Introduction:
Harbonah is a minor yet significant figure mentioned in the Book of Esther, which is part of the Ketuvim, or Writings, in the Hebrew Bible and the Old Testament in the Christian Bible. His role, though brief, is pivotal in the narrative of Esther, a account that highlights themes of providence, justice, and the deliverance of the Jewish people.

Biblical Reference:
Harbonah is mentioned in Esther 7:9. The context of his mention is during the dramatic climax of the account, where Queen Esther reveals Haman's plot to annihilate the Jewish people to King Xerxes (Ahasuerus). Harbonah, one of the king's eunuchs, plays a crucial role in the downfall of Haman.

Scriptural Account:
In Esther 7:9 , the text states: "Then Harbonah, one of the eunuchs attending the king, said, 'Look, the gallows 50 cubits high stands by Haman’s house. He had it made for Mordecai, who spoke up to help the king.' The king said, 'Hang him on it!'"

Role and Significance:
Harbonah's intervention is significant for several reasons:

1. Instrument of Justice: Harbonah's timely reminder to King Xerxes about the gallows Haman had prepared for Mordecai serves as a catalyst for Haman's execution. This act of justice is seen as a divine reversal, where the wicked plans of Haman are turned against him.

2. Providential Timing: The mention of Harbonah at this critical moment underscores the theme of divine providence that runs throughout the Book of Esther. Although God is not explicitly mentioned in the text, the unfolding events suggest His unseen hand guiding the outcome for the protection and deliverance of His people.

3. Moral Lesson: Harbonah's role can be viewed as a moral lesson on the importance of speaking up at the right time. His boldness in pointing out the gallows to the king exemplifies the courage to stand for justice, even in the presence of powerful figures.

Historical and Cultural Context:
In the Persian court, eunuchs like Harbonah held significant positions of influence and responsibility. They were often trusted advisors and attendants to the king, which explains Harbonah's presence and ability to speak directly to King Xerxes. His knowledge of the gallows indicates his awareness of court affairs and the intrigues surrounding Haman.

Theological Implications:
From a theological perspective, Harbonah's role in the narrative of Esther highlights the sovereignty of God in orchestrating events for the fulfillment of His purposes. It serves as a reminder to believers of God's faithfulness and His ability to use even seemingly minor characters to achieve His divine will.

Conclusion:
While Harbonah's mention in the Bible is brief, his contribution to the account of Esther is invaluable. His actions serve as a reminder of the importance of justice, the courage to speak truth, and the overarching providence of God in the lives of His people.Harbonah

his destruction; his sword

Harbonah

(Esther 7:9) the same as the preceding.

HARBONA; HARBONAH

har-bo'-na (charebhona' charebhonah): One of the seven eunuchs who served Ahasuerus and to whom was given the command to bring Queen Esther before the king (Esther 1:10). It was he who suggested that Haman be hanged upon the self-same gallows that he had erected for Mordecai (Esther 7:9). Jewish tradition has it that Harbona had originally been a confederate of Haman, but, upon noting the failure of the latter's plans, abandoned him. The Persian equivalent of the name means "donkey-driver."

2726. Charbona -- eunuch of Ahasuerus
... Word Origin of foreign origin Definition eunuch of Ahasuerus NASB Word Usage
Harbona (1), Harbonah (1). Harbona, Harbonah. Or Charbownah ...
/hebrew/2726.htm - 6k

Queen Esther's Love for Her People
... he who dares to do so?" Esther answered, "A foe, an enemy, this wicked Haman." Then
Haman shrank in terror before the king and the queen, and Harbonah, one of ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/queen esthers love for her.htm

Harbonah (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia HARBONA; HARBONAH. ... The Persian equivalent of the
name means "donkey-driver.". Multi-Version Concordance Harbonah (1 Occurrence). ...
/h/harbonah.htm - 7k

Harbo'na (2 Occurrences)
Harbo'na. Harbona, Harbo'na. Harbonah . Multi-Version Concordance Harbo'na
(2 Occurrences). ... Harbona, Harbo'na. Harbonah . Reference Bible.
/h/harbo'na.htm - 7k

Unsexed (26 Occurrences)
... Esther 7:9 Then Harbonah, one of the unsexed servants waiting before the king, said,
See, the pillar fifty cubits high, which Haman made for Mordecai, who said ...
/u/unsexed.htm - 15k

Gallows (8 Occurrences)
... Esther 7:9 Then Harbonah, one of the eunuchs who were with the king said, "Behold,
the gallows fifty cubits high, which Haman has made for Mordecai, who spoke ...
/g/gallows.htm - 10k

Eunuchs (33 Occurrences)
... Esther 7:9 Then Harbonah, one of the eunuchs who were with the king said, "Behold,
the gallows fifty cubits high, which Haman has made for Mordecai, who spoke ...
/e/eunuchs.htm - 17k

Chamberlains (17 Occurrences)
... Esther 7:9 And Harbonah, one of the chamberlains, said before the king, Behold also,
the gallows fifty cubits high, which Haman had made for Mordecai, who ...
/c/chamberlains.htm - 12k

Attendance (12 Occurrences)
... Esther 7:9 Then Harbonah, one of the eunuchs who were with the king said, "Behold,
the gallows fifty cubits high, which Haman has made for Mordecai, who spoke ...
/a/attendance.htm - 11k

Attending (14 Occurrences)
... Esther 7:9 Then Harbonah, one of the eunuchs who were with the king said, "Behold,
the gallows fifty cubits high, which Haman has made for Mordecai, who spoke ...
/a/attending.htm - 10k

Seventy-five (12 Occurrences)
... Esther 7:9 Then Harbonah, one of the eunuchs who were with the king said, "Behold,
the gallows fifty cubits high, which Haman has made for Mordecai, who spoke ...
/s/seventy-five.htm - 9k

Mor'decai (51 Occurrences)
... Esther 7:9 Then said Harbonah, one of the chamberlains that were before the king:
'Behold also, the gallows fifty cubits high, which Haman hath made for ...
/m/mor'decai.htm - 20k

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