ESTHER 6

KING XERXES IS REMINDED OF MORDECAI’S LOYALTY + PUBLICLY PRAISES HIM

After the feast, King Xerxes is unable to sleep and summons an attendant to read the book that chronicled memorable deeds within the nation. During the reading, King Xerxes is reminded of Mordecai’s honesty and loyalty when hearing that Mordecai prevented two royal guards from murdering him. King Xerxes asks what was done to honor or praise Mordecai for his bravery, but nothing had been done to distinguish Mordecai.

Haman enters the king’s palace to discuss the gallows made for Mordecai’s death, but before he has the chance, the king asks him how to best honor someone. Thinking that this honor would be bestowed upon himself, Haman offers lavish suggestions including royal robes, a royal crown, and the horse of King Xerxes.

To Haman’s surprise, King Xerxes orders him to honor Mordecai with the grand gestures Haman suggested. Instead of indulging in the honors himself, Haman is humbled and humiliated as he leads Mordecai on the royal horse. Mordecai wears the royal crown and robes as he is praised for his protection of the king.