Esther 6:4
Esther 6:4 in Multiple Translations
“Who is in the court?” the king asked. Now Haman had just entered the outer court of the palace to ask the king to hang Mordecai on the gallows he had prepared for him.
¶ 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.
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.
Then the king said, Who is in the outer room? Now Haman had come into the outer room to get the king's authority for the hanging of Mordecai on the pillar which he had made ready for him.
“Who's here in the court?” the king asked. Haman had just happened to arrive in the outer court of the royal palace to ask the king to have Mordecai impaled on the pole he had set up for him.
And the King sayde, Who is in the court? (Now Haman was come into the inner court of the Kings house, that he might speake vnto the King to hang Mordecai on the tree that he had prepared for him.)
And the king saith, 'Who [is] in the court?' — and Haman hath come in to the outer court of the house of the king, to say to the king to hang Mordecai on the tree that he had prepared for him —
The king said, “Who is in the court?” Now Haman had come into the outer court of the king’s house, to speak to the king about hanging Mordecai on the gallows that he had prepared for him.
And the king said, Who is in the court? Now Haman had come into the outward court of the king's house, to speak to the king to hang Mordecai on the gallows that he had prepared for him.
And the king said immediately: Who is in the court? for Aman was coming in to the inner court of the king’s house, to speak to the king, that he might order Mardochai to be hanged upon the gibbet which was prepared for him.
At that moment, Haman entered the outer courtyard of the palace. He wanted to talk to the king about hanging Mordecai on the gallows that he had just set up. The king saw him and said, “Who is that out there in the courtyard?”
Berean Amplified Bible — Esther 6:4
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Esther 6:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ
מִ֣י
בֶ/חָצֵ֑ר
וְ/הָמָ֣ן
בָּ֗א
לַ/חֲצַ֤ר
בֵּית
הַ/מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙
הַ/חִ֣יצוֹנָ֔ה
לֵ/אמֹ֣ר
לַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
לִ/תְלוֹת֙
אֶֽת
מָרְדֳּכַ֔י
עַל
הָ/עֵ֖ץ
אֲשֶׁר
הֵכִ֥ין
לֽ/וֹ
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
מִ֣י
mîy
H4310
who?
Part
בֶ/חָצֵ֑ר
châtsêr
H2691
court
Prep | N-cs
וְ/הָמָ֣ן
Hâmân
H2001
Haman
Conj | N-proper
בָּ֗א
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
לַ/חֲצַ֤ר
châtsêr
H2691
court
Prep | N-cs
בֵּית
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms
הַ/מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
הַ/חִ֣יצוֹנָ֔ה
chîytsôwn
H2435
outer
Art | Adj
לֵ/אמֹ֣ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
לַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Prep | N-ms
לִ/תְלוֹת֙
tâlâh
H8518
to hang
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אֶֽת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
מָרְדֳּכַ֔י
Mordᵉkay
H4782
Mordecai
N-proper
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
הָ/עֵ֖ץ
ʻêts
H6086
tree
Art | N-ms
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
הֵכִ֥ין
kûwn
H3559
to establish
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
לֽ/וֹ
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Esther 6:4
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
מִ֣י
mîy
H4310
"who?"
Part
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
בֶ/חָצֵ֑ר
châtsêr
H2691
"court"
Prep | N-cs
A village in the Bible is a small settlement surrounded by walls. In Matthew 21:2, Jesus sends his disciples to a village to find a donkey, while in Mark 6:6, Jesus travels from village to village teaching.
Definition: 1) court, enclosure 1a) enclosures 1b) court
Usage: Occurs in 163 OT verses. KJV: court, tower, village. See also: Genesis 25:16; 2 Chronicles 24:21; Psalms 10:8.
וְ/הָמָ֣ן
Hâmân
H2001
"Haman"
Conj | N-proper
Haman was a powerful Persian official who opposed the Jews, as told in the book of Esther. He was the son of Hammedatha and the enemy of Mordecai, and his story is a significant part of the biblical narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Est.3.1; son of: Hammedatha (H4099); married to Zeresh (H2238); father of: Parshandatha (H6577), Dalphon (H1813), Aspatha (H0630), Poratha (H6334), Adalia (H0118), Aridatha (H0743), Parmashta (H6534), Arisai (H0747), Aridai (H0742), Vaizatha (H2055) § Haman = "magnificent" chief minister of Ahasuerus, enemy of Mordecai and the Jews, who plotted to kill the Jews but, being foiled by Esther, was hanged, with his family, on the gallows he had made for Mordecai
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: Haman. See also: Esther 3:1; Esther 6:6; Esther 9:24.
