Verse 1

On that night could not the king sleep, and he commanded to bring the book of records of the chronicles; and they were read before the king.

Sleep — How vain are all the contrivances of foolish man against the wise and omnipotent God, who hath the hearts and hands of kings and all men perfectly at his disposal, and can by such trivial accidents (as they are accounted) change their minds, and produce such terrible effects.

Were read — His mind being troubled he knew not how, nor why, he chuses this for a diversion, God putting this thought into him, for otherwise he might have diverted himself, as he used to do, with his wives or concubines, or voices and instruments of musick, which were far more agreeable to his temper.

Verse 3

And the king said, What honour and dignity hath been done to Mordecai for this? Then said the king's servants that ministered unto him, There is nothing done for him.

Nothing — He hath had no recompence for this great and good service. Which might either happen through the king's forgetfulness; or through the envy of the courtiers; or because he was a Jew, and therefore odious and contemptible.

Verse 4

And the king said, Who is in the court? Now Haman was come into the outward court of the king's house, to speak unto the king to hang Mordecai on the gallows that he had prepared for him.

Haman — Early in the morning, because his malice would not suffer him to sleep; and he was impatient 'till he had executed his revenge; and was resolved to watch for the very first opportunity of speaking to the king, before he was engaged in other matters.

Outward court — Where he waited; because it was dangerous to come into the inner court without special license, chap4:11.

Verse 6

So Haman came in. And the king said unto him, What shall be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour? Now Haman thought in his heart, To whom would the king delight to do honour more than to myself?

Man — He names none, because he would have the more impartial answer. And probably knew nothing of the difference between Haman and Mordecai.

Thought — As he had great reason to do, because of the favour which the king had shewed to him above all others.

Verse 8

Let the royal apparel be brought which the king useth to wear, and the horse that the king rideth upon, and the crown royal which is set upon his head:

Royal apparel — His outward garment, which was made of purple, interwoven with gold, as Justin and Cartius relate.

Verse 12

And Mordecai came again to the king's gate. But Haman hasted to his house mourning, and having his head covered.

Gate — To his former place; shewing that as he was not overwhelmed by Haman's threats, so he was not puffed up with this honour.

Cover'd — In token of his shame and grief for his unexpected disappointment, and for the great honour done to his abhorred adversary, by his own hands, and with his own public disgrace.

Verse 13

And Haman told Zeresh his wife and all his friends every thing that had befallen him. Then said his wise men and Zeresh his wife unto him, If Mordecai be of the seed of the Jews, before whom thou hast begun to fall, thou shalt not prevail against him, but shalt surely fall before him.

Wise men — The magicians, whom after the Persian manner he had called together to consult upon this strange emergency.

Verse 14

And while they were yet talking with him, came the king's chamberlains, and hasted to bring Haman unto the banquet that Esther had prepared.

To bring — Who was now slack to go thither, by reason of the great dejection of his own mind.