Esther 2:23

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Esther 2:23 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

After the report had been investigated and verified, both officials were hanged on the gallows. And all this was recorded in the Book of the Chronicles in the presence of the king.

King James Version KJV

And when inquisition was made of the matter, it was found out; therefore they were both hanged on a tree: and it was written in the book of the chronicles before the king.

American Standard Version ASV

And when inquisition was made of the matter, and it was found to be so, they were both hanged on a tree: and it was written in the book of the chronicles before the king.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And when the thing had been looked into, it was seen to be true, and the two of them were put to death by hanging on a tree: and it was put down in the records before the king.

Free Bible Version FBV

When the plot was investigated and found to be true, both men were impaled on poles. This was recorded in the official Book of Records by order of the king.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and the thing is sought out, and found, and they are hanged both of them on a tree, and it is written in the book of the Chronicles before the king.

World English Bible WEB

When this matter was investigated, and it was found to be so, they were both hanged on a gallows; and it was written in the book of the chronicles in the king’s presence.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And when inquisition was made of the matter, it was discovered; therefore they were both hanged on a tree: and it was written in the book of the chronicles before the king.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

It was inquired into, and found out: and they were both hanged on a gibbet. And it was put in the histories, and recorded in the chronicles before the king.

Translation for Translators T4T

The king investigated and found out that Mordecai’s report was true. So the king ordered that those two men be hanged. When that was done, ◄an official wrote a report/a report was written► about it in a book called ‘The book that records what happened while Xerxes was king’.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Esther 2:23

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Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Esther 2:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יְבֻקַּ֤שׁ הַ/דָּבָר֙ וַ/יִּמָּצֵ֔א וַ/יִּתָּל֥וּ שְׁנֵי/הֶ֖ם עַל עֵ֑ץ וַ/יִּכָּתֵ֗ב בְּ/סֵ֛פֶר דִּבְרֵ֥י הַ/יָּמִ֖ים לִ/פְנֵ֥י הַ/מֶּֽלֶךְ

וַ/יְבֻקַּ֤שׁ bâqash H1245 to seek Conj | V-Pual-ConsecImperf-3ms

הַ/דָּבָר֙ dâbâr H1697 Chronicles Art | N-ms

וַ/יִּמָּצֵ֔א mâtsâʼ H4672 to find Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms

וַ/יִּתָּל֥וּ tâlâh H8518 to hang Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3mp

שְׁנֵי/הֶ֖ם shᵉnayim H8147 two Adj | Suff

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

עֵ֑ץ ʻêts H6086 tree N-ms

וַ/יִּכָּתֵ֗ב kâthab H3789 to write Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms

בְּ/סֵ֛פֶר çêpher H5612 scroll Prep | N-ms

דִּבְרֵ֥י dâbâr H1697 Chronicles N-mp

הַ/יָּמִ֖ים yôwm H3117 day Art | N-mp

לִ/פְנֵ֥י pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp

הַ/מֶּֽלֶךְ melek H4428 King's Art | N-ms

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Esther 2:23

וַ/יְבֻקַּ֤שׁ bâqash H1245 "to seek" Conj | V-Pual-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew verb means to seek or search for something. In Psalm 105:4, it's used to encourage seeking God's face. It's also used in 1 Samuel 28:8 where Saul seeks a medium.

Definition: 1) to seek, require, desire, exact, request 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to seek to find 1a2) to seek to secure 1a3) to seek the face 1a4) to desire, demand 1a5) to require, exact 1a6) to ask, request 1b) (Pual) to be sought

Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: ask, beg, beseech, desire, enquire, get, make inquisition, procure, (make) request, require, seek (for). See also: Genesis 31:39; Esther 7:7; Psalms 4:3.

הַ/דָּבָר֙ dâbâr H1697 "Chronicles" Art | N-ms

A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.

Definition: This name means word, speaking

Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.

וַ/יִּמָּצֵ֔א mâtsâʼ H4672 "to find" Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms

Matsa means to find or attain something, whether it is a physical object, a person, or a condition, as seen in various KJV translations.

