewish, Haman would not prevail but would fall
Hearing the whole account, Haman’s advisers and Zeresh declare that because Mordecai, the man before whom his decline has begun, is of Jewish descent, Haman will not prevail but will surely fall (6:13). Even as they speak, the king’s eunuchs arrive and hurry Haman to Esther’s banquet (6:14), and the prediction is soon fulfilled on his own gallows (7:10). What the book shows through events, Scripture elsewhere teaches: God preserves His covenant people, as His promise to Abraham to curse anyone who cursed him shows (Genesis 12:3), and the Lord laughs at the wicked who plot against the righteous, knowing their day will come (Psalm 37:12-13).
- Esther 6:13-14 (BSB)“Haman told his wife Zeresh and all his friends everything that had happened. His advisers and his wife Zeresh said to him, “Since Mordecai, before whom your downfall has begun, is Jewish, you will not prevail against him—for surely you will fall before him.” While they were still speaking with Haman, the king’s eunuchs arrived and rushed him to the banquet that Esther had prepared.”Zeresh and Haman’s advisers foresee his defeat, and the king’s eunuchs arrive to take him to the banquet.
- Genesis 12:3 (BSB)“I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you; and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you.””God promised Abraham that He would bless those who bless him and curse those who curse him.
- Esther 7:10 (BSB)“So they hanged Haman on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the fury of the king subsided.”Their words come true when Haman is hanged on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai.
- Psalm 37:12-13 (BSB)“The wicked scheme against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them, but the Lord laughs, seeing that their day is coming.”The wicked plot against the righteous, but the Lord sees that their day is coming.