After the report had been investigated and verifiedThis phrase highlights the importance of due diligence and justice in the Persian Empire. The investigation process reflects the administrative practices of the time, where accusations were thoroughly examined before any action was taken. This mirrors the biblical principle of establishing truth through multiple witnesses (
Deuteronomy 19:15). The careful verification process underscores the seriousness of the conspiracy against King Xerxes and the integrity of Mordecai, who reported it.
both officials were hanged on the gallows
The execution of the officials, Bigthana and Teresh, who plotted against the king, demonstrates the severe consequences of treason in ancient Persia. The term "gallows" may refer to a wooden structure used for hanging or impalement, a common method of execution in the ancient Near East. This act of justice serves as a reminder of the divine protection over the king and the unfolding of God's providential plan, as Mordecai's loyalty is later rewarded, playing a crucial role in the deliverance of the Jewish people.
And all this was recorded in the Book of the Chronicles in the presence of the king
The recording of events in the royal chronicles signifies the importance of documentation in the Persian court. These records were official documents that preserved significant occurrences and decisions. This practice ensured that Mordecai's good deed was not forgotten, setting the stage for future developments in the narrative. The mention of the king's presence emphasizes the authenticity and authority of the record. This act of recording parallels the biblical theme of God's remembrance of righteous deeds (Malachi 3:16) and foreshadows the eventual recognition and elevation of Mordecai, which is pivotal in the story of Esther.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
MordecaiA Jew living in Susa, the capital of Persia, who uncovers a plot against King Xerxes. His loyalty and wisdom are pivotal in the account.
2.
Bigthana and TereshTwo of the king's eunuchs who conspire to assassinate King Xerxes. Their plot is thwarted by Mordecai's intervention.
3.
King Xerxes (Ahasuerus)The Persian king during the time of Esther. His reign is marked by significant events, including the elevation of Esther as queen.
4.
The GallowsA structure used for execution, symbolizing justice and the king's authority to punish treason.
5.
The Book of the ChroniclesA record-keeping book where significant events and decisions are documented in the king's presence, ensuring accountability and historical record.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Loyalty and IntegrityMordecai's loyalty to the king, despite being a foreigner, highlights the Christian call to integrity and faithfulness in all circumstances.
God's Sovereign PlanEven in a foreign land, God uses Mordecai's actions to protect His people, reminding us that God is sovereign and works through our circumstances.
The Role of JusticeThe execution of the conspirators underscores the biblical principle of justice, where wrongdoing is met with appropriate consequences.
The Power of Record-KeepingThe recording of events in the chronicles serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and the lasting impact of our actions.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Esther 2:23?
2.How does Esther 2:23 demonstrate God's providence in protecting His people?
3.What can we learn about justice from the king's response in Esther 2:23?
4.How does Esther 2:23 connect with Romans 13:4 on governing authorities?
5.How can we apply Mordecai's vigilance in Esther 2:23 to our lives?
6.What role does accountability play in the events of Esther 2:23?
7.How does Esther 2:23 demonstrate God's providence in protecting His people?
8.What role does divine justice play in Esther 2:23?
9.How does Esther 2:23 reflect the theme of loyalty and betrayal?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Esther 2?
11.Why do 2 Chronicles 35 and 2 Kings 23 differ in their accounts of Josiah's death, raising questions about the actual historical events?
12.Esther 10:2 – Why aren’t the “book of the chronicles of the kings of Media and Persia” referenced by other sources if it so prominently features Mordecai?
13.Could Queen Vashti’s refusal (Esther 1:12) and subsequent banishment be supported by Persian royal court records or historical precedents?
14.Numbers 21:14 – Does the mention of the “Book of the Wars of the LORD,” which is lost to history, raise doubts about the completeness or preservation of biblical texts?What Does Esther 2:23 Mean
After the report had been investigated and verified• Mordecai’s warning regarding the assassination plot (Esther 2:21–22) was not accepted at face value; officials examined the evidence until the charge proved true.
• Scripture consistently requires careful confirmation before judgment—“A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses” (Deuteronomy 19:15; cf.Proverbs 18:13;1 Thessalonians 5:21).
• God’s providence is already visible: by ensuring a thorough inquiry, He protects His servant and preserves the lineage through which Messiah will ultimately come.
both officials were hanged on the gallows• Justice was swift; Bigthan and Teresh received the capital penalty common in Persia (Esther 7:9–10).
