1 On that night could not the king sleep, and he commanded to bring the book of records of the chronicles; and they were read before the king.

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 hand on the king Ahasuerus.

3 And the king said, What honour and dignity hath been done to Mordecai for this? Then said the king's servants that ministered unto him, There is nothing done for him.

4 And the king said, Who is in the court? Now Haman was come into the outward court of the king's house, to speak unto the king to hang Mordecai on the gallows that he had prepared for him.

5 And the king's servants said unto him, Behold, Haman standeth in the court. And the king said, Let him come in.

6 So Haman came in. And the king said unto him, What shall be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour? Now Haman thought in his heart, To whom would the king delight to do honour more than to myself?

7 And Haman answered the king, For the man whom the king delighteth to honour,

8 Let the royal apparel be brought which the king useth to wear, and the horse that the king rideth upon, and the crown royal which is set upon his head:

9 And let this apparel and horse be delivered to the hand of one of the king's most noble princes, that they may array the man withal whom the king delighteth to honour, and bring him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaim before him, Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delighteth to honour.

10 Then the king said to Haman, Make haste, and take the apparel and the horse, as thou hast said, and do even so to Mordecai the Jew, that sitteth at the king's gate: let nothing fail of all that thou hast spoken.

11 Then took Haman the apparel and the horse, and arrayed Mordecai, and brought him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaimed before him, Thus shall it be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour.

12 And Mordecai came again to the king's gate. But Haman hasted to his house mourning, and having his head covered.

13 And Haman told Zeresh his wife and all his friends every thing that had befallen him. Then said his wise men and Zeresh his wife unto him, If Mordecai be of the seed of the Jews, before whom thou hast begun to fall, thou shalt not prevail against him, but shalt surely fall before him.

14 And while they were yet talking with him, came the king's chamberlains, and hasted to bring Haman unto the banquet that Esther had prepared.

Commentary

Verse 1

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Providence recommends Mordecai to the king's favour.
The providence of God rules over the smallest concerns of men. Not a sparrow falls to the ground without him. Trace the steps which Providence took towards the advancement of Mordecai. The king could not sleep when Providence had a design to serve, in keeping him awake. We read of no illness that broke his sleep, but God, whose gift sleep is, withheld it from him. He who commanded a hundred and twenty-seven provinces, could not command one hour's sleep.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Sleep - How vain are all the contrivances of foolish man against the wise and omnipotent God, who hath the hearts and hands of kings and all men perfectly at his disposal, and can by such trivial accidents (as they are accounted) change their minds, and produce such terrible effects. Were read - His mind being troubled he knew not how, nor why, he chuses this for a diversion, God putting this thought into him, for otherwise he might have diverted himself, as he used to do, with his wives or concubines, or voices and instruments of musick, which were far more agreeable to his temper.
McArther Bible Commentary
the book. Five years (cf. Est 2:16 with Est 3:7) had intervened since Mordecai's loyal but unrewarded act (cf. Est 2:23). At exactly the proper moment, God providentially intervened so the king suffered insomnia, called for the book of records, read of Mordecai's unrewarded deeds five years past, and then desired to reward him (cf. Dan 6:18).
Bible Cross References
Esther 2:22 Esther 2:23 Esther 10:2 Daniel 2:1 Daniel 6:18

Verse 2

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Providence recommends Mordecai to the king's favour.
The providence of God rules over the smallest concerns of men. Not a sparrow falls to the ground without him. Trace the steps which Providence took towards the advancement of Mordecai. The king could not sleep when Providence had a design to serve, in keeping him awake. We read of no illness that broke his sleep, but God, whose gift sleep is, withheld it from him. He who commanded a hundred and twenty-seven provinces, could not command one hour's sleep.
Bible Cross References
Ezra 4:6 Esther 2:21 Esther 2:22 Esther 6:3

Verse 3

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Providence recommends Mordecai to the king's favour.
The providence of God rules over the smallest concerns of men. Not a sparrow falls to the ground without him. Trace the steps which Providence took towards the advancement of Mordecai. The king could not sleep when Providence had a design to serve, in keeping him awake. We read of no illness that broke his sleep, but God, whose gift sleep is, withheld it from him. He who commanded a hundred and twenty-seven provinces, could not command one hour's sleep.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Nothing - He hath had no recompence for this great and good service. Which might either happen through the king's forgetfulness; or through the envy of the courtiers; or because he was a Jew, and therefore odious and contemptible.
Bible Cross References
Esther 6:2 Esther 6:4

