Esther 6:4

¶ And the king said, Who [is] in the court? Now Haman was come into the outward court of the king's house, to speak unto the king to hang Mordecai on the gallows that he had prepared for him.

And the king {H4428} said {H559}, Who is in the court {H2691}? Now Haman {H2001} was come {H935} into the outward {H2435} court {H2691} of the king's {H4428} house {H1004}, to speak {H559} unto the king {H4428} to hang {H8518} Mordecai {H4782} on the gallows {H6086} that he had prepared {H3559} for him.

The king then asked,"Who's that in the courtyard?" For Haman had come into the outer courtyard of the king's palace to speak to the king about hanging Mordekhai on the gallows he had prepared for him.

“Who is in the court?” the king asked. Now Haman had just entered the outer court of the palace to ask the king to hang Mordecai on the gallows he had prepared for him.

And the king said, Who is in the court? Now Haman was come into the outward court of the king’s house, to speak unto the king to hang Mordecai on the gallows that he had prepared for him.

Commentary

Esther 6:4 captures a pivotal moment of dramatic irony and divine orchestration in the biblical narrative. This verse reveals King Ahasuerus's unexpected query coinciding precisely with Haman's arrival, setting the stage for a miraculous reversal of fortune.

Context

The preceding verses (Esther 6:1-3) describe King Ahasuerus's sleepless night, during which he commanded the chronicles of the kingdom to be read. Through this, he discovered that Mordecai had saved his life from a conspiracy but had never been rewarded. At this very critical juncture, Haman, blinded by pride and malice, arrives in the "outward court" of the king's house. His sinister purpose for being there was to request permission from the king to hang Mordecai on the very gallows he had meticulously prepared for him. The timing of Haman's arrival, just as the king was pondering Mordecai's unrewarded loyalty, highlights the remarkable hand of God at work, though His name is never mentioned in the Book of Esther.

Key Themes

  • Divine Providence and Timing: This verse is a powerful illustration of God's unseen hand working behind the scenes. His sovereign control over events is undeniable as Haman's arrival at the exact moment the king needed counsel regarding Mordecai is not coincidence but divine appointment.
  • Dramatic Irony: The stark contrast between Haman's malicious intent (to hang Mordecai) and the king's current preoccupation (to honor Mordecai) creates profound dramatic irony. Haman thinks he is approaching the king for an act of self-glorification and revenge, but he is unwittingly walking into the execution of God's plan for a great reversal of fortune.
  • Pride and Malice Exposed: Haman's character is fully revealed here—consumed by pride and a desire for vengeance against Mordecai, whose refusal to bow was a deep personal offense. This verse foreshadows the downfall of those who harbor such ill will, often seeing their own schemes turn against them, as Haman eventually did on the very gallows he prepared (Esther 7:9-10).

Linguistic Insights

The king's immediate question, "Who [is] in the court?", signifies an urgent need for someone to consult or give an order. Haman's presence in the "outward court" suggests he was waiting to be admitted to the king's inner presence, indicating a formal, yet accessible, part of the royal complex of ancient Persia. The KJV's use of "gallows" refers to a high structure for execution, emphasizing the public and humiliating nature of Haman's planned demise for Mordecai.

Practical Application

Esther 6:4 serves as a profound reminder that even in life's seemingly random or challenging moments, God is at work, orchestrating circumstances for His purposes and the good of His people. It encourages believers to trust in God's perfect timing, even when His presence feels hidden. Furthermore, it offers a stark warning against pride, malice, and vengeance, demonstrating that those who dig a pit for others often fall into it themselves. We are called to live with integrity and compassion, trusting that God works all things for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Esther 5:14 (5 votes)

    Then said Zeresh his wife and all his friends unto him, Let a gallows be made of fifty cubits high, and to morrow speak thou unto the king that Mordecai may be hanged thereon: then go thou in merrily with the king unto the banquet. And the thing pleased Haman; and he caused the gallows to be made.

  • Esther 4:11 (4 votes)

    All the king's servants, and the people of the king's provinces, do know, that whosoever, whether man or woman, shall come unto the king into the inner court, who is not called, [there is] one law of his to put [him] to death, except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden sceptre, that he may live: but I have not been called to come in unto the king these thirty days.

  • Esther 5:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on [her] royal [apparel], and stood in the inner court of the king's house, over against the king's house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the gate of the house.

  • Psalms 2:4 (3 votes)

    He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.

  • Esther 3:8 (2 votes)

    And Haman said unto king Ahasuerus, There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of thy kingdom; and their laws [are] diverse from all people; neither keep they the king's laws: therefore it [is] not for the king's profit to suffer them.

  • Esther 3:11 (2 votes)

    And the king said unto Haman, The silver [is] given to thee, the people also, to do with them as it seemeth good to thee.

  • Psalms 33:19 (2 votes)

    To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.