Esther 7:6

And Esther said, The adversary and enemy [is] this wicked Haman. Then Haman was afraid before the king and the queen.

And Esther {H635} said {H559}, The adversary {H376}{H6862} and enemy {H341} is this wicked {H7451} Haman {H2001}. Then Haman {H2001} was afraid {H1204} before {H6440} the king {H4428} and the queen {H4436}.

Ester said, "A ruthless enemy - it's this wicked Haman!" Haman stood aghast, terrified before the king and queen.

Esther replied, โ€œThe adversary and enemy is this wicked manโ€”Haman!โ€ And Haman stood in terror before the king and queen.

And Esther said, An adversary and an enemy, even this wicked Haman. Then Haman was afraid before the king and the queen.

Commentary

Esther 7:6 marks the dramatic climax of Queen Esther's courageous plan, as she finally reveals the identity of the plotter against her people to King Ahasuerus.

Context

This pivotal verse occurs during Esther's second banquet for King Ahasuerus and Haman. Having previously invited them to a first banquet without revealing her petition, Esther's strategy built suspense. At this second gathering, after the king again asks her what she desires, Esther bravely lays bare the wicked scheme that threatens her life and the lives of her people. The atmosphere shifts instantly from festive to tense as Esther points directly at the man who has been her host's most trusted advisor, Haman.

Key Themes

  • Exposed Wickedness: The verse vividly portrays the moment Haman's true nature and evil intentions are brought into the light. His hidden malice is unmasked before the most powerful figures in the kingdom.
  • Divine Reversal: Though God is not explicitly mentioned in the book of Esther, His providential hand is evident in this dramatic reversal of fortune. Haman, who meticulously planned the destruction of the Jews, suddenly finds himself the target of wrath.
  • Courageous Advocacy: Esther's declaration is an act of immense bravery. She risks her own life by accusing the king's favored official, demonstrating powerful advocacy for her people, echoing her earlier resolve, "if I perish, I perish."
  • Fear of the Guilty: Haman's immediate reaction of fear underscores the sudden, terrifying realization that his elaborate plot has not only failed but has turned against him. The tables have been completely turned.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "adversary and enemy" translates two distinct Hebrew words: tzar (ืฆืจ) and oyev (ืื•ื™ื‘). Both terms denote a hostile opponent or foe, but their combination emphasizes the profound and relentless nature of Haman's animosity towards the Jewish people. Tzar often implies distress or narrowness, suggesting someone who causes affliction, while oyev is a more general term for an enemy. Together, they paint a picture of Haman as a particularly malicious and oppressive foe, highlighting the depth of his hatred.

Practical Application

Esther 7:6 reminds us that truth, though sometimes delayed, eventually comes to light. It encourages believers to have courage in speaking against injustice, even when facing powerful opposition. The verse also serves as a powerful illustration of the principle that those who plot evil often fall into their own traps, as seen in Psalm 7:16. It offers hope that divine justice, though unseen, is at work, orchestrating events to protect the innocent and bring the wicked to account. Haman's downfall serves as a timeless warning against pride and destructive hatred.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Thessalonians 2:8 (4 votes)

    And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:

  • Job 18:5 (4 votes)

    ยถ Yea, the light of the wicked shall be put out, and the spark of his fire shall not shine.

  • Job 18:12 (4 votes)

    His strength shall be hungerbitten, and destruction [shall be] ready at his side.

  • Psalms 139:19 (3 votes)

    Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: depart from me therefore, ye bloody men.

  • Psalms 139:22 (3 votes)

    I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies.

  • 1 Corinthians 5:13 (2 votes)

    But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.

  • 1 Samuel 24:13 (2 votes)

    As saith the proverb of the ancients, Wickedness proceedeth from the wicked: but mine hand shall not be upon thee.