Esther 6:13

Est 6:13 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.

Ver. 13. And Haman told Zeresh his wife, and all his friends] Expecting comfort and counsel from them; but they read him his destiny, and add to his grief and desperation; letting him know, that his state was such as that there was neither hope for better nor place for worse; a just hand of God upon such a hard-hearted wretch, that had plotted the ruin of so many innocents. And his wife and friends, had they done well should have reminded him of, and stirred him up to repent of his wickedness against God, the cause of his present wretchedness, to be reconciled to Mordecai, whom he and they plainly saw to be God’s favourite, and now the king’s also, to take down that ugly gallows, that there were no further notice taken of it, the evidence and ensign of his insufferable pride, and their unsavoury counsel, to get the decree for the Jews’ massacre reversed or countermanded, &c. But not a word find we of anything this way tending. Graceless people neither have God in their heads, Psa 10:4, nor hearts, Psa 14:1, nor words, Psa 12:4, nor ways, Tit 1:16, but stand in a posture of distance, nay, defiance, walking contrary to him; and therefore he also, to cry quittance, walketh contrary to them, Lev 16:1-34, showing himself as froward as they for the hearts of them, Psa 18:26.

Everything that had befallen him] The sad accidents of that day. Nothing now (as once, Est 5:11) boasteth he to them of the glory of his riches and multitude of his children, and how the king had advanced him above all his other courtiers. Haman’s crowing was now turned into crying, &c.

Then said his wise men] Wizards haply, such as he made use of when he cast Pur for a lucky day, and into whose mouths the devil might put this answer. It is his use to bring his imps into the briars, and there to leave them, as he did Saul (whose funeral sermon he preached), and Judas, Julian, Valens, and others.

And Zeresh his wife said unto him] She is noted for a prudent woman, but here she proves as cold a comforter as before she had been an evil counsellor.

If Mordecai be of the seed of the Jews] A nation noted as dear to God, often delivered by him, and that had also the faculty for gaining the good will of princes, by their excellent virtues, as it had been seen in Daniel and his companions, in Jechoniah, Zerubbabel, Ezra, Nehemiah, and the whole nation, so graciously licensed by Cyrus to return into their own country. It is a good note that one gives here, A Jew may fall before a Persian, and get up and prevail; but if a Persian, or whosoever of the Gentiles, begin, to fall before a Jew, he can neither stay nor rise, &c.

Thou shalt mot prevail against him] But why did they not tell him this before, since they knew, as well as Haman, that Mordecai was of the seed of the Jews, and therefore advised him to prepare such a huge gallows? Surely, he that had so flattered himself deserved to be so flattered and undone by others; he that had given so evil counsel to the king against the Jews deserved by such evil counsellors to be cast into straits, and have no hand to help him out; they lead him to his bane, and there leave him, as familiars do their witches, when they have once brought them into fetters.

But shalt surely fall before him] Thus is Haman judged of all, condemned by all, and this with so great assurance of such an event, as if they had seen it. Utique coram eo concides Thou shalt surely fall before him, and that irrecoverably; as Eli fell, and as those idolaters are threatened, Amo 8:14. The Hebrew is, falling thou shalt fall, viz. to the lowest and utmost ebb of disgrace and misery, προν τ αιχεσιν αλγεα πειση.

John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

Est_6:13

Before whom thou hast begun to fall.

Descent easy

The ascent to honour and greatness is steep, and those who aspire after them must climb it slowly, and with difficulty; but the descent is easy, and so precipitous, that when they lose their footing they fall in minutes what they rose in years. (T. McCrie, D. D.)

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The Biblical Illustrator, edited by Joseph S. Exell (c. 1880s–1900s) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

Est 6:13. Then said his wise men — The magicians, whom, after the Persian manner, he had called together, to consult upon this strange emergency. If Mordecai be of the seed of the Jews — Which they were told, and it was generally supposed he was, but of which they were not infallibly sure; before whom thou hast begun to fall — Though but in a point of honour; thou shalt not prevail against him — They had observed, it is probable, how the Jews had been wonderfully raised from under great oppressions, since the time of Cyrus, and in how many remarkable instances God had appeared for them, and against their enemies, in this very court and kingdom, and thence concluded there was a particular providence that took care of them. Or perhaps they only formed their judgment from the omen, in Haman having been obliged to pay such honours himself to one of that nation which he had purposed, and even got the king’s edict, entirely to destroy. But shalt surely fall before him — This they concluded, either, 1st, By rules of policy, because Haman’s reputation and interest were sinking, and Mordecai, whom they understood to be a man of great wisdom and courage, had now got into the king’s favour, and therefore was likely to gain an opportunity of moving him to a dislike, if not revocation, of his own bloody decree, and consequently to a detestation of that person who had procured it. Or, 2d, By an instinct or impression from God upon their minds, who might suggest this to them, as he did other things to other wicked men, for his own great glory, and the good of his people.