Definition: 1) to find, attain to 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to find 1a1a) to find, secure, acquire, get (thing sought) 1a1b) to find (what is lost) 1a1c) to meet, encounter 1a1d) to find (a condition) 1a1e) to learn, devise 1a2) to find out 1a2a) to find out 1a2b) to detect 1a2c) to guess 1a3) to come upon, light upon 1a3a) to happen upon, meet, fall in with 1a3b) to hit 1a3c) to befall 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be found 1b1a) to be encountered, be lighted upon, be discovered 1b1b) to appear, be recognised 1b1c) to be discovered, be detected 1b1d) to be gained, be secured 1b2) to be, be found 1b2a) to be found in 1b2b) to be in the possession of 1b2c) to be found in (a place), happen to be 1b2d) to be left (after war) 1b2e) to be present 1b2f) to prove to be 1b2g) to be found sufficient, be enough 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to find, attain 1c2) to cause to light upon, come upon, come 1c3) to cause to encounter 1c4) to present (offering)

Usage: Occurs in 425 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] be able, befall, being, catch, [idiom] certainly, (cause to) come (on, to, to hand), deliver, be enough (cause to) find(-ing, occasion, out), get (hold upon), [idiom] have (here), be here, hit, be left, light (up-) on, meet (with), [idiom] occasion serve, (be) present, ready, speed, suffice, take hold on. See also: Genesis 2:20; Deuteronomy 22:3; 2 Kings 9:35.

וַ/יִּתָּל֥וּ tâlâh H8518 "to hang" Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3mp

To hang something or someone is what this Hebrew word means, often used to describe punishment or display. It can also mean to hang an object, like a curtain or a sign. The word is used in Exodus and Numbers.

Definition: 1) to hang 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hang 1a1a) to hang up (any object) 1a1b) to put to death by hanging 1b) (Niphal) to be hanged 1c) (Piel) to hang, hang up (for display)

Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: hang (up). See also: Genesis 40:19; Esther 7:9; Psalms 137:2.

שְׁנֵי/הֶ֖ם shᵉnayim H8147 "two" Adj | Suff

The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.

Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)

Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

עֵ֑ץ ʻêts H6086 "tree" N-ms

This Hebrew word for tree or wood refers to a strong and firm object, like a tree or a wooden plank, as seen in the carpentry work of Jesus' earthly father Joseph in Matthew 13:55.

Definition: : wood 1) tree, wood, timber, stock, plank, stalk, stick, gallows 1a) tree, trees 1b) wood, pieces of wood, gallows, firewood, cedar-wood, woody flax

Usage: Occurs in 289 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carpenter, gallows, helve, [phrase] pine, plank, staff, stalk, stick, stock, timber, tree, wood. See also: Genesis 1:11; Joshua 9:23; Psalms 1:3.

וַ/יִּכָּתֵ֗ב kâthab H3789 "to write" Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms

To write or record something, including inscribing or engraving. It is used in various contexts, such as writing down a decree or subscribing to an agreement. This word is about putting thoughts or ideas into written form.

Definition: 1) to write, record, enrol 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to write, inscribe, engrave, write in, write on 1a2) to write down, describe in writing 1a3) to register, enrol, record 1a4) to decree 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be written 1b2) to be written down, be recorded, be enrolled 1c) (Piel) to continue writing Aramaic equivalent: ke.tav (כְּתַב "to write" H3790)

Usage: Occurs in 212 OT verses. KJV: describe, record, prescribe, subscribe, write(-ing, -ten). See also: Exodus 17:14; 1 Chronicles 9:1; Psalms 40:8.

בְּ/סֵ֛פֶר çêpher H5612 "scroll" Prep | N-ms

This word means a written document, like a scroll or book, used to record important events or messages. It appears in books like Isaiah and Matthew, referring to written records.

Definition: : document 1) missive, document, writing, book 1a) missive 1a1) letter (of instruction), written order, commission, request, written decree 1b) legal document, certificate of divorce, deed of purchase, indictment, sign 1c) book, scroll 1c1) book of prophecies 1c2) genