Esther 6:2

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it was found {H4672} written {H3789}, that Mordecai {H4782} had told {H5046} of Bigthana {H904} and Teresh {H8657}, two {H8147} of the king's {H4428} chamberlains {H5631}, the keepers {H8104} of the door {H5592}, who sought {H1245} to lay {H7971} hand {H3027} on the king {H4428} Ahasuerus {H325}.

Complete Jewish Bible

It was found written that Mordekhai had told about Bigtana and Teresh, two of the king's officers from the group in charge of the private entryways, who had conspired to assassinate King Achashverosh.

Berean Standard Bible

And 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.

American Standard Version

And it was found written, that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king’s chamberlains, of those that kept the threshold, who had sought to lay hands on the king Ahasuerus.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Esther 6:2 marks a pivotal moment in the narrative, revealing King Ahasuerus's discovery of Mordecai's previously unrewarded act of loyalty in exposing a plot by two of the king's chamberlains, Bigthana and Teresh, who had sought to assassinate him. This serendipitous discovery, occurring during the king's sleepless night and his subsequent command to read the royal chronicles, sets in motion the dramatic reversal of fortunes for Mordecai and Haman, highlighting the unseen hand of divine providence at work.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Esther 6:2 is strategically placed at the climax of the book's rising action, immediately following King Ahasuerus's sleepless night (Esther 6:1). Unable to sleep, the king commands that the official chronicles of the kingdom be read to him, a seemingly mundane act that proves to be divinely orchestrated. The discovery of Mordecai's loyal deed, which had occurred much earlier and was recorded in [Esther 2:21-23](/esther/2-21 "Esther 2:21-23 - Mordecai Uncovers the Plot"), serves as the turning point. This revelation is made precisely when Haman is en route to the palace, intending to secure permission from the king to hang Mordecai on the very gallows he had prepared (as seen in [Esther 5:14](/esther/5-14 "Esther 5:14 - Haman's Gallows")). The dramatic irony is profound, as the villain's plans are about to be spectacularly thwarted by the very man he seeks to destroy, whose forgotten good deed is now brought to light at the most opportune moment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Persian Empire was renowned for its meticulous record-keeping. The "chronicles of the kings of Media and Persia" (also mentioned in [Esther 10:2](/esther/10-2 "Esther 10:2 - Chronicles of the Kings")) were official royal annals, documenting significant events, decrees, and acts of service or disservice to the crown. These records were considered authoritative and irrefutable. The "chamberlains" (סָרִיס, _saris_), often translated as eunuchs, were high-ranking officials in the Persian court, serving in various capacities, including guarding the king. The "keepers of the door" were specifically tasked with ensuring the king's security, making the treachery of Bigthana and Teresh a severe breach of trust. In a monarchical system, unrewarded loyal service was an anomaly, and the king's subsequent inquiry about Mordecai's lack of recompense underscores the expectation that such deeds would be acknowledged and rewarded.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes. **Divine Providence** is paramount, even though God is never explicitly named in the book of Esther. The king's insomnia, his specific request for the chronicles, and the precise timing of the reading all point to an unseen, sovereign hand orchestrating events for His purposes. This highlights that God works through ordinary circumstances and human decisions to bring about His will. **Justice and Reward** are also central; Mordecai's long-overlooked faithfulness is finally remembered, setting the stage for his elevation and Haman's dramatic downfall. This underscores the biblical principle that good deeds, though sometimes unacknowledged by humans, are not forgotten by God. The contrast between Mordecai's **Loyalty** and the **Treachery** of Bigthana and Teresh further emphasizes the value of faithful service and the dangers of internal threats, a theme echoed in other biblical narratives concerning royal courts, such as David's experiences with betrayal in [2 Samuel 15](/2_samuel/15 "2 Samuel 15 - Absalom's Rebellion").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Found written (Hebrew, _nimtsa katûb'_):** This phrase emphasizes the official and verifiable nature of the discovery. It signifies that Mordecai's loyal act was not merely a rumor or a forgotten memory but a documented fact within the meticulously kept royal archives. The passive voice ("it was found written") subtly suggests a discovery that was not actively sought out but providentially stumbled upon, underscoring the element of divine timing.
* **Chamberlains (Hebrew, סָרִיס, _saris'_):** While often translated as "eunuchs," the term _saris_ in the Persian context could also refer more broadly to high-ranking court officials or palace officers, regardless of their physical state. Bigthana and Teresh were not mere servants but held positions of significant trust and proximity to the king, specifically as "keepers of the door." Their treachery was therefore a profound betrayal of their sacred duty and the king's confidence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it was found written,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes the authoritative and factual nature of the information. The discovery is presented as an objective truth, recorded in the official royal chronicles, which were considered irrefutable evidence in the Persian court.
* **"that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king's chamberlains,"**: This specifies the content of the record: Mordecai's loyal act of reporting a conspiracy. Bigthana and Teresh are identified by name and by their high-ranking positions, emphasizing the gravity of their betrayal and the significance of Mordecai's intervention.
* **"the keepers of the door,"**: This further defines the role of Bigthana and Teresh, highlighting their proximity and responsibility for the king's personal security. Their position as "keepers of the door" means they had privileged access and were entrusted with protecting the king, making their plot even more heinous.
* **"who sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus."**: This clearly states the nature of the conspiracy: an assassination attempt. The phrase "lay hand on" is a common biblical idiom for inflicting harm or violence, often with lethal intent. This clause underscores the mortal danger the king was in and the life-saving nature of Mordecai's timely intervention.