Joseph Benson's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1811–1818) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

6:13 Since Mordecai—this man who has humiliated you—is of Jewish birth, you will never succeed in your plans: Haman’s wife and friends could see that this was more than just a series of coincidences. The text does not explain why Zeresh and the advisers felt that the fact of Mordecai’s Jewish heritage would necessarily mean that Haman’s plans would not succeed.

Tyndale Open Study Notes — © Tyndale Open Resources, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Text via the HelloAO Bible API.

Thus God sometimes putteth in the mouth of the very wicked, to speak that thing which he hath decreed shall come to pass.

Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain. Text via Bolls.life.

Verse 13. But shalt surely fall before him.] The Septuagint adds, ὁτι ὁ Θεος ὁ ζων μετ' αυτου, for the living God is with him. But this is a sentiment that could scarcely be expected to proceed from the mouth of heathens, such as these were.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.

(13) Told.—The same word as on a former occasion. Est_5:11. Then the tale was one of boastful pride in what he had, and no less boastful pride in what he hoped to be; now it is of bitter disappointment and bitter anticipation, not brightened by any of the thoughts which blunt the keenness of many a sorrow, as when men have nobly done their duty, though it is not God’s will that their efforts should succeed for the time, and when the hope could be cherished that a brighter time must dawn before long. Nothing of this comfort could be Hainan’s. He had’ not failed in an honest discharge of his duty, but in a cruel and unjust scheme (not that the king can be called a whit better in this matter); he knew the usages of his country far too well to suppose for a moment that, after having made such an attempt, and having failed, he would be allowed to try a second time.

If Mordecai . . . before whom thou hast begun . . .—Poor comfort does the unfortunate schemer get from his household; he knew too well already that he had begun to fall, his heart must have told him all too truly that it was but the beginning: what then could he expect from this communication to his family? Had he been the representative of a fallen cause, fallen but not discredited, despairing even of his cause, yet not ashamed of the course that had resulted thus, he might have been helped with counsel and cheering and sympathy. Contrast Zeresh’s perhaps last words to her husband with those, for example, of the wife of good John Rogers, or of Rowland Taylor, on their way. to the stake, in the days of the Marian persecution.

A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

13. recounted] The Heb. word indicates a more detailed account than the ‘told’ of the A.V.

his wise men] See on Est_1:13. By these are probably meant the same as those who cast lots in Est_3:7.

Mordecai, before whom] the relative pronoun refers to the individual foe, and not, as in the A.V., to the Jewish nation generally.

thou shalt not prevail against him] If we are to consider Haman as a descendant of Agag (see on Est_3:1), the writer is probably referring to the passages which indicate that Amalek’s fate is, when confronted with Israel, to be worsted in the conflict. See Exo_17:16; Num_24:20; Deu_25:17-19; 1 Samuel 15; 2Sa_1:8 ff.

The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

And while they were yet talking with him,.... About these things, and giving their opinion of the issue of them, upon the present appearance of them:

came the king's chamberlains, and hasted to bring Haman unto the banquet that Esther had prepared; the time appointed for it being very near, or quite up, and Haman being backward and dilatory, having no stomach to go to it, and perhaps fearing worse things were coming upon him he should hear of there.

Next: Esther Chapter 7

John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.

Wise men. Probably the magi, who concluded, from the first miscarriage, that he undertaking would prove abortive, (Calmet) as they were also informed of God’s protection given repeatedly to the Jews. Septuagint, "because the living God is with him." (Chaldean) They might have heard of the fate of Sennacherib and of Holofernes, (Calmet) or of God’s promises, (Genesis xiii., and xv.) unless they were guided by human prudence. (Worthington)

George Leo Haydock (1774–1849), Haydock's Catholic Family Bible and Commentary, 1859 edition — public domain. Excludes Psalms (Douay-Rheims chapter numbering differs from Protestant) and Deuterocanonical books (Catholic canon only).

His wise men; the magicians, whom after the Persian manner he had called together to consult with upon this great and strange emergency.

If Mordecai be of the seed of the Jews; which they were told, and was generally supposed; but they were not infallibly sure of it. Thou shalt not prevail against him, but shalt surely fall before him: this they concluded, either,

1. By rules of policy, because Haman’s reputation and interest was hereby sinking, and Mordecai (whom they understood to be a man of great wisdom, and courage, and government of himself) was now got into the king’s favour, and thereby was likely to gain an opportunity of making his addresses to the king, who being of a mild disposition, might easily be moved to a dislike (if not revocation) of his own bloody decree, and consequently to a detestation of that person who had procured it. Or,

2. By former experience, and the observation of God’s extraordinary actions on the behalf of the Jews, and against their enemies, in this very court and kingdom. Or,

3. By instinct and inspiration to their minds, either from God, who might suggest this to them, as he did other things to other wicked men, Balaam, Caiaphas, &c., for his own greater glory, and the good of his people; or from the devil, who, by God’s permission, might know this, and reveal it to them, who sought to him in their superstitious and idolatrous methods.

Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.