Verse 4

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Haman's counsel honours Mordecai.
See how men's pride deceives them. The deceitfulness of our own hearts appears in nothing more than in the conceit we have of ourselves and our own performances: against which we should constantly watch and pray. Haman thought the king loved and valued no one but himself, but he was deceived. We should suspect that the esteem which others profess for us, is not so great as it seems to be, that we may not think too well of ourselves, nor trust too much in others. How Haman is struck, when the king bids him do honour to Mordecai the Jew, the very man whom he hated above all men, whose ruin he was now designing!
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Haman - Early in the morning, because his malice would not suffer him to sleep; and he was impatient 'till he had executed his revenge; and was resolved to watch for the very first opportunity of speaking to the king, before he was engaged in other matters. Outward court - Where he waited; because it was dangerous to come into the inner court without special license, (Esther 4:11) .
McArther Bible Commentary
Who is in the court? The drama intensified as Haman arrived at just the wrong time and for just the wrong reason.
Bible Cross References
Esther 4:11 Esther 5:1 Esther 5:14 Esther 6:3 Esther 6:5

Verse 5

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Haman's counsel honours Mordecai.
See how men's pride deceives them. The deceitfulness of our own hearts appears in nothing more than in the conceit we have of ourselves and our own performances: against which we should constantly watch and pray. Haman thought the king loved and valued no one but himself, but he was deceived. We should suspect that the esteem which others profess for us, is not so great as it seems to be, that we may not think too well of ourselves, nor trust too much in others. How Haman is struck, when the king bids him do honour to Mordecai the Jew, the very man whom he hated above all men, whose ruin he was now designing!
Bible Cross References
Esther 6:4 Esther 6:6

Verse 6

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Haman's counsel honours Mordecai.
See how men's pride deceives them. The deceitfulness of our own hearts appears in nothing more than in the conceit we have of ourselves and our own performances: against which we should constantly watch and pray. Haman thought the king loved and valued no one but himself, but he was deceived. We should suspect that the esteem which others profess for us, is not so great as it seems to be, that we may not think too well of ourselves, nor trust too much in others. How Haman is struck, when the king bids him do honour to Mordecai the Jew, the very man whom he hated above all men, whose ruin he was now designing!
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Man - He names none, because he would have the more impartial answer. And probably knew nothing of the difference between Haman and Mordecai. Thought - As he had great reason to do, because of the favour which the king had shewed to him above all others.
McArther Bible Commentary
Haman ironically defined the honor to be given to Mordecai at Haman's expense. To his potential wealth from the Jewish plunder, he thought public acclaim would be added.
Bible Cross References
Esther 6:5 Esther 6:7 Esther 6:9

Verse 7

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Haman's counsel honours Mordecai.
See how men's pride deceives them. The deceitfulness of our own hearts appears in nothing more than in the conceit we have of ourselves and our own performances: against which we should constantly watch and pray. Haman thought the king loved and valued no one but himself, but he was deceived. We should suspect that the esteem which others profess for us, is not so great as it seems to be, that we may not think too well of ourselves, nor trust too much in others. How Haman is struck, when the king bids him do honour to Mordecai the Jew, the very man whom he hated above all men, whose ruin he was now designing!
Bible Cross References
Esther 6:6 Esther 6:8

Verse 8

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Haman's counsel honours Mordecai.
See how men's pride deceives them. The deceitfulness of our own hearts appears in nothing more than in the conceit we have of ourselves and our own performances: against which we should constantly watch and pray. Haman thought the king loved and valued no one but himself, but he was deceived. We should suspect that the esteem which others profess for us, is not so great as it seems to be, that we may not think too well of ourselves, nor trust too much in others. How Haman is struck, when the king bids him do honour to Mordecai the Jew, the very man whom he hated above all men, whose ruin he was now designing!
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Royal apparel - His outward garment, which was made of purple, interwoven with gold, as Justin and Cartius relate.
McArther Bible Commentary
royal robe … royal crest. An honor which involved being treated as though the recipient were the king himself (cf. Est 8:15). This is reminiscent of Joseph in Egypt (Gen 41:39-45). History affirms that horses were adorned with the royal crown.
Bible Cross References
1 Samuel 18:4 1 Kings 1:33 Esther 1:11 Esther 2:17 Esther 6:7 Ecclesiastes 10:7

Verse 9

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Haman's counsel honours Mordecai.
See how men's pride deceives them. The deceitfulness of our own hearts appears in nothing more than in the conceit we have of ourselves and our own performances: against which we should constantly watch and pray. Haman thought the king loved and valued no one but himself, but he was deceived. We should suspect that the esteem which others profess for us, is not so great as it seems to be, that we may not think too well of ourselves, nor trust too much in others. How Haman is struck, when the king bids him do honour to Mordecai the Jew, the very man whom he hated above all men, whose ruin he was now designing!
McArther Bible Commentary
the city square. Whereas Mordecai had been there the day before in sackcloth and ashes (Est 4:6), he now would arrive with royal honor.
Bible Cross References
Genesis 41:43 Esther 6:6 Esther 6:10

