Esther 2:23
And when inquisition was made of the matter, it was found out; therfore they were both hanged on a tree: and it was written in the booke of the chronicles before the king. Esther 2:23 (KJV)
Context: The Book of Esther tells the story of a Jewish girl named Esther who becomes the queen of Persia and plays a vital role in saving her people from destruction. In this verse, we see an event that unfolds during Esther’s time as queen.
Background: Prior to Esther 2:23, King Ahasuerus (also known as King Xerxes) had removed his first queen, Vashti, from his position. After a kingdom-wide search for a new queen, Esther, a Jewish girl raised by his cousin Mordecai, was chosen to be the queen.
Plot of the Story: In Esther 2:23, we encounter a significant turning point in the narrative. Two eunuchs, Bigthan and Teresh, who were assigned to guard the king’s gate, conspire to assassinate King Ahasuerus. However, their plot is discovered through an investigation, and the conspirators are ultimately executed.
God’s Providence: While the book of Esther does not explicitly mention God, it reveals God’s providential work throughout the story. In this verse, we see God’s divine intervention in preserving the life of King Ahasuerus. By revealing the plot to Mordecai, who then informs Queen Esther, God ensures the king’s safety and the advancement of His plans.
Justice and Consequences: The conspirators, Bigthan and Teresh, face the consequences of their actions. When the plot is discovered, an inquiry is made, and they are found guilty. As punishment, they are both hanged on a tree. This demonstrates the principle of justice and the severity of their crime.
Recording the Event: The verse mentions that the account of this incident is recorded in the book of the chronicles before the king. This highlights the meticulous record‑keeping of significant events during the king’s reign. The inclusion of this detail emphasizes the importance of historical documentation and the meticulousness of the Persian administration.
God’s Sovereignty: Although the verse does not explicitly mention God, the events of Esther reveal His sovereignty and providential care. Even in seemingly ordinary or dire circumstances, God is working behind the scenes to accomplish His purposes.
Consequences of Evil Actions: The fate of Bigthan and Teresh serves as a reminder that evil deeds will not go unpunished. The Bible affirms that there are consequences for our actions, and justice will ultimately prevail.
Faithfulness and Diligence: Mordecai’s faithfulness in reporting the plot and Esther’s vigilance in communicating the information to the king highlight the importance of acting faithfully and responsibly. We should be diligent in fulfilling our responsibilities and be willing to act when necessary.
Historical Documentation: The mention of recording events in the book of the chronicles emphasizes the value of historical records. It encourages us to document significant events in our own lives and recognize the importance of preserving our stories for future generations.
Overall, Esther 2:23 showcases God’s providential care, the consequences of evil actions, the importance of faithfulness, and the significance of historical documentation.
