Harbona is a minor yet significant figure mentioned in the Book of Esther, which is part of the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament. He is identified as one of the eunuchs serving in the court of King Ahasuerus, also known as Xerxes I, the Persian king who reigned from 486 to 465 BC. Harbona's role, though brief, is pivotal in the narrative of Esther, particularly in the events leading to the downfall of Haman, the antagonist of the account.

Biblical Reference:

Harbona is specifically mentioned in Esther 7:9. The context of this passage is a banquet hosted by Queen Esther, where she reveals Haman's plot to annihilate the Jewish people. Upon hearing this, King Ahasuerus is enraged and steps out into the palace garden. When he returns, he finds Haman pleading with Esther for his life, which further incenses the king. At this critical moment, Harbona speaks up:

"Then Harbona, one of the eunuchs attending the king, said, 'Look, the gallows 50 cubits high stands by Haman’s house. He had it made for Mordecai, who spoke up to help the king.' The king said, 'Hang him on it!'" (Esther 7:9).

Role and Significance:

Harbona's intervention is crucial. By pointing out the gallows that Haman had prepared for Mordecai, Harbona not only highlights Haman's malicious intent but also provides a swift solution to the king's anger. His statement leads directly to the execution of Haman on the very gallows he had intended for Mordecai, thus turning the tables in favor of the Jewish people.

The mention of Harbona in this context underscores the theme of divine justice and reversal of fortunes that is prevalent throughout the Book of Esther. Harbona's seemingly spontaneous remark is seen by many as an example of God's providence working through human agents to protect His people.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the Persian court, eunuchs like Harbona held significant positions of influence and responsibility. They were often entrusted with confidential matters and had direct access to the king. Harbona's presence at the banquet and his boldness in speaking to the king reflect the trust and authority he possessed within the royal court.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, Harbona's role can be viewed as an illustration of how God uses individuals, regardless of their status or prominence, to fulfill His purposes. His timely intervention serves as a reminder of the unseen hand of God orchestrating events for the deliverance of His people.

Conclusion:

While Harbona's mention in the Bible is brief, his contribution to the narrative of Esther is significant. His actions serve as a catalyst for the deliverance of the Jews from Haman's plot, highlighting themes of justice, providence, and the reversal of evil plans. Harbona's role, though minor, is a testament to the intricate and purposeful unfolding of God's plan as depicted in the Scriptures.Harbona

(ass-driver), the third of the seven chamberlains or eunuchs who served King Ahasuerus. (Esther 1:10) (B.C. 483-475.)

(a Persian word meaning "ass-driver"), one of the seven eunuchs or chamberlains of king Ahasuerus (Esther 1:10; 7:9). HARBONA; HARBONAH

har-bo'-na (charebhona' charebhonah): One of the seven eunuchs who served Ahasuerus and to whom was given the command to bring Queen Esther before the king (Esther 1:10). It was he who suggested that Haman be hanged upon the self-same gallows that he had erected for Mordecai (Esther 7:9). Jewish tradition has it that Harbona had originally been a confederate of Haman, but, upon noting the failure of the latter's plans, abandoned him. The Persian equivalent of the name means "donkey-driver."

2726. Charbona -- eunuch of Ahasuerus
... eunuch of Ahasuerus. Transliteration: Charbona or Charbonah Phonetic Spelling:
(khar-bo-naw') Short Definition: Harbona. ... Harbona, Harbonah. ...
/hebrew/2726.htm - 6kHarbona (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. HARBONA; HARBONAH. ... The Persian equivalent of the
name means "donkey-driver.". Multi-Version Concordance Harbona (1 Occurrence). ...
/h/harbona.htm - 7k

Harbo'na (2 Occurrences)
Harbo'na. Harbona, Harbo'na. Harbonah . Multi-Version Concordance Harbo'na
(2 Occurrences). ... Harbona, Harbo'na. Harbonah . Reference Bible.
/h/harbo'na.htm - 7k

Harbonah (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia HARBONA; HARBONAH. har-bo'-na (charebhona'
charebhonah): One of the seven eunuchs who served Ahasuerus ...
/h/harbonah.htm - 7k

Xerxes (24 Occurrences)
... Esther 1:10 On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine,
he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcass ...
/x/xerxes.htm - 14k

Zethar (1 Occurrence)
... Esther 1:10 On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine,
he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcass ...
/z/zethar.htm - 7k

Unsexed (26 Occurrences)
... Esther 1:10 On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was glad with wine, he
gave orders to Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and ...
/u/unsexed.htm - 15k

Eunuchs (33 Occurrences)
... Esther 1:10 On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine,
he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcass ...
/e/eunuchs.htm - 17k

Mehuman (1 Occurrence)
... Esther 1:10 On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine,
he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcass ...
/m/mehuman.htm - 7k

Mehu'man (1 Occurrence)
... Esther 1:10 On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine,
he commanded Mehuman, Bizzetha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas ...
/m/mehu'man.htm - 6k

Biztha (1 Occurrence)
... Esther 1:10 On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine,
he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcass ...
/b/biztha.htm - 7k

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