13. His wise men — His counsellors and advisers, among whom were the diviners who cast lots before him. Est_3:7. These were the same as his friends. See note on Est_5:10.

Thou shalt not prevail against him — His diviners now hesitate not to predict his fall. If his enemy is of the seed of the Jews — a new and startling fact that seems suddenly to have impressed these wise men — then it is certain that the Providence which has ever been such a wondrous power in the Jewish nation, and which has now so strangely elevated Mordecai at the very moment when Haman thought to have slain him, will cause the Jew to triumph.

Daniel D. Whedon (gen. ed.), Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1874–1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

His wise men. Magians, perhaps, whom he was in the habit of consulting concerning the future. On the supposed prophetic powers of the Magians see Herod., 1:107, 120; 7:19; Duris, Fr. 7, etc. If Mordecai be of the seed of the Jews. It is difficult to understand how this could any longer be regarded as doubtful. His fellow servants knew it; (Est_3:4) Haman knew it (ibid. ver. 6); Ahasuerus knew it (supra, ver. 10). The "wise men" profess to regard it as uncertain, perhaps to give their words a more oracular character. Thou shalt surely fall. Rather, "thou shalt utterly fall.

Forebodings of ruin.

Bad counsellors are poor comforters. Haman had recourse to his wife, the wise men, and his friends, only yesterday; and they advised that a gallows should be reared, and that the king should be petitioned that Mordecai might there be hanged. To-day Haman comes to the same circle of his intimates, tells what has befallen, and unfolds his fears. They do but predict his speedy ruin. He might well have used the language of Job comforters are ye all!" They foretell

I THE GOOD FORTUNE OF MORDECAI, CONTRASTING WITH HAMAN"S ILL FORTUNE. "Thou shalt not prevail against him, but shalt surely fall before him." The rise and fall of favourites at court was a familiar spectacle. That Mordecai should displace Haman in royal favour seemed, after the events of the day, probable enough.

II THE FAILURE OF HAMAN"S PROJECT, CONTRASTING WITH THE ADVANCEMENT AND SECURITY OF THE JEWS. The plot and decree against the captive Hebrews were well known; and it was well known that Haman was the origin of these nefarious designs. Now those who had aided and abetted the unprincipled favourite foresee that he will be disgraced, and that his devices will all be brought to nothing. Application:

1. Let persecutors tremble. All things are not in their power. When theyrage and imagine a vain thing, he that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh. The day of their downfall and defeat is near at hand.

2. Let the persecuted take heart. "The Lord knoweth how to deliver thegodly out of temptation." The enemies of the righteous man shall "surely fall before him.

God on his saints looks watchful down, His ear attends their cry. The wicked sink beneath his frown, Their very name shall die; But he, at length, the just will crown With victory and joy!

HOMILIES BY F. HASTINGS

Ver. 13.

Conjugal confidences.

Haman told Zeresh his wife." The first indication of Haman"s falling from power was when he was commanded by the king to array Mordecai in the royal robes and lead him through the city. His mortification was great. Directly he could escape from his hateful duty he hastened home and told his wife.

I THERE SHOULD BE NO SECRETS BETWEEN HUSBAND AND WIFE. Where there are secrets there is always a danger of an outbreak of passion or jealousy. Happiness is endangered.

II HAMAN TOLD OF HIS CHECKS AS WELL AS HIS ADVANCES; HIS DISAPPOINTMENTS AS WELL AS HONOURS. Sometimes men tell their good fortune and hide the bad; and, on the other hand, some husbands make their wives miserable from fear of approaching disaster.

III HUMAN HAD A FAITHFUL WARNING, BUT LITTLE CONSOLATION, IN HIS CONJUGAL CONFIDENCE. Zeresh told him that "if Mordecai be of the seed of the Jews, before whom thou hast begun to fall, thou shalt not prevail against him," etc. She was a candid friend and a true prophet. Wives should, however, seek to comfort the bread-winner under his trials.

IV HAMAN HAD TO INVOLVE HIS WIFE IN HIS OVERTHROW, AND RIGHTLY LETS HER KNOW ALL THAT BEFALLS HIM. No man can suffer alone. As Achan "perished not alone in his iniquity," so Haman. His bitterest regrets must have been that he had to involve wife and family in ruin. H.

The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

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

John Wesley, Explanatory Notes Upon the Whole Bible (1754–1765) — public domain. Text via the GEBible commentary corpus.

before whom you have begun to fall, etc. She said, “This nation has been compared to the stars and to the dust. When they descend, they descend to the dust, and when they ascend, they ascend to the sky and the stars.”

Rashi on the Tanakh — English translations: “The Judaica Press complete Tanach with Rashi, translated by A. J. Rosenberg” (CC BY 4.0); “Pentateuch with Rashi's commentary by M. Rosenbaum and A.M. Silbermann, 1929-1934” (public domain); “The Metsudah Tanach series, Lakewood, N.J” (CC BY 4.0); and “The Book of Joshua, Metsudah Publications, 1997” (CC BY 4.0). Text via Sefaria.