or חַרְבוֹנָה; of Persian origin; Charbona or Charbonah, a eunuch of Xerxes; Harbona, Harbonah.
Transliteration:Charbôwnâʼ
Pronunciation:khar-bo-naw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H2726}}` (Charbôwnâʼ), transliterated as Harbona or Harbonah, is a proper noun of Persian origin. Its base definition identifies a specific individual: "Charbona or Charbonah, a eunuch of Xerxes." As a proper name, its semantic range is inherently narrow, referring solely to this particular historical figure. Unlike common nouns or verbs, it does not possess a broad conceptual meaning within the Hebrew lexicon but functions primarily as an identifier for a person serving in the Persian court. The Persian etymology suggests its foreign origin, fitting for a character in the Book of Esther, which is set in the Persian Empire.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Harbona (`{{H2726}}`) appears twice in the biblical text, both instances within the Book of Esther, which chronicles the deliverance of the Jewish people during the reign of Ahasuerus (Xerxes I).
1. **[[Esther 1:10]]**: Harbona is listed among the "seven eunuchs who served in the presence of King Ahasuerus." These eunuchs were commissioned by the king to bring Queen Vashti before him, arrayed in her royal crown, to display her beauty. This initial mention establishes Harbona's position of close service and trust within the royal household, indicative of the significant influence and access often held by eunuchs in ancient Near Eastern courts. Their role was to attend to the king's personal needs and commands, underscoring their integral, albeit subordinate, role in court affairs.
2. **[[Esther 7:9]]**: Harbona plays a more pivotal, though brief, role during the dramatic climax of Haman's downfall. As King Ahasuerus returns from the palace garden and discovers Haman prostrate before Esther, Harbona steps forward to point out Haman's treachery: "Then Harbona, one of the eunuchs in attendance on the king, said, 'Moreover, the gallows that Haman made for Mordecai, who spoke good for the king, is standing at Haman's house, fifty cubits high.'" This timely interjection immediately precedes Haman's execution upon the very gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. Harbona's observation serves as a crucial catalyst, solidifying the king's wrath and ensuring the swift and just retribution against Haman.
### Related Words & Concepts
While `{{H2726}}` itself is a proper noun without direct lexical relatives in Hebrew, its context connects it to several significant concepts and roles:
* **Eunuch (סָרִיס, *saris*, `{{H5631}}`)**: Harbona's identity as a eunuch is central to his position. In ancient courts, eunuchs often held positions of great power and trust, serving as chamberlains, administrators, and guardians of the royal harem. Their physical condition often made them perceived as politically neutral and loyal servants, entrusted with intimate access to the monarch.
* **Persian Court**: The entire narrative of Esther unfolds within the elaborate and hierarchical setting of the Persian Empire's court. Harbona's presence underscores the diverse personnel, both native and foreign, who served the Achaemenid kings.
* **Divine Providence**: Although Harbona's actions appear to be a simple observation, they are intrinsically linked to the overarching theme of divine providence in the Book of Esther. His seemingly coincidental remark in [[Esther 7:9]] serves as a critical turning point orchestrated by God, even when His name is not explicitly mentioned in the text.
### Theological Significance
As a proper name, Harbona does not carry an inherent theological meaning in the way that terms like "righteousness" or "covenant" do. However, his brief but impactful appearances within the Book of Esther contribute significantly to the theological message of the narrative.
Harbona serves as an instrument, perhaps unknowingly, in the unfolding of God's sovereign plan. His interjection in [[Esther 7:9]] is not merely a factual statement but a divinely timed utterance that seals Haman's fate and accelerates the deliverance of the Jewish people. This highlights a profound theological truth: God uses a variety of means and individuals—even those outside the covenant community, like a Persian eunuch—to accomplish His purposes. The Book of Esther is unique in its omission of any direct mention of God, yet His providential hand is undeniably evident throughout the narrative. Harbona's role, though minor from a human perspective, underscores the meticulous way in which God orchestrates events and uses seemingly ordinary human actions to bring about extraordinary outcomes for the salvation of His people. He is a testament to the subtle yet powerful working of divine sovereignty in history.
### Summary
`{{H2726}}`, Harbona (Charbôwnâʼ), is a proper noun of Persian origin, identifying a specific eunuch serving in the court of King Ahasuerus. He is mentioned twice in the Book of Esther, first among the seven eunuchs dispatched to summon Queen Vashti ([[Esther 1:10]]), and most significantly, when he points out Haman's gallows to the king, leading directly to Haman's execution ([[Esther 7:9]]). Though a minor character, Harbona's role, particularly in the dramatic climax of [[Esther 7:9]], is crucial to the narrative's resolution. Theologically, his brief but impactful appearance exemplifies the theme of divine providence in the Book of Esther, demonstrating how God sovereignly orchestrates events and uses seemingly ordinary individuals and actions—even those outside the direct covenant community—to achieve His redemptive purposes for His people.
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