Esther 6:1

That night sleep escaped the king; so he ordered the Book of Records, the Chronicles, to be brought in and read to him.

Study Bible

That night sleep escaped the king;
This phrase highlights a pivotal moment in the narrative of Esther. The king referred to is Ahasuerus, also known as Xerxes I, who ruled the Persian Empire from 486 to 465 BC. The timing is significant, as it occurs the night before Haman plans to execute Mordecai. The inability to sleep can be seen as divine intervention, a common theme in Scripture where God orchestrates events for His purposes (e.g., Genesis 41:1-8, Daniel 2:1). This moment sets the stage for the reversal of fortunes for Mordecai and the Jewish people.

so he ordered the Book of Records, the Chronicles, to be brought in and read to him.
The Book of Records, the Chronicles, was a detailed account of the events and decrees of the Persian Empire. Such records were meticulously kept and served as a historical archive. The king's decision to have these records read to him is significant, as it leads to the discovery of Mordecai's earlier act of loyalty in saving the king from an assassination plot (Esther 2:21-23). This act of reading the chronicles is a turning point in the story, demonstrating how God uses seemingly mundane events to fulfill His plans. The concept of records and books is also echoed in other parts of Scripture, such as the Book of Life mentioned in Revelation 20:12, symbolizing God's remembrance and justice.

Persons / Places / Events

1. King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I)
The Persian king who ruled over 127 provinces from India to Cush. His sleepless night becomes a pivotal moment in the account of Esther.

2. The Book of the Chronicles
A record of the king's reign, which included significant events and deeds. It was read to the king during his sleepless night.

3. Mordecai
Though not directly mentioned in this verse, Mordecai's earlier act of loyalty is recorded in the chronicles, setting the stage for his eventual honor.

4. Susa (Shushan)
The capital of the Persian Empire where these events took place.

5. Divine Providence
The unseen hand of God orchestrating events, as seen in the king's insomnia leading to the reading of the chronicles.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in the Mundane
Even seemingly trivial events, like a sleepless night, can be used by God to fulfill His purposes. Trust that God is at work in the details of our lives.

The Power of Remembrance
The chronicles served as a reminder of past deeds. Reflecting on God's past faithfulness can encourage us in present circumstances.

Divine Timing
God's timing is perfect. Mordecai's reward came at the exact right moment, reminding us to be patient and trust in God's timing for our lives.

Faithfulness in Obscurity
Mordecai's earlier act of loyalty was initially overlooked but later rewarded. Our faithfulness, even when unnoticed, is seen by God and will be honored in His time.

The Role of Restlessness
Sometimes, God uses restlessness to draw our attention to His plans. Be attentive to what God might be revealing during times of discomfort or sleeplessness.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the king's sleepless night demonstrate God's providence in the account of Esther, and how can we see God's hand in our own lives?

2. In what ways does the reading of the chronicles serve as a reminder of God's faithfulness, and how can we apply this practice in our spiritual walk?

3. How does Mordecai's eventual recognition encourage us to remain faithful in our duties, even when they seem unnoticed?

4. What are some examples in your life where God's timing was evident, and how did it impact your faith?

5. How can we use moments of restlessness or discomfort to seek God's guidance and align ourselves with His will?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 41
Joseph's rise to power in Egypt after interpreting Pharaoh's dreams parallels Mordecai's rise after the king's sleepless night, both demonstrating God's providence.

Daniel 6
Daniel's deliverance from the lion's den shows God's protection and timing, similar to how God orchestrates events in Esther.

Psalm 121
This psalm speaks of God as the one who never slumbers, highlighting His constant vigilance over His people, akin to His providential care in Esther.