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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Esther 6:1 marks the dramatic and divinely orchestrated turning point in the book of Esther, where King Ahasuerus's inexplicable sleeplessness on a critical night leads him to consult the royal chronicles. This seemingly mundane event is, in fact, a pivotal act of divine providence, setting in motion the discovery of Mordecai's unrewarded loyalty and initiating the unraveling of Haman's wicked plot against the Jewish people, thereby pivoting the narrative from impending doom to the eventual deliverance of God's chosen.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal verse immediately follows a moment of immense tension and Haman’s inflated pride. In [Esther 5](/esther/5 "Esther 5 - Esther's First Banquet and Haman's Pride"), Queen Esther has just hosted her first banquet for King Ahasuerus and Haman, inviting them to a second banquet the following day. Haman, oblivious to Esther’s true intentions, has returned home boasting of his wealth and prestige, yet is still consumed by his hatred for Mordecai, whom he plans to hang on a gallows he has already constructed ([Esther 5:14](/esther/5-14 "Esther 5:14 - Haman Prepares Gallows for Mordecai")). The king’s sleepless night, therefore, occurs precisely on the eve of Haman’s intended request to execute Mordecai, creating a dramatic irony and setting the stage for a divine intervention that will reverse the fortunes of both men.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Esther 6:1 unfold within the opulent and politically charged environment of the Persian Empire, specifically in the royal citadel of Susa (Shushan), the primary administrative capital of King Ahasuerus (identified with Xerxes I, 486-465 BC). The practice of maintaining "books of records of the chronicles" was a well-attested custom in ancient Near Eastern monarchies. These royal annals served as official historical documents, recording significant events, decrees, and acts of loyalty or rebellion. They were often read aloud to the king, particularly during times of insomnia or leisure, serving as a reminder of past events and a means of reinforcing royal authority and memory. This cultural practice provides the natural, human mechanism through which divine providence operates in this narrative.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes of the book of Esther. Foremost among them is **Divine Providence**, often referred to as the "hidden hand of God." Though God is never explicitly mentioned in the entire book, His sovereign control over seemingly random events, like a king’s insomnia, is unmistakably evident, orchestrating circumstances to protect His people. This ties directly into the theme of **Perfect Timing**; the king’s sleeplessness occurs at the most opportune moment, preventing Haman’s immediate plot and enabling Mordecai’s past loyalty to be brought to light just when it matters most. Finally, the verse highlights the theme of **Justice and Recompense**, as Mordecai’s previously unrewarded act of revealing a conspiracy against the king ([Esther 2:21-23](/esther/2-21 "Esther 2:21-23 - Mordecai Uncovers a Plot")) is finally brought to the king’s attention, setting the stage for his elevation and Haman’s downfall.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Could not the king sleep (Hebrew, _nadědâ šĕnaṯ hammeleḵ_):** This phrase literally translates to "fled the sleep of the king" or "the king's sleep departed." The Hebrew verb נדד (_nadad_) means "to flee," "to depart," or "to wander." This active phrasing suggests an external force or an internal restlessness that caused sleep to abandon the king, rather than merely a passive inability to sleep. The text offers no natural explanation for his insomnia, inviting the reader to infer a supernatural cause—God’s direct intervention—even though God's name is conspicuously absent from the book. This divine disturbance of rest is a recurring motif in biblical narratives, often signaling a moment of significant divine action or revelation, as seen in the dreams of Pharaoh or Nebuchadnezzar.
* **Book of records of the chronicles (Hebrew, _sēper hazzikrōnōṯ divrê hayyāmîm_):** This refers to the official royal annals or memoirs. The term "chronicles" (_divrê hayyāmîm_) denotes a historical record of events, while "records of the chronicles" (_sēper hazzikrōnōṯ_) emphasizes their function as a book of remembrance or memorials. These were not merely private diaries but public, official documents, regularly updated and accessible. Their reading aloud was a common practice, serving as a means of historical review and a reminder of past loyalties or grievances. The specific detail that these particular chronicles were brought to the king, and not others, suggests a precise, divinely guided selection, ensuring that the critical entry regarding Mordecai’s service would be discovered at the crucial moment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"On that night could not the king sleep":** This opening clause immediately establishes the narrative's turning point. The specific timing—"that night," referring to the night following Esther's first banquet and Haman's proud return home—is crucial. The king's insomnia is presented as an unexplained phenomenon, creating a sense of divine mystery and emphasizing the extraordinary nature of the event. It is not merely a common sleepless night but one divinely orchestrated to set in motion a chain of events that will save a nation.
* **"and he commanded to bring the book of records of the chronicles;":** Unable to sleep, the king seeks a diversion, and his choice falls upon the official royal annals. This seemingly mundane decision is pregnant with significance. The "book of records of the chronicles" contained detailed accounts of the kingdom's history, including acts of loyalty and treason. The king's command to bring *this specific type of document* rather than, say, entertainers or a storyteller, points to a deeper, providential influence guiding his otherwise ordinary royal prerogative.
* **"and they were read before the king.":** The act of reading these chronicles aloud to the king is the final, crucial step in this providential sequence. It ensures that the king himself, rather than an intermediary, directly hears and processes the information contained within. This public recitation, a common practice in ancient courts, serves to reinforce the gravity and official nature of the information, preparing the king's mind for the revelation of Mordecai's past service and the subsequent actions he will take.

