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Hathach is a figure mentioned in the Book of Esther, a part of the Hebrew Bible and Christian Old Testament. He is identified as a eunuch serving in the court of King Ahasuerus, also known as Xerxes I, who reigned over the Persian Empire. Hathach's role is particularly significant in the narrative of Esther, as he acts as an intermediary between Queen Esther and her cousin Mordecai during a critical moment in the account.

Biblical Account

Hathach is introduced inEsther 4:5, where he is described as one of the king's eunuchs assigned to attend to Queen Esther. The text states: "Then Esther summoned Hathach, one of the king’s eunuchs appointed to her, and she dispatched him to Mordecai to learn what was troubling him and why." (Esther 4:5). This verse highlights Hathach's position of trust and responsibility within the royal court, as he is chosen by Esther to carry out a sensitive task.

The context of Hathach's involvement arises from the decree issued by Haman, the king's advisor, to annihilate the Jewish people throughout the Persian Empire. Mordecai, who is deeply distressed by this edict, communicates with Esther through Hathach, urging her to intercede with the king on behalf of her people. Hathach faithfully conveys messages between Esther and Mordecai, facilitating their communication during this perilous time.

InEsther 4:6-9, Hathach's role as a messenger is further detailed: "So Hathach went out to Mordecai in the city square in front of the king’s gate, and Mordecai told him everything that had happened to him, as well as the exact amount of money that Haman had promised to pay into the royal treasury for the destruction of the Jews. Mordecai also gave Hathach a copy of the written decree issued in Susa for their destruction, to show to Esther and explain it to her. He instructed her to go into the king’s presence to beg for mercy and plead with him for her people. So Hathach went back and relayed Mordecai’s message to Esther." (Esther 4:6-9).

Role and Significance

Hathach's role, though seemingly minor, is crucial in the unfolding of the events in the Book of Esther. As a trusted servant, he ensures the secure and accurate transmission of information between Esther and Mordecai. His actions enable Esther to understand the gravity of the situation and ultimately lead to her courageous decision to approach the king, risking her own life to save her people.

Hathach's presence in the narrative underscores the importance of faithful service and the impact that seemingly small roles can have in God's providential plan. His obedience and reliability contribute to the preservation of the Jewish people, highlighting the theme of divine orchestration and deliverance that runs throughout the Book of Esther.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the Persian Empire, eunuchs often held significant positions within the royal court, serving as attendants, advisors, and messengers. Their unique status allowed them to operate within the inner circles of power, often acting as intermediaries between the monarch and other court officials or members of the royal family. Hathach's role as a eunuch attending to Queen Esther is consistent with this historical context, reflecting the trusted and integral positions eunuchs occupied in ancient Near Eastern courts.

Hathach's account, though brief, is a testament to the intricate workings of God's plan and the vital roles played by individuals, regardless of their status or prominence, in the fulfillment of divine purposes.HATHACH

ha'-thak (hathakh; Septuagint Hachrathaios): One of the chamberlains of Ahasuerus, appointed to attend on Esther (Esther 4:5, 6, 9, 10, the King James Version "Hatach"), through whom she learned from Mordecai of Haman's plot.

2047. Hathak -- a Pers. official
... Hathak. 2048 . a Pers. official. Transliteration: Hathak Phonetic Spelling:
(hath-awk') Short Definition:Hathach.... official NASB Word UsageHathach (4). Hatach...

Queen Esther's Love for Her People
... So Esther calledHathach, one of the king's servants whom he had appointed to wait
on her, and ordered him to go to Mordecai to learn what this meant and how...

Hathach (4 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible EncyclopediaHATHACH. ha'-thak (hathakh; Septuagint... Haman's plot.
Multi-Version ConcordanceHathach (4 Occurrences). Esther 4...

Mor'decai (51 Occurrences)
... Esther 4:5 Then called Esther forHathach, one of the king's chamberlains, whom
he had appointed to attend upon her, and charged him to go to Mordecai, to know...

Mordecai (52 Occurrences)
... Esther 4:5 Then Esther called forHathach, one of the king's eunuchs, whom he had
appointed to attend her, and commanded him to go to Mordecai, to find out...

Unsexed (26 Occurrences)
... Esther 4:5 Then Esther sent forHathach, one of the king's unsexed servants whom
he had given her for waiting on her, and she gave him orders to go to Mordecai...

Eunuchs (33 Occurrences)
... Esther 4:5 Then Esther called forHathach, one of the king's eunuchs, whom he had
appointed to attend her, and commanded him to go to Mordecai, to find out...

Mordecai's (6 Occurrences)
... even the Mordecai's people. (WEB BBE NIV). Esther 4:9 AndHathach came and
told Esther the words of Mordecai. (See NAS). Esther 8:9...

Troubling (51 Occurrences)
... Esther 4:5 Then Esther called forHathach, one of the king's eunuchs, whom he had
appointed to attend her, and commanded him to go to Mordecai, to find out...

Hathath (1 Occurrence)

Esther (48 Occurrences)
... Esther 4:5 Then Esther called forHathach, one of the king's eunuchs, whom he had
appointed to attend her, and commanded him to go to Mordecai, to find out...

Hath (18481 Occurrences)

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