Verse 10

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Haman's counsel honours Mordecai.
See how men's pride deceives them. The deceitfulness of our own hearts appears in nothing more than in the conceit we have of ourselves and our own performances: against which we should constantly watch and pray. Haman thought the king loved and valued no one but himself, but he was deceived. We should suspect that the esteem which others profess for us, is not so great as it seems to be, that we may not think too well of ourselves, nor trust too much in others. How Haman is struck, when the king bids him do honour to Mordecai the Jew, the very man whom he hated above all men, whose ruin he was now designing!
McArther Bible Commentary
Mordecai the Jew. Cf. Est 8:7; Est 9:29, Est 9:31; Est 10:3. Why the king did not remember Haman's edict against the Jews remains unknown.
Bible Cross References
Esther 6:9 Esther 6:11

Verse 11

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Haman's counsel honours Mordecai.
See how men's pride deceives them. The deceitfulness of our own hearts appears in nothing more than in the conceit we have of ourselves and our own performances: against which we should constantly watch and pray. Haman thought the king loved and valued no one but himself, but he was deceived. We should suspect that the esteem which others profess for us, is not so great as it seems to be, that we may not think too well of ourselves, nor trust too much in others. How Haman is struck, when the king bids him do honour to Mordecai the Jew, the very man whom he hated above all men, whose ruin he was now designing!
Bible Cross References
Esther 6:10 Esther 6:12

Verse 12

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Haman's friends tell him of his danger.
Mordecai was not puffed up with his honours, he returned to his place and the duty of it. Honour is well bestowed on those that do not think themselves above their business. But Haman could not bear it. What harm had it done him? But that will break a proud man's heart, which will not break a humble man's sleep. His doom was, out of this event, read to him by his wife and his friends. They plainly confessed that the Jews, though scattered through the nations, were special objects of Divine care. Miserable comforters are they all; they did not advise Haman to repent, but foretold his fate as unavoidable. The wisdom of God is seen, in timing the means of his church's deliverance, so as to manifest his own glory.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Gate - To his former place; shewing that as he was not overwhelmed by Haman's threats, so he was not puffed up with this honour. Cover'd - In token of his shame and grief for his unexpected disappointment, and for the great honour done to his abhorred adversary, by his own hands, and with his own public disgrace.
McArther Bible Commentary
mourning. Deservedly, Haman has inherited Mordecai's distress (cf. Est 4:1-2). What a difference a day makes! His imagined honors had quickly turned to unimaginable humiliation. his head covered. This is an extreme sign of shame (cf. 2Sa 15:30; Jer 14:3-4).
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 15:30 Esther 6:11

Verse 13

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Haman's friends tell him of his danger.
Mordecai was not puffed up with his honours, he returned to his place and the duty of it. Honour is well bestowed on those that do not think themselves above their business. But Haman could not bear it. What harm had it done him? But that will break a proud man's heart, which will not break a humble man's sleep. His doom was, out of this event, read to him by his wife and his friends. They plainly confessed that the Jews, though scattered through the nations, were special objects of Divine care. Miserable comforters are they all; they did not advise Haman to repent, but foretold his fate as unavoidable. The wisdom of God is seen, in timing the means of his church's deliverance, so as to manifest his own glory.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Wise men - The magicians, whom after the Persian manner he had called together to consult upon this strange emergency.
McArther Bible Commentary
you have begun to fall. Neither divine prophecy (Exo 17:14) nor biblical history (1Sa 15:8-9) stood in Haman's favor. Haman's entourage seemed to have some knowledge of this biblical history.
Bible Cross References
Genesis 24:66 Esther 5:10

Verse 14

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Haman's friends tell him of his danger.
Mordecai was not puffed up with his honours, he returned to his place and the duty of it. Honour is well bestowed on those that do not think themselves above their business. But Haman could not bear it. What harm had it done him? But that will break a proud man's heart, which will not break a humble man's sleep. His doom was, out of this event, read to him by his wife and his friends. They plainly confessed that the Jews, though scattered through the nations, were special objects of Divine care. Miserable comforters are they all; they did not advise Haman to repent, but foretold his fate as unavoidable. The wisdom of God is seen, in timing the means of his church's deliverance, so as to manifest his own glory.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
To bring - Who was now slack to go thither, by reason of the great dejection of his own mind.
McArther Bible Commentary
Haman to the banquet. Like a lamb led to slaughter, Haman was escorted off to his just due.
Bible Cross References
Esther 5:5 Esther 5:8 Esther 7:1