בָּ֗א
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
לַ/חֲצַ֤ר
châtsêr
H2691
"court"
Prep | N-cs
A village in the Bible is a small settlement surrounded by walls. In Matthew 21:2, Jesus sends his disciples to a village to find a donkey, while in Mark 6:6, Jesus travels from village to village teaching.
Definition: 1) court, enclosure 1a) enclosures 1b) court
Usage: Occurs in 163 OT verses. KJV: court, tower, village. See also: Genesis 25:16; 2 Chronicles 24:21; Psalms 10:8.
בֵּית
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
הַ/מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙
melek
H4428
"King's"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
הַ/חִ֣יצוֹנָ֔ה
chîytsôwn
H2435
"outer"
Art | Adj
This word means outer or external, describing something outside or secular. It is used in Ezekiel 40:5 to describe the outer wall of a building.
Definition: outer, external, outward
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: outer, outward, utter, without. See also: 1 Kings 6:29; Ezekiel 40:37; Ezekiel 46:21.
לֵ/אמֹ֣ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
לַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
לִ/תְלוֹת֙
tâlâh
H8518
"to hang"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To hang something or someone is what this Hebrew word means, often used to describe punishment or display. It can also mean to hang an object, like a curtain or a sign. The word is used in Exodus and Numbers.
Definition: 1) to hang 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hang 1a1a) to hang up (any object) 1a1b) to put to death by hanging 1b) (Niphal) to be hanged 1c) (Piel) to hang, hang up (for display)
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: hang (up). See also: Genesis 40:19; Esther 7:9; Psalms 137:2.
אֶֽת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
מָרְדֳּכַ֔י
Mordᵉkay
H4782
"Mordecai"
N-proper
Mordecai was a brave Israelite who lived during the Exile and Return, and is known for saving the Jews from Haman's plot with Queen Esther's help. He's also the cousin and adoptive father of Esther.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Est.2.5; son of: Jair (H2971J) § Mordecai = "little man" or "worshipper of Mars" 1) cousin and adoptive father of queen Esther; son of Jair of the tribe of Benjamin; deliverer under Divine providence of the children of Israel from the destruction plotted by Haman the chief minister of Ahasuerus; institutor of the feast of Purim 2) a Jew who returned from exile with Zerubbabel
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: Mordecai. See also: Ezra 2:2; Esther 4:17; Esther 10:3.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הָ/עֵ֖ץ
ʻêts
H6086
"tree"
Art | N-ms
This Hebrew word for tree or wood refers to a strong and firm object, like a tree or a wooden plank, as seen in the carpentry work of Jesus' earthly father Joseph in Matthew 13:55.
Definition: : wood 1) tree, wood, timber, stock, plank, stalk, stick, gallows 1a) tree, trees 1b) wood, pieces of wood, gallows, firewood, cedar-wood, woody flax
Usage: Occurs in 289 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carpenter, gallows, helve, [phrase] pine, plank, staff, stalk, stick, stock, timber, tree, wood. See also: Genesis 1:11; Joshua 9:23; Psalms 1:3.
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
הֵכִ֥ין
kûwn
H3559
"to establish"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
This verb means to set something up or establish it, like setting up a tent or appointing someone to a position, as seen in Isaiah 7:14.
Definition: : prepare/direct 1) to be firm, be stable, be established 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be set up, be established, be fixed 1a1a) to be firmly established 1a1b) to be established, be stable, be secure, be enduring 1a1c) to be fixed, be securely determined 1a2) to be directed aright, be fixed aright, be steadfast (moral sense) 1a3) to prepare, be ready 1a4) to be prepared, be arranged, be settled 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to establish, set up, accomplish, do, make firm 1b2) to fix, make ready, prepare, provide, provide for, furnish 1b3) to direct toward (moral sense) 1b4) to arrange, order 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be established, be fastened 1c2) to be prepared, be ready 1d) (Polel) 1d1) to set up, establish 1d2) to constitute, make 1d3) to fix 1d4) to direct 1e) (Pulal) to be established, be prepared 1f) (Hithpolel) to be established, be restored
Usage: Occurs in 211 OT verses. KJV: certain(-ty), confirm, direct, faithfulness, fashion, fasten, firm, be fitted, be fixed, frame, be meet, ordain, order, perfect, (make) preparation, prepare (self), provide, make provision, (be, make) ready, right, set (aright, fast, forth), be stable, (e-) stablish, stand, tarry, [idiom] very deed. See also: Genesis 41:32; Job 18:12; Psalms 5:10.
