Esther 6:10

"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."

Study Bible

“Hurry,” said the king to Haman,
The urgency in the king's command highlights the importance of immediate obedience to royal decrees in the Persian Empire. This urgency also underscores the dramatic irony, as Haman, who sought to destroy Mordecai, is now tasked with honoring him. The king's authority is absolute, and his commands are to be executed without delay, reflecting the hierarchical structure of ancient Near Eastern monarchies.

“and do just as you proposed.”
Haman had proposed honoring a man whom the king delights to honor, thinking it would be himself. The king's instruction to Haman to carry out his own suggestion for Mordecai is a pivotal moment of reversal, a common theme in biblical narratives where God intervenes to overturn human plans. This reflects the biblical principle found in Proverbs 16:9, where human plans are subject to divine direction.

Take the robe and the horse
The robe and horse are symbols of royal favor and honor. In ancient Persia, wearing a royal robe and riding the king's horse were privileges reserved for those whom the king wished to publicly acknowledge. This act of honoring Mordecai with such symbols is significant, as it publicly elevates Mordecai's status and foreshadows the eventual downfall of Haman.

to Mordecai the Jew,
Mordecai's identification as "the Jew" is significant, emphasizing his ethnic and religious identity. This highlights the tension between the Jewish people and their adversaries in the Persian Empire. Mordecai's rise to honor prefigures the deliverance of the Jewish people, aligning with God's covenant promises to protect and preserve Israel, as seen throughout the Old Testament.

who is sitting at the king’s gate.
Sitting at the king's gate indicates Mordecai's position of influence and authority, as the gate was a place of legal and civic activity in ancient cities. This setting underscores Mordecai's role in the narrative as a key figure in the unfolding events. The king's gate is also a place of judgment and decision-making, symbolizing Mordecai's involvement in the governance of the empire.

Do not neglect anything that you have suggested.”
The king's insistence on thoroughness ensures that Mordecai receives the full measure of honor. This command highlights the theme of divine justice and retribution, as Haman must now honor the very man he sought to destroy. It reflects the biblical principle that God exalts the humble and brings down the proud, as seen in passages like James 4:6 and 1 Peter 5:5.

Persons / Places / Events

1. King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I)
The Persian king who ruled over 127 provinces from India to Cush. He is a central figure in the Book of Esther, known for his opulent lifestyle and decisive, sometimes impulsive, actions.

2. Haman
The antagonist in the Book of Esther, a high-ranking official in the Persian Empire who plotted to destroy the Jews. His pride and hatred for Mordecai lead to his downfall.

3. Mordecai
A Jew living in Susa, the capital of the Persian Empire, and the cousin and guardian of Esther. He is known for his loyalty to the king and his refusal to bow to Haman, which sets the stage for the events in Esther 6.

4. Susa
The capital city of the Persian Empire, where the events of the Book of Esther take place. It is a significant location for the unfolding of God's providence in the account.

5. The King’s Gate
A place of official business and judgment in ancient cities. Mordecai’s presence here indicates his role in the administration of the empire.

Teaching Points

Divine Reversal
God's providence can turn situations around in ways we cannot foresee. Just as Mordecai was honored instead of Haman, God can exalt the humble and bring down the proud.

Pride and Humility
Haman's account is a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride. Believers are encouraged to cultivate humility, trusting that God will honor them in due time.

God’s Sovereignty
The events in Esther 6 remind us that God is in control, even when His presence is not overtly mentioned. He orchestrates events for His purposes and the good of His people.

Faithfulness in Position
Mordecai’s consistent presence at the king’s gate shows the importance of being faithful in our roles, trusting that God sees and rewards our faithfulness.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of Mordecai and Haman illustrate the biblical principle that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble? (Consider James 4:6)

2. In what ways can we see God’s providence at work in our own lives, even when His presence is not immediately obvious?

3. How can Mordecai’s example of faithfulness in his position inspire us to be diligent in our own responsibilities?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to guard against pride in our lives, as seen in Haman’s downfall?

5. How does the theme of divine reversal in Esther 6 encourage us to trust in God’s timing and justice?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 50:20
The account of Joseph, where God turns what was meant for evil into good, parallels the reversal of fortunes seen in Esther 6.

Proverbs 16:18
This verse about pride leading to destruction is exemplified in Haman's account.

Psalm 75:7
The theme of God being the judge who brings one down and exalts another is evident in the reversal of Haman and Mordecai's situations.