Esther 6:1

¶ 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.

On that night {H3915} could not {H5074} the king {H4428} sleep {H8142}, and he commanded {H559} to bring {H935} the book {H5612} of records {H2146} of the chronicles {H1697}{H3117}; and they were read {H7121} before {H6440} the king {H4428}.

That night, the king couldn't sleep; so he ordered the records of the daily journal brought, and they were read to the king.

That night sleep escaped the king; so he ordered the Book of Records, the Chronicles, to be brought in and read to him.

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.

Commentary

Esther 6:1 (KJV): "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."

Commentary

Esther 6:1 marks a pivotal turning point in the book of Esther. The narrative shifts dramatically as a seemingly simple event—King Ahasuerus's inability to sleep—sets in motion the reversal of Haman's wicked plot.

Context

This verse follows Haman's successful plotting to destroy the Jews and his specific plan to hang Mordecai (Esther 5:14). Queen Esther has just held her first banquet and invited the king and Haman to a second banquet the next day, where she plans to reveal Haman's treachery. Unaware of Esther's plan, Haman is feeling triumphant. The scene is set for the king's sleepless night, which occurs just hours before Haman arrives at the palace to request permission to hang Mordecai. The setting is the palace in Shushan (Susa), the capital of the Persian Empire under King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I).

Key Themes

  • Divine Providence: The king's sleeplessness is often seen as a clear instance of God's sovereign hand at work, orchestrating seemingly random events for His purposes, even though God is not explicitly mentioned in the book of Esther.
  • Timing is Everything: This verse highlights perfect divine timing. The king's insomnia happens on the very night before Haman intends to ask for Mordecai's life, ensuring that Mordecai's past service is discovered at the most critical moment.
  • Reward for Service: The reading of the chronicles reminds the king of Mordecai's past loyalty in exposing a plot against the king's life (Esther 2:21-23), which had gone unrewarded. This oversight is corrected directly because of the sleepless night.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "could not the king sleep" (KJV) comes from the Hebrew 'נדדה שנת המלך' (nadědâ šĕnaṯ hammeleḵ), which literally means "fled the sleep of the king." This simple statement leaves room for interpretation as to the cause, allowing for the understanding that God may have been the one disturbing the king's rest.

Reflection and Application

This verse is a powerful reminder that God can use even the most mundane or frustrating circumstances—like a sleepless night—to accomplish His will and protect His people. It encourages believers to trust in God's unseen hand working behind the scenes in their lives and in the world. It also underscores the principle that faithful service, though sometimes overlooked in the moment, does not go unnoticed by God.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Daniel 6:18

    ¶ Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting: neither were instruments of musick brought before him: and his sleep went from him.

  • Daniel 2:1

    ¶ And in the second year of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar Nebuchadnezzar dreamed dreams, wherewith his spirit was troubled, and his sleep brake from him.

  • Esther 2:23

    And when inquisition was made of the matter, it was found out; therefore they were both hanged on a tree: and it was written in the book of the chronicles before the king.

  • Isaiah 41:17

    [When] the poor and needy seek water, and [there is] none, [and] their tongue faileth for thirst, I the LORD will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them.

  • Romans 11:33

    ¶ O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable [are] his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

  • 1 Samuel 23:26

    And Saul went on this side of the mountain, and David and his men on that side of the mountain: and David made haste to get away for fear of Saul; for Saul and his men compassed David and his men round about to take them.

  • 1 Samuel 23:27

    But there came a messenger unto Saul, saying, Haste thee, and come; for the Philistines have invaded the land.