• Civil authority “does not bear the sword in vain” (Romans 13:4); rulers are God’s ministers for restraining evil.
• The outcome also illustratesGenesis 12:3—those who curse God’s covenant people bring judgment on themselves. The failed plot foreshadows how every threat against God’s redemptive plan is ultimately overturned.
And all this was recorded in the Book of the Chronicles• Persian administration kept meticulous annals; every notable event was logged (Esther 6:1).
• Human records become tools in God’s hand: the entry forgotten for years reemerges at the exact moment needed to exalt Mordecai and safeguard the Jews (Esther 6:2–10).
• The Lord, who keeps His own “scroll of remembrance” (Malachi 3:16;Psalm 56:8), orchestrates even bureaucratic paperwork for His purposes.
in the presence of the king• King Ahasuerus personally authorized the record, underscoring its legal weight and authenticity.
• Although the king soon overlooks Mordecai’s loyalty, God ensures the memory remains ready for His appointed night of insomnia (Esther 6:1–3).
• “The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; He directs it wherever He will” (Proverbs 21:1; cf.Daniel 2:28). Earthly thrones are subservient to heavenly sovereignty.
summaryEsther 2:23 shows God’s hidden hand in mundane procedures—investigation, capital punishment, and clerical record-keeping. Thorough inquiry affirms truth, justice neutralizes evil, the chronicle safeguards memory, and the king’s oversight sets the stage for future deliverance. Behind each detail stands the Lord, faithfully steering events for the preservation of His people and the unfolding of His redemptive plan.
(23)
Hanged on a tree.--Were crucified; a common punishment among the Persians, especially on rebels (Herod. iii. 120, 125, 159, &c). The dead body of Leonidas was crucified by Xerxes' orders after the desperate stand at Thermopylae.
Book of the chronicles.--A sleepless night of Xerxes accidentally brought this matter, after it had been forgotten, before the king's mind. Herodotus often refers to these Persian Chronicles (vii. 100; viii. 85, 90).
Verse 23. -It was found out. The subsequent history shows that Mordecai's information was found to be correct, since he was ultimately adjudged to have deserved the highest possible reward (Esther 6:6-10). The two conspirators were condemned to death andhanged on a tree,i.e. crucified or impaled, as traitors and rebels commonly were in Persia (see Herod., 3 159; 4:43; 'Behist. Inscr.,' col. 2. pars. 13, 14; col. 3. par. 8).And it was written in the book of the chronicles. Historiographers were attached to the Persian court, and attended the monarch wherever he went. We find them noting down facts for Xerxes at Doriscus (Herod., 7:100), and again at Salamis (ibid. 8:90). They kept a record something like theacta diurna of the early Roman empire (Tacit., 'Ann.,' 13:31), and specially noted whatever concerned the king. Ctesias pretended to have drawn his Persian history from these "chronicles" (up. Diod. Sic., 2:32), and Herodotus seems to have obtained access to some of them (see the writer's 'Herodotus,' Introduction, ch. 1.h p. 56).Before the king.i.e. "in the king's presence." This was not always the case; but when the matter was very important the king exercised a supervision over what was written.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
After the report
הַדָּבָר֙(had·dā·ḇār)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1697:A word, a matter, thing, a cause
had been investigated
וַיְבֻקַּ֤שׁ(way·ḇuq·qaš)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Pual - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1245:To search out, to strive after
and verified,
וַיִּמָּצֵ֔א(way·yim·mā·ṣê)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4672:To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present
both [officials]
שְׁנֵיהֶ֖ם(šə·nê·hem)
Number - mdc | third person masculine plural
Strong's 8147:Two (a cardinal number)
were hanged
וַיִּתָּל֥וּ(way·yit·tā·lū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 8518:To suspend
on
עַל־(‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, against
the gallows.
עֵ֑ץ(‘êṣ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6086:Tree, trees, wood
And all this was recorded
וַיִּכָּתֵ֗ב(way·yik·kā·ṯêḇ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3789:To grave, to write
in the Book
בְּסֵ֛פֶר(bə·sê·p̄er)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5612:A missive, document, writing, book
of the Chronicles
דִּבְרֵ֥י(diḇ·rê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1697:A word, a matter, thing, a cause
in the presence
לִפְנֵ֥י(lip̄·nê)
Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440:The face
of the king.
הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃(ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428:A king
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OT History: Esther 2:23 When this matter was investigated and it (Est Esth. Es)
