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Esther 6

14 verses

TL;DR

The king discovers Haman’s plot to kill Mordecai, and Haman’s own plan to honor Mordecai backfires, leading to his humiliation and doom.

Summary

In Chapter 6, the king’s sleepless night prompts him to review the chronicles, revealing Mordecai’s revelation of a conspiracy by two chamberlains to assassinate him. The king questions his officials, who confirm the threat. Haman approaches the king to propose hanging Mordecai, but the king instead orders him to honor Mordecai. Haman, thinking this will elevate his status, prepares a grand display of royal apparel, a horse, and a crown, intending to showcase it before the people. The king commands Haman to enact this plan for Mordecai. Haman fulfills the order, and Mordecai is publicly celebrated on horseback, while Haman, in shock, retreats to his house with his head covered. Haman confides in his wife Zeresh and advisors, who warn him that his plot will fail and he will fall before Mordecai. The chapter ends with the king’s chamberlains bringing Haman to the banquet Esther had prepared, foreshadowing his imminent downfall.

Outline
  1. The king discovers a conspiracy against Mordecai through the chronicles.
  2. Haman proposes to execute Mordecai but is commanded to honor him instead.
  3. Haman’s plan backfires, leading to his humiliation and foreshadowing his doom.
Themes
Divine providence and reversal of fortunesJustice against those who plot against the king and the innocentPolitical intrigue and the dangers of hubris
Keywords
kingMordecaiHamanhonorjusticereversalpolitical intrigue
People
MordecaiHamanKing AhasuerusBigthanaTereshZereshWise menEsther
Places
King’s courtKing’s houseCity streets
Things
Book of chroniclesRoyal apparelHorseCrown royalGallows
Key Verses
  • Esther 6:1: Sets the narrative tone of the king’s sleeplessness and the discovery of the plot.
  • Esther 6:10: The king’s decisive command that turns Haman’s plot into an opportunity for Mordecai.
  • Esther 6:13: Haman’s realization of his impending downfall and the prophetic warning.
Questions
  • In what ways does Esther 6 demonstrate the theme of divine providence?
  • How does Haman’s plan to honor Mordecai reveal his character and motivations?
  • What is the significance of the public display of Mordecai’s honor in the city?
  • How does the chapter foreshadow the ultimate fate of Haman?
Sentiment

positive
Victory and honor for Mordecai and the king, humiliation and doom for Haman.