### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Charbôwnâʼ**, represented by `{{H2726}}`, is a name of Persian origin for **Harbona** or **Harbonah**, a eunuch of Xerxes. It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible. He is specifically identified as one of the king's chamberlains in the Persian court during the reign of King Ahasuerus.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, **Harbona** `{{H2726}}` first appears as one of the **seven** `{{H7651}}` **chamberlains** `{{H5631}}` who **served** `{{H8334}}` King **Ahasuerus** `{{H325}}`. The king, merry with **wine** `{{H3196}}`, commanded them to bring the queen before him [[Esther 1:10]]. His more significant contribution occurs after Haman's plot is revealed. It is **Harbona** who speaks up before the **king** `{{H4428}}`, pointing out that the very **gallows** `{{H6086}}` Haman had prepared for Mordecai was standing at Haman's own **house** `{{H1004}}`. This report leads the king to command that Haman be hanged on it [[Esther 7:9]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words and names provide context for Harbona's role:
* `{{H5631}}` **çârîyç** (chamberlain, eunuch, officer): This term defines Harbona's official position as **one** `{{H259}}` of the seven trusted officials who **served** `{{H8334}}` in the **presence** `{{H6440}}` of the **king** `{{H4428}}` [[Esther 1:10]].
* `{{H325}}` **ʼĂchashvêrôwsh** (Ahasuerus): The Persian **king** `{{H4428}}` whom Harbona and the other **chamberlains** `{{H5631}}` served [[Esther 1:10]].
* `{{H2001}}` **Hâmân** (Haman): The king's vizier whose downfall is confirmed by Harbona's timely statement about the **gallows** `{{H6086}}` Haman had **made** `{{H6213}}` [[Esther 7:9]].
* `{{H4782}}` **Mordᵉkay** (Mordecai): The intended victim of Haman's plot. Harbona notes that Mordecai had **spoken** `{{H1696}}` **good** `{{H2896}}` for the king, highlighting his innocence [[Esther 7:9]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative significance of **Harbona** `{{H2726}}` is demonstrated in his key actions:
* **Court Official:** Harbona is established as an insider within the royal court, one of the **seven** `{{H7651}}` **chamberlains** `{{H5631}}` attending to the **king** `{{H4428}}` [[Esther 1:10]].
* **Voice of Justice:** At the story's climax, he provides the crucial information that enables swift justice. He identifies the **gallows** `{{H6086}}` that were **fifty** `{{H2572}}` **cubits** `{{H520}}` **high** `{{H1364}}` and intended for Mordecai [[Esther 7:9]].
* **Agent of Reversal:** By revealing the gallows, Harbona becomes an instrument of the story's great irony. His words lead the **king** `{{H4428}}` to decree that **Haman** `{{H2001}}` be **hanged** `{{H8518}}` on the very structure he built for his enemy [[Esther 7:9]].
### Summary
In summary, **Charbôwnâʼ** `{{H2726}}` is a minor but pivotal character in the book of Esther. While appearing in only two verses, his role is indispensable to the narrative's resolution. Initially listed as a royal **chamberlain** `{{H5631}}`, his defining act is to inform the king about Haman's gallows. This intervention serves as the catalyst for Haman's immediate and ironic demise, cementing Harbona's place as a key figure in the execution of justice within the story.
TRV