Esther 6:1-13 (May 18, 2025)

The King Honors Mordecai

6:1 On that night the king could not sleep. And he gave orders to bring the book of memorable deeds, the chronicles, and they were read before the king. 2 And it was found written how Mordecai had told about Bigthana[a] and Teresh, two of the king's eunuchs, who guarded the threshold, and who had sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus. 3 And the king said, “What honor or distinction has been bestowed on Mordecai for this?” The king's young men who attended him said, “Nothing has been done for him.” 4 And the king said, “Who is in the court?” Now Haman had just entered the outer court of the king's palace to speak to the king about having Mordecai hanged on the gallows[b] that he had prepared for him. 5 And the king's young men told him, “Haman is there, standing in the court.” And the king said, “Let him come in.” 6 So Haman came in, and the king said to him, “What should be done to the man whom the king delights to honor?” And Haman said to himself, “Whom would the king delight to honor more than me?” 7 And Haman said to the king, “For the man whom the king delights to honor, 8 let royal robes be brought, which the king has worn, and the horse that the king has ridden, and on whose head a royal crown[c] is set. 9 And let the robes and the horse be handed over to one of the king's most noble officials. Let them dress the man whom the king delights to honor, and let them lead him on the horse through the square of the city, proclaiming before him: ‘Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delights to honor.’” 10 Then the king said to Haman, “Hurry; take the robes and the horse, as you have said, and do so to Mordecai the Jew, who sits at the king's gate. Leave out nothing that you have mentioned.” 11 So Haman took the robes and the horse, and he dressed Mordecai and led him through the square of the city, proclaiming before him, “Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delights to honor.”

12 Then Mordecai returned to the king's gate. But Haman hurried to his house, mourning and with his head covered. 13 And Haman told his wife Zeresh and all his friends everything that had happened to him. Then his wise men and his wife Zeresh said to him, “If Mordecai, before whom you have begun to fall, is of the Jewish people, you will not overcome him but will surely fall before him.”

Footnotes

Esther 6:2 Bigthana is an alternate spelling of Bigthan (see 2:21)

Esther 6:4 Or wooden beam (see note on 2:23)

Esther 6:8 Or headdress

Esther 6:1–13

(Note: I've made some changes in the overall format. While I am asking the four G-questions followed by a Thanksgiving prayer, I am providing a summary overview of the passage and three (3) main points based on the questions. I hope this makes things more fluid and smooth.)

Esther 6 is the theological turning point of the book. There are no miracles, no overt divine appearances, and yet it is here that the entire trajectory of the story reverses. The king’s insomnia, the rediscovery of Mordecai’s long-forgotten deed, and Haman’s public humiliation all unfold through what seem like “coincidences.” But to the eyes of faith, they are providences in motion.

Overview:

(vv. 1–3) The king cannot sleep and calls for the chronicles to be read. In God's providence, the story read that night is Mordecai’s exposure of a plot to assassinate the king—an act that had gone unrewarded.

(vv. 4–6) At that very moment, Haman enters to request Mordecai's execution. But before he can speak, the king asks Haman what should be done to honor someone he delights in.

(vv. 6–9) Assuming he is the "honored" one, Haman describes an extravagant royal parade and reward.

(vv. 10–11) The king orders Haman to bestow this very honor upon Mordecai.

(v. 12–13) Haman returns home in shame, and his downfall begins to be publicly perceived, even by his wife and advisors.

Who Is God?

God is the Sovereign Preserver who governs all things, even the unconscious moments of kings.

Though God's name is never mentioned, He is actively at work in every detail:

-In the king’s sleeplessness (v. 1),

-In the timing of Haman’s entrance (v. 4),

-In the choice of which part of the royal record was read (v. 2),

-And in the ironic reversal of Haman’s intent (vv. 10–11).

This is not “luck”—this is Lordship over all details, the quiet governance of a faithful God who remembers what the world forgets and intervenes at the tipping point of evil.

What Is Our Guilt?

We forget God's providence and assume the world revolves around us.

Also, Haman’s pride is not merely personal; it reflects the human heart’s tendency to center everything around the self:

“Whom would the king delight to honor more than me?” (v. 6)

Haman cannot rejoice even in wealth, power, or favor if one person refuses to affirm him.

We are not so different. When we seek recognition above righteousness, and personal honor above God's purposes, we make ourselves the center of the story—and that always leads to downfall.

How Does the Grace of God Shine?

God honors the forgotten and humbles the exalted.

Mordecai had done what was right in chapter 2, and no one noticed. No reward, no praise. Yet he remained faithful. Years later, God brings that act of loyalty to light, at just the right time.

This is grace: the righteous are not forgotten. The gospel assures us that no labor in the Lord is ever in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58). The One who sees in secret rewards in His time.

At the same time, Haman—who exalted himself—is humiliated in the most public of ways. The one who plotted another’s destruction must now publicly declare his honor. This anticipates the pattern of the gospel: the proud are brought low, the humble are lifted up, and what the enemy meant for evil, God uses for good.

A Thanksgiving Prayer

Faithful and Sovereign Lord,

Thank you, that no act of righteousness is ever truly forgotten in your sight.

Thank you, that even in silence, you are working. Even in delay, you are preparing.

Teach us to live for your eyes alone, not for human recognition.

Humble our pride and raise up in me a heart that trusts Your timing.

Let me rest in the truth that You govern all things—yes, even sleepless nights.

In Jesus’ name we pray.