This verse from Esther 6:2 is a crucial plot point in the Book of Esther. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"It was found written...": This implies that the King Ahasuerus (also known as Xerxes I) was having the royal chronicles read to him, likely to help him sleep or for entertainment. These chronicles were official records of events that happened in the kingdom.
"...that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Teresh...": Mordecai, Esther's cousin and guardian, had previously uncovered a plot against the king's life. He had reported this plot, and it had been investigated and recorded in the royal chronicles.
"...two of the king's eunuchs, who were doorkeepers...": Bigthana and Teresh were eunuchs who held positions of authority as doorkeepers, giving them access to the king. This detail highlights that the threat came from within the king's inner circle.
"...who had tried to lay hands on the King Ahasuerus.": This describes the crime of Bigthana and Teresh: they were plotting to assassinate the king. "Laying hands on" is a euphemism for attempting to physically harm or kill him.
Significance:
This verse is important because it reveals:
Mordecai's loyalty: Mordecai had acted selflessly to protect the king, even though he was a Jew in a foreign land.
The King's forgetfulness: The king had forgotten about Mordecai's service, which sets the stage for the dramatic reversal of fortune that is about to occur. The king's inability to sleep led to the reading of the chronicles.
Divine Providence: Many interpret this verse as an example of divine intervention. It appears to be a coincidence that the king happened to hear about Mordecai's good deed on this particular night, but it ultimately leads to Mordecai's elevation and the salvation of the Jewish people. It highlights the idea that God is working behind the scenes to protect his people.
In short, this verse highlights a previously overlooked act of bravery and loyalty, setting the stage for a dramatic shift in the story. It is a crucial turning point in the narrative of Esther.
This verse from Esther 6:2 is a crucial plot point in the Book of Esther. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"It was found written...": This implies that the King Ahasuerus (also known as Xerxes I) was having the royal chronicles read to him, likely to help him sleep or for entertainment. These chronicles were official records of events that happened in the kingdom.
"...that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Teresh...": Mordecai, Esther's cousin and guardian, had previously uncovered a plot against the king's life. He had reported this plot, and it had been investigated and recorded in the royal chronicles.
"...two of the king's eunuchs, who were doorkeepers...": Bigthana and Teresh were eunuchs who held positions of authority as doorkeepers, giving them access to the king. This detail highlights that the threat came from within the king's inner circle.
"...who had tried to lay hands on the King Ahasuerus.": This describes the crime of Bigthana and Teresh: they were plotting to assassinate the king. "Laying hands on" is a euphemism for attempting to physically harm or kill him.
Significance:
This verse is important because it reveals:
Mordecai's loyalty: Mordecai had acted selflessly to protect the king, even though he was a Jew in a foreign land.
The King's forgetfulness: The king had forgotten about Mordecai's service, which sets the stage for the dramatic reversal of fortune that is about to occur. The king's inability to sleep led to the reading of the chronicles.
Divine Providence: Many interpret this verse as an example of divine intervention. It appears to be a coincidence that the king happened to hear about Mordecai's good deed on this particular night, but it ultimately leads to Mordecai's elevation and the salvation of the Jewish people. It highlights the idea that God is working behind the scenes to protect his people.
In short, this verse highlights a previously overlooked act of bravery and loyalty, setting the stage for a dramatic shift in the story. It is a crucial turning point in the narrative of Esther.