Then the king returned out of the palace garden into the place of the banquet of wine; and Haman was fallen upon the bed whereon Esther was. Then said the king, Will he force the queen also before me in the house? As the word went out of the king's mouth, they covered Haman's face.
Then the king returned out of the palace garden into the place of the banquet of wine; and Haman was fallen upon the bed whereon Esther was. Then said the king, Will he force the queen also before me in the house? As the word went out of the king's mouth, they covered Haman's face. When the king returned, he found Haman fallen on Esther's couch—either prostrate in supplication or accidentally fallen while pleading. The king interpreted this as assault—"Will he force the queen?"—adding sexual violence to Haman's crimes. The phrase "before me in the house" emphasizes outrage at such audacity in the king's presence and home. The servants immediately covering Haman's face indicates condemned status—covering faces marked those sentenced to death. This final accusation, though possibly misunderstood, sealed Haman's fate. Providence uses even miscommunication to accomplish justice.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern protocols strictly regulated access to royal women. Any perceived sexual impropriety toward the queen warranted death. Haman's physical proximity to Esther, though likely innocent supplication, appeared incriminating to the angry king. Covering the face of condemned criminals appears in various ancient sources as marking death sentence. Servants' immediate action demonstrates they recognized the king's question as final condemnation. The rapid transition from Haman's plea to his covering shows how quickly ancient justice could move from accusation to execution. Archaeological evidence confirms strict protocols governing royal women's interactions with male courtiers.
Questions for Reflection
How does the covering of Haman's face demonstrate how quickly judgment can fall when God's time for justice arrives?
What does this incident teach about how circumstances can compound against the wicked when divine justice operates?
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Analysis & Commentary
Then the king returned out of the palace garden into the place of the banquet of wine; and Haman was fallen upon the bed whereon Esther was. Then said the king, Will he force the queen also before me in the house? As the word went out of the king's mouth, they covered Haman's face. When the king returned, he found Haman fallen on Esther's couch—either prostrate in supplication or accidentally fallen while pleading. The king interpreted this as assault—"Will he force the queen?"—adding sexual violence to Haman's crimes. The phrase "before me in the house" emphasizes outrage at such audacity in the king's presence and home. The servants immediately covering Haman's face indicates condemned status—covering faces marked those sentenced to death. This final accusation, though possibly misunderstood, sealed Haman's fate. Providence uses even miscommunication to accomplish justice.