לֽ/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Esther 6:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Esther 6:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Esther 6:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Esther 6:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Esther 6:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Esther 6:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Esther 6:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Esther 6:4
- Cambridge Bible on Esther 6:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Esther 6:4
- Sermons on Esther 6:4
Context — Mordecai Is Honored
2And there it was found recorded that Mordecai had exposed Bigthana and Teresh, two of the eunuchs who guarded the king’s entrance, when they had conspired to assassinate King Xerxes.
3The king inquired, “What honor or dignity has been bestowed on Mordecai for this act?” “Nothing has been done for him,” replied the king’s attendants.
4“Who is in the court?” the king asked. Now Haman had just entered the outer court of the palace to ask the king to hang Mordecai on the gallows he had prepared for him.
5So the king’s attendants answered him, “Haman is there, standing in the court.” “Bring him in,” ordered the king. 6Haman entered, and the king asked him, “What should be done for the man whom the king is delighted to honor?” Now Haman thought to himself, “Whom would the king be delighted to honor more than me?”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Esther 5:14 | His wife Zeresh and all his friends told him, “Have them build a gallows fifty cubits high, and ask the king in the morning to have Mordecai hanged on it. Then go to the banquet with the king and enjoy yourself.” The advice pleased Haman, and he had the gallows constructed. |
| 2 | Esther 4:11 | “All the royal officials and the people of the king’s provinces know that one law applies to every man or woman who approaches the king in the inner court without being summoned—that he be put to death. Only if the king extends the gold scepter may that person live. But I have not been summoned to appear before the king for the past thirty days.” |
| 3 | Esther 5:1 | On the third day, Esther put on her royal attire and stood in the inner court of the palace across from the king’s quarters. The king was sitting on his royal throne in the royal courtroom, facing the entrance. |
| 4 | Psalms 2:4 | The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord taunts them. |
| 5 | Proverbs 3:27–28 | Do not withhold good from the deserving when it is within your power to act. Do not tell your neighbor, “Come back tomorrow and I will provide”— when you already have the means. |
| 6 | Esther 7:9 | Then Harbonah, one of the eunuchs attending the king, said: “There is a gallows fifty cubits high at Haman’s house. He had it built for Mordecai, who gave the report that saved the king.” “Hang him on it!” declared the king. |
| 7 | Esther 3:8–11 | Then Haman informed King Xerxes, “There is a certain people scattered and dispersed among the peoples of every province of your kingdom. Their laws are different from everyone else’s, and they do not obey the king’s laws. So it is not in the king’s best interest to tolerate them. If it pleases the king, let a decree be issued to destroy them, and I will deposit ten thousand talents of silver into the royal treasury to pay those who carry it out.” So the king removed the signet ring from his finger and gave it to Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of the Jews. “Keep your money,” said the king to Haman. “These people are given to you to do with them as you please.” |
| 8 | Psalms 33:19 | to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine. |
| 9 | Job 5:13 | He catches the wise in their craftiness, and sweeps away the plans of the cunning. |
| 10 | Ecclesiastes 9:10 | Whatever you find to do with your hands, do it with all your might, for in Sheol, where you are going, there is no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom. |
Esther 6:4 Summary
In Esther 6:4, the king asks who is in the court because he wants to honor someone, but Haman has other plans and wants to harm Mordecai. This shows how God can use people's actions to bring about His own plans, even if they don't realize it, as seen in other verses like Isaiah 46:10, where God declares that His plans will stand. We can learn from this to trust God and seek to honor Him and others, just like the king wanted to honor Mordecai, and to recognize the importance of humility, as seen in verses like James 4:10, where it is written that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the king ask who was in the court in Esther 6:4?
The king asked who was in the court because he wanted to know who was present to discuss the matter of honoring Mordecai, as seen in the context of Esther 6:3, where it is noted that nothing had been done for Mordecai for his good deed, with a similar example of a king seeking to honor someone found in Matthew 25:21.
What was Haman's intention when he entered the outer court of the palace?
Haman had just entered the outer court of the palace to ask the king to hang Mordecai on the gallows he had prepared for him, as stated in Esther 6:4, which shows the contrast between the king's desire to honor someone and Haman's desire to harm Mordecai, similar to the contrast between good and evil seen in Psalms 35:11.
How does this verse relate to the concept of God's sovereignty?
This verse shows how God can use the actions of people, even those with evil intentions like Haman, to bring about His own purposes, as seen in the larger context of the book of Esther and in other verses like Romans 8:28, where it is written that God works all things together for good for those who love Him.
