Esther 2:21

¶ In those days, while Mordecai sat in the king's gate, two of the king's chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, of those which kept the door, were wroth, and sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus.

In those days {H3117}, while Mordecai {H4782} sat {H3427} in the king's {H4428} gate {H8179}, two {H8147} of the king's {H4428} chamberlains {H5631}, Bigthan {H904} and Teresh {H8657}, of those which kept {H8104} the door {H5592}, were wroth {H7107}, and sought {H1245} to lay {H7971} hand {H3027} on the king {H4428} Ahasuerus {H325}.

On one of those occasions, when Mordekhai was sitting at the King's Gate, two of the king's officers, Bigtan and Teresh, from the group in charge of the private entryways, became angry and conspired to assassinate King Achashverosh.

In those days, while Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate, Bigthan and Teresh, two of the king’s eunuchs who guarded the entrance, grew angry and conspired to assassinate King Xerxes.

In those days, while Mordecai was sitting in the king’s gate, two of the king’s chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, of those that kept the threshold, were wroth, and sought to lay hands on the king Ahasuerus.

Commentary

Context of Esther 2:21

Esther 2:21 introduces a pivotal moment in the narrative, occurring after Esther has been chosen as queen but before the rise of Haman. At this point, Mordecai, Esther's cousin and guardian, holds a position at the "king's gate" in Susa, the capital of the Persian Empire. This was not merely a physical entrance but a significant public space where officials, merchants, and citizens gathered, and where royal decrees were often announced or administrative matters handled. It afforded Mordecai a vantage point to observe and hear critical information concerning the court of King Ahasuerus. The verse describes an immediate threat to the king's life, orchestrated by two disgruntled eunuchs, Bigthan and Teresh, who served as royal doorkeepers.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Providence and Timing: This seemingly minor incident is crucial to the larger story of Esther. Mordecai's discovery of the plot, though unrewarded immediately, is recorded in the king's chronicles, setting the stage for his later honor and the ultimate deliverance of the Jewish people. It highlights God's subtle hand working behind the scenes, even when He is not explicitly mentioned in the book.
  • Vigilance and Loyalty: Mordecai's presence and attentiveness at the gate enabled him to overhear the conspiracy. His prompt action in reporting it demonstrates his loyalty to the king and his keen sense of observation.
  • Court Intrigue and Danger: The incident reveals the perilous environment of ancient royal courts, where power struggles and discontent could easily lead to assassination plots, even among trusted officials.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "king's gate" (Hebrew: sha'ar hammelech) signifies more than just a doorway; it was a public square or administrative hub where important matters were discussed and justice was administered. Mordecai's presence there suggests a consistent, perhaps semi-official, presence that allowed him to be privy to court affairs. The "chamberlains" (Hebrew: sarisim) were typically eunuchs, trusted servants who had intimate access to the king's person and chambers, making their betrayal particularly alarming. Their being "wroth" (Hebrew: qatsaph) implies a deep-seated anger or indignation that drove them to conspiracy.

Related Scriptures

This verse is a prime example of divine irony and preparation. Mordecai's act of loyalty is recorded in the royal chronicles (as mentioned in Esther 6:1), a detail that becomes critical when King Ahasuerus later suffers from insomnia and requests the chronicles to be read to him. Without this seemingly minor event in Esther 2:21, the entire chain of events leading to Haman's downfall and the Jews' salvation would not have unfolded as it did. The immediate outcome of Mordecai's report is found in Esther 2:23, where the plot is investigated and the conspirators are executed.

Practical Application

Esther 2:21 reminds us that God often works through ordinary circumstances and the seemingly small acts of individuals. Our faithfulness, vigilance, and integrity in daily life, even when unacknowledged or unrewarded in the moment, can be part of a larger, unseen divine plan. It encourages us to be attentive to our surroundings and to act righteously, trusting that God can use our actions for His purposes, even in ways we cannot foresee.

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Cross-References

  • 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 hand on the king Ahasuerus.

  • 2 Samuel 16:11

    And David said to Abishai, and to all his servants, Behold, my son, which came forth of my bowels, seeketh my life: how much more now [may this] Benjamite [do it]? let him alone, and let him curse; for the LORD hath bidden him.

  • 2 Kings 9:22

    And it came to pass, when Joram saw Jehu, that he said, [Is it] peace, Jehu? And he answered, What peace, so long as the whoredoms of thy mother Jezebel and her witchcrafts [are so] many?

  • 2 Kings 9:24

    And Jehu drew a bow with his full strength, and smote Jehoram between his arms, and the arrow went out at his heart, and he sunk down in his chariot.

  • 2 Kings 12:20

    And his servants arose, and made a conspiracy, and slew Joash in the house of Millo, which goeth down to Silla.

  • 1 Kings 16:9

    And his servant Zimri, captain of half [his] chariots, conspired against him, as he was in Tirzah, drinking himself drunk in the house of Arza steward of [his] house in Tirzah.

  • 2 Samuel 4:5

    And the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, Rechab and Baanah, went, and came about the heat of the day to the house of Ishbosheth, who lay on a bed at noon.