#### Literary Devices
Esther 6:1 is rich with literary devices that underscore its pivotal role in the narrative. The most prominent is **Irony**, particularly situational irony. While Haman is consumed by pride and excitement, planning Mordecai's demise, the king, unaware of Haman's plot, is experiencing a restless night that will directly lead to Haman's downfall and Mordecai's elevation. The very night Haman prepares the gallows is the night the king discovers Mordecai's unrewarded loyalty. The narrative also employs **Divine Providence** as a central, though unstated, force. The king's insomnia is presented as a seemingly random event, yet its precise timing and outcome reveal a meticulous, unseen hand guiding human affairs. This "coincidence" functions as a powerful **Narrative Pivot**, dramatically shifting the story's trajectory from the impending destruction of the Jews to their miraculous deliverance. Furthermore, the reading of the chronicles serves as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the imminent reversal of fortunes for Mordecai and Haman, building suspense and anticipation for the reader.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Esther 6:1 stands as a profound testament to God's sovereign control over human events, even when His name is not explicitly mentioned. This verse illustrates the theological principle of divine providence, where God orchestrates seemingly coincidental circumstances to accomplish His purposes, protect His people, and bring about His justice. The king's sleeplessness is not accidental; it is a divinely appointed disruption that sets in motion the unraveling of Haman's wicked scheme and the ultimate salvation of the Jewish nation. It reassures believers that God is actively working behind the scenes, turning the ordinary into the extraordinary, and using even the most powerful human leaders as instruments of His will. This passage encourages a deep trust in God's unseen hand, affirming that His watchful care extends to every detail of life, ensuring that His plans will not be thwarted.

* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in the Hand of the Lord")
* [Psalm 121:3-4](/psalms/121-3-4 "Psalm 121:3-4 - The Lord Who Keeps Israel Will Not Slumber")
* [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Esther 6:1 offers a powerful and comforting message for contemporary believers. It reminds us that even in moments of deep anxiety, apparent helplessness, or when evil seems to triumph, God remains actively engaged in the affairs of His creation. Just as a king's restless night became the catalyst for national deliverance, our own mundane struggles, frustrations, or even periods of waiting can be precisely where God is working His unseen purposes. This verse calls us to cultivate a posture of trust, recognizing that God's timing is perfect and His methods are often surprising. It encourages us to remain faithful in our service, even when it feels unrewarded or unnoticed, knowing that God sees and remembers every act of loyalty. Ultimately, it invites us to look beyond immediate circumstances and discern the larger narrative of God's redemptive plan unfolding, even through seemingly insignificant events.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the king's sleepless night challenge your understanding of God's involvement in everyday life?**
* **Can you recall a time when a seemingly random or frustrating event in your life turned out to be part of God's greater plan?**
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to doubt God's active presence, and how might this verse encourage you to trust His unseen hand?**

### FAQ
**Why is God not mentioned in the book of Esther, yet His providence is so clear?**

Answer: The absence of God's explicit name in Esther is unique among biblical books, yet His presence is powerfully demonstrated through the meticulous arrangement of "coincidences." This literary choice may serve to highlight that God often works through ordinary means and human decisions, rather than overt miracles, to accomplish His will. It encourages readers to perceive God's hand in the natural flow of history, reminding us that His sovereignty does not always require dramatic supernatural intervention but can be seen in the precise timing of events, the inclinations of a king's heart ([Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in the Hand of the Lord")), and the seemingly random choices of individuals. It teaches us to look for God's activity even in the silence and the mundane.

**What is the significance of the "book of records of the chronicles" in this narrative?**

Answer: The "book of records of the chronicles" serves as the divinely appointed instrument through which Mordecai's past service is brought to light at the critical moment. These royal annals were official historical documents, and their reading was a common practice. The fact that the king specifically chose to have *these* read, and that the particular entry about Mordecai's loyalty in exposing a plot against the king ([Esther 2:21-23](/esther/2-21 "Esther 2:21-23 - Mordecai Uncovers a Plot")) was highlighted, is a powerful demonstration of God's precise timing and meticulous planning. It underscores that God uses existing human systems and records to fulfill His purposes, ensuring that justice is served and His people are protected.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Esther 6:1, with its profound display of divine providence, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as God orchestrated a sleepless night and a specific reading of chronicles to save His ancient people, so too did He meticulously plan every detail of human history for the arrival of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") who would take away the sin of the world. The "chronicles" of God's redemptive plan, recorded in the Old Testament, consistently point forward to the Messiah. The seemingly random events of Esther's narrative, guided by an unseen hand, foreshadow the perfect timing of Christ's incarnation, life, death, and resurrection, which occurred "in the fullness of time" ([Galatians 4:4](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4 - God Sent His Son in the Fullness of Time")). While King Ahasuerus was disturbed from his sleep for a temporary deliverance, Jesus, the [Good Shepherd](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus the Good Shepherd"), "neither slumbers nor sleeps" ([Psalm 121:4](/psalms/121-4 "Psalm 121:4 - The Lord Who Keeps Israel Will Not Slumber")) in His eternal watch over His Church, ensuring their ultimate salvation. His "sleepless" night in Gethsemane, wrestling with the Father's will, was the ultimate act of providential suffering that secured eternal rest for His people, demonstrating that God's hidden hand works all things for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose ([Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - All Things Work for Good")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI 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.