What can we learn from the contrast between the king's and Haman's actions in this verse?
The contrast between the king's desire to honor Mordecai and Haman's desire to harm him teaches us about the importance of humility and recognizing God's sovereignty, as seen in verses like Proverbs 16:18, which warns against the dangers of pride, and in the example of Jesus Christ, who humbled Himself and became obedient to death on the cross, as seen in Philippians 2:8.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that God has used the actions of others to bring about good in your life, and how can you trust Him to continue doing so?
- How can you apply the lesson of humility from this verse to your own life, recognizing that God is sovereign and that your actions have consequences?
- In what ways are you seeking to honor God and others, and how can you be more intentional about doing so, as seen in the king's desire to honor Mordecai?
- How does the contrast between the king's and Haman's actions in this verse challenge your own heart and motivations, and what changes can you make to align yourself more with God's purposes?
Gill's Exposition on Esther 6:4
And the king said, who is in the court?.... Being in haste to confer some honour on Mordecai for what he had done: now Haman was come into the outward court of the king's house; though it was early
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Esther 6:4
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.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Esther 6:4
Haman was come early in the morning, because his malice probably would not suffer him to sleep; and he was impatient till he had executed his desired revenge; and he was resolved to watch for the very first opportunity of speaking to the king, before he was engaged in other matters. Into the outward court of the king’ s house; where he waited, because it was dangerous to come into the inner court without special license, .
Trapp's Commentary on Esther 6:4
Esther 6:4 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.Ver. 4. And the king said, Who is in the court] Josephus saith, that he first asked what time it was, and understanding that it was morning’ s light (for so long he had heard his servants read, and till then it was not that Mordecai’ s matter was mentioned, Haman being now ready to get a warrant for his execution), he asked, who is there without? as desirous to proceed by counsel in a business of that consequence. Now Haman was come, &c.] He was early up (and at court for a mischief), but never the nearer, save only to his own utter ruin. To speak to the king to hang Mordecai] Which till it were done, he could neither sleep in quiet nor eat with comfort. Little considered he how the gallows groaned for himself. "The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead," Proverbs 11:8. Vivit adhuc Christus, regnat, regnabit et usque: Atque hostes omnes sub ditione premit.
Ellicott's Commentary on Esther 6:4
(4) Haman was come.—It being at length morning, Haman had come to the palace in due course, and was waiting in the outer court till the king should call for him. The king in the inner court ponders what recompense to bestow upon Mordecai, Haman in the outer court stands ready primed with a request that he may be hanged.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Esther 6:4
Verse 4. Who is in the court?] This accords with the dream mentioned by the Targum; and given above. Now Haman was come] This must have been very early in the morning. Haman's pride and revenge were both on the tenters to be gratified.
Cambridge Bible on Esther 6:4
4. Who is in the court?] that instructions might be at once given to rectify the omission, and so relieve the king from the stigma of ingratitude. Probably there were always one or two persons in attendance outside the king’s chamber. The answer would naturally name the most important person in waiting.
Whedon's Commentary on Esther 6:4
4. Who is in the court — The king’s soul, after that sleepless night, was burdened with impatient desire to honour his benefactor.
Sermons on Esther 6:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Song of Solomon - the Second Stage by Ed Miller | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the love story depicted in the Song of Songs, which he believes reflects both earthly and heavenly love. He highlights five revelations that |
|
The Sovereignty of God (10.9.1986) by Peter Maiden | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the local church's support, not just financially, but also through prayer. The sermon focuses on Psalm 2 and highlights th |
|
When God Laughs by Warren Wiersbe | Warren Wiersbe emphasizes God's laughter in Psalm 2, highlighting how it stems from judgment towards those who rebel against His authority. Despite the world's turmoil and rebellio |
|
Epistle 236 by George Fox | George Fox preaches about the enduring power of truth and the sovereignty of God amidst trials and tribulations. He encourages believers to find strength in Christ, the bread of li |
|
Godly Marriages - 1.godly Husbands, Wives and Parents by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of faith in marriage, highlighting the need for couples to trust God for unity, to overcome obstacles that hinder oneness, and to be overcomer |
|
Acid Tests Series 5 of 8 - Why Your Prayers Aren't Answered by Al Whittinghill | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of not withholding good from those to whom it is due, when it is within our power to help. He emphasizes the need to take act |
|
|
Acid Test Series 4 of 8 - Ingredients of Prevailing Prayer by Al Whittinghill | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of taking action and not just speaking empty words. He references Proverbs 3:27-28, which encourages us to do good when we ha |