And it was found written, that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king's chamberlains, the keepers of the door, who sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus.
achashverosh (i.e., ahasuerus or artaxerxes, but in this case xerxes), the title (rather than name) of a persian king
Analysis & Commentary
And it was found written, that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king's chamberlains, the keepers of the door, who sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus. As the chronicles were read to the sleepless king (v. 1), they came to the account of Mordecai's exposure of the assassination plot (2:21-23). The passive voice "it was found written" emphasizes providential orchestration—of all the records in the royal archives, this specific account was read this specific night. The timing is perfect: just as Haman enters the palace to request Mordecai's execution (v. 4), the king discovers Mordecai saved his life. God's providence works through record-keeping, insomnia, reading choices, and timing to position pieces for deliverance. The "coincidence" of this particular record being read this particular night when Haman seeks Mordecai's death demonstrates that God governs even apparently random events.
Historical Context
Persian kings maintained extensive official chronicles documenting significant events, as confirmed by biblical references (Ezra 4:15; Esther 10:2) and extra-biblical sources. These annals recorded both threats to the king and notable services by subjects. That Mordecai's deed was recorded but unrewarded (2:23) seems unusual—kings typically rewarded those who saved their lives. The oversight, however, proved providentially perfect: the delayed reward came precisely when needed to elevate Mordecai and humiliate Haman. Ancient administrative practices of detailed record-keeping, designed for historical preservation and governance, became divine instruments of redemption.
Questions for Reflection
How does the 'chance' reading of this specific record at this specific time demonstrate God's sovereignty over details we consider random?
What does Mordecai's delayed reward teach about God's perfect timing in honoring faithful service?
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Analysis & Commentary
And it was found written, that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king's chamberlains, the keepers of the door, who sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus. As the chronicles were read to the sleepless king (v. 1), they came to the account of Mordecai's exposure of the assassination plot (2:21-23). The passive voice "it was found written" emphasizes providential orchestration—of all the records in the royal archives, this specific account was read this specific night. The timing is perfect: just as Haman enters the palace to request Mordecai's execution (v. 4), the king discovers Mordecai saved his life. God's providence works through record-keeping, insomnia, reading choices, and timing to position pieces for deliverance. The "coincidence" of this particular record being read this particular night when Haman seeks Mordecai's death demonstrates that God governs even apparently random events.