#### Literary Devices
Esther 6:2 is rich in **Dramatic Irony**, as the king's discovery of Mordecai's past loyalty occurs at the precise moment Haman is arriving to request Mordecai's execution. The reader is aware of Haman's malicious intent, creating a profound sense of anticipation and a stark contrast between Haman's villainy and Mordecai's virtue. This verse also functions as a crucial moment of **Anagnorisis**, or recognition, where a previously unacknowledged truth (Mordecai's deed) is revealed, fundamentally shifting the narrative's direction. Furthermore, the seemingly random act of reading the chronicles, coupled with the precise timing of the discovery, strongly implies **Divine Providence**, even without explicit mention of God. This subtle yet powerful literary technique underscores the theological message that God is sovereignly at work behind the scenes, orchestrating events for His purposes and the deliverance of His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Esther 6:2 serves as a powerful testament to the biblical principle of divine remembrance and perfect timing. Though God's name is absent from the book of Esther, His providential hand is undeniably evident in the king's sleepless night and the subsequent discovery of Mordecai's loyal deed. This narrative demonstrates that God never forgets the faithful service of His people, even when their good deeds go unrewarded or unacknowledged by human authorities. It reinforces the truth that God is actively involved in the affairs of humanity, orchestrating seemingly random events to bring about His righteous purposes, often turning the schemes of the wicked against themselves and exalting the humble.

* [Psalm 37:6](/psalm/37-6 "Psalm 37:6 - God Vindicates the Righteous")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good")
* [Hebrews 6:10](/hebrews/6-10 "Hebrews 6:10 - God Will Not Forget Your Work")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Esther 6:2 offers profound encouragement for believers navigating a world where faithfulness often goes unnoticed and justice seems delayed. This verse reminds us that our diligent service, integrity, and acts of righteousness, no matter how small or unacknowledged by human eyes, are eternally recorded in God's memory. We are called to faithfulness in our daily responsibilities, trusting that God's timing is perfect and His justice is sure. Just as Mordecai's loyalty was eventually brought to light and rewarded, so too will God, in His perfect timing, acknowledge and recompense the faithfulness of His children. This should inspire us to persevere in doing good, not for human applause, but out of devotion to God, knowing that He sees, He remembers, and He acts.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the seemingly random nature of the king's sleepless night and his choice of reading material challenge or affirm your understanding of God's sovereignty in everyday life?**
* **In what areas of your life have you felt your faithful efforts have gone unnoticed or unrewarded? How does Mordecai's experience in Esther 6:2 encourage you in those situations?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a deeper trust in God's perfect timing, even when circumstances appear chaotic or unjust?**

### FAQ
**Why was Mordecai not rewarded immediately after exposing the plot in Esther 2?**

Answer: The text does not explicitly state why Mordecai was not immediately rewarded. However, several factors could be at play. First, while his deed was recorded in the royal chronicles, it might have been a routine administrative entry rather than something that immediately warranted royal attention or a public reward. Second, the Persian court was vast and complex, and it's possible that the king was simply unaware of every detail of every act of service. The narrative's emphasis is on the *timing* of the discovery in [Esther 6:1](/esther/6-1 "Esther 6:1 - The King's Sleepless Night") rather than on a failure to reward. The delay serves a crucial literary and theological purpose: it highlights the dramatic irony and underscores the providential nature of God's work, ensuring that Mordecai's vindication and Haman's downfall occur at the most opportune moment to save the Jewish people, rather than as a simple administrative oversight correction.

**Does this verse imply God's direct intervention, even though He is not mentioned in the book of Esther?**

Answer: Yes, while the book of Esther is unique for its absence of God's explicit name, the events of [Esther 6:2](/esther/6-2 "Esther 6:2 - Mordecai's Loyalty Remembered") and the surrounding narrative are widely interpreted as a powerful demonstration of God's divine providence and unseen intervention. The confluence of the king's insomnia, his specific request for the chronicles, and the precise timing of the reading to reveal Mordecai's forgotten good deed, all while Haman is approaching with murderous intent, is far too coincidental to be mere chance. This sequence of events strongly implies a sovereign hand orchestrating circumstances behind the scenes to protect His people and fulfill His purposes, showcasing that God works through seemingly ordinary human actions and decisions.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Esther 6:2, with its theme of a righteous deed forgotten yet providentially remembered and rewarded, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate divine remembrance and vindication found in Christ. Mordecai's act of saving the king, though initially unacknowledged, eventually leads to his exaltation and the deliverance of his people. This mirrors the work of Jesus Christ, whose ultimate act of obedience and sacrifice on the cross, though seemingly a defeat, was eternally remembered by God the Father. Through His death and resurrection, Christ not only saved humanity from the ultimate "plot" of sin and death but was also supremely exalted, receiving "the name which is above every name" ([Philippians 2:9](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9 - Christ's Exaltation")). Just as Mordecai's loyalty was brought to light at the perfect moment to reverse the fortunes of his people, so too was Christ's redemptive work accomplished at the "fullness of time" ([Galatians 4:4](/galatians/4-4 "The Fullness of Time")), securing eternal salvation and a future inheritance for all who believe in Him ([Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Our Inheritance in Christ")). The divine timing and meticulous orchestration seen in Esther 6:2 find their ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in God's sovereign plan of salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ, who is the true and ultimate deliverer.

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

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.

Esther 2:22

And the thing was known to Mordecai, who told [it] unto Esther the queen; and Esther certified the king [thereof] in Mordecai's name.