Bigthana is a figure mentioned in the Book of Esther, one of the historical books of the Old Testament. He is identified as one of the eunuchs serving in the court of King Ahasuerus, who is traditionally understood to be Xerxes I of Persia. The narrative of Bigthana is brief but significant within the context of the account of Esther, which highlights themes of providence, justice, and the deliverance of the Jewish people.

Biblical Account

Bigthana appears in Esther 2:21-23, where he is involved in a conspiracy against King Ahasuerus. The Berean Standard Bible recounts this event as follows:

"In those days, while Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate, Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king’s eunuchs who guarded the entrance, became angry and conspired to assassinate King Ahasuerus. When Mordecai learned of the plot, he reported it to Queen Esther, who informed the king in Mordecai’s name. After the report had been investigated and verified, both officials were hanged on the gallows. This incident was recorded in the book of the chronicles in the presence of the king." (Esther 2:21-23)

Role and Significance

Bigthana's role, though minor in terms of the number of verses, is pivotal in the unfolding of the Esther narrative. His conspiracy with Teresh against the king sets the stage for Mordecai's rise in favor and the eventual salvation of the Jewish people from Haman's plot. The exposure of the assassination plot by Mordecai, and its subsequent recording in the royal chronicles, becomes a crucial turning point later in the account. It is this very record that King Ahasuerus consults during a sleepless night, leading to Mordecai's honor and Haman's downfall (Esther 6:1-11).

Historical and Cultural Context

In the Persian Empire, eunuchs often held significant positions within the royal court, serving as trusted officials and guardians. The presence of eunuchs like Bigthana in the narrative reflects the historical practices of the Persian court, where such individuals were entrusted with sensitive duties, including the protection of the king. The plot against Ahasuerus underscores the political intrigue and dangers inherent in royal service during this period.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the account of Bigthana and the thwarted assassination plot illustrates the providential care of God over His people. Mordecai's discovery of the plot and his subsequent actions demonstrate the importance of faithfulness and vigilance. The narrative emphasizes that God can use seemingly minor events and individuals to bring about His purposes, ensuring the protection and deliverance of His chosen people.

Conclusion

While Bigthana's mention in the Bible is brief, his involvement in the conspiracy against King Ahasuerus serves as a catalyst for the events that lead to the preservation of the Jewish people. His account is a testament to the intricate workings of divine providence and the unfolding of God's plan through human history.BIGTHAN; BIGTHANA

big'-than big-tha'-na (bighethan, bighethana'; Septuagint omits name): One of the two chamberlains or eunuchs of Xerxes on ("Ahasuerus") who conspired against the king's life, the conspiracy being detected by Mordecai and the culprits hanged (Esther 2:21). Possibly these men had been partially superseded by the degradation of Vashti and were thus prompted to take revenge Xerxes.

904. Bigthan -- a eunuch of Ahasuerus
Bigthan or Bigthana. 903, 904. Bigthan or Bigthana. 905 . a eunuch
of Ahasuerus. Transliteration: Bigthan or Bigthana Phonetic ...
/hebrew/904.htm - 6kBigthana (2 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia BIGTHAN; BIGTHANA. big'-than big ... Xerxes.
Multi-Version Concordance Bigthana (2 Occurrences). Esther 2 ...
/b/bigthana.htm - 7k

Bigthan (1 Occurrence)
... Mordecai detected the conspiracy, and the culprits were hanged (Esther 2:21-23;
6:1-3). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. BIGTHAN; BIGTHANA. ...
/b/bigthan.htm - 7k

Teresh (2 Occurrences)
... Esther 6:2 It was found written that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Teresh, two
of the king's eunuchs, who were doorkeepers, who had tried to lay hands on ...
/t/teresh.htm - 8k

Eunuchs (33 Occurrences)
... Esther 6:2 It was found written that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Teresh, two
of the king's eunuchs, who were doorkeepers, who had tried to lay hands on ...
/e/eunuchs.htm - 17k

Exposed (39 Occurrences)
... Esther 6:2 It was found written that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Teresh, two
of the king's eunuchs, who were doorkeepers, who had tried to lay hands on ...
/e/exposed.htm - 17k

Designed (14 Occurrences)
... Esther 6:2 It came out that it was recorded in the book how Mordecai had given word
of the designs of Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king's servants, keepers ...
/d/designed.htm - 11k

Bigvai (4 Occurrences)

/b/bigvai.htm - 8k

Chamberlains (17 Occurrences)
... Esther 6:2 And it was found written, that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Teresh,
two of the king's chamberlains, the keepers of the door, who sought to lay ...
/c/chamberlains.htm - 12k

Assassinate (3 Occurrences)
... Esther 6:2 It was found written that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Teresh, two
of the king's eunuchs, who were doorkeepers, who had tried to lay hands on ...
/a/assassinate.htm - 7k

Threshold (28 Occurrences)
... Esther 6:2 And it was found written, that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Teresh,
two of the king's chamberlains, of those that kept the threshold, who had ...
/t/threshold.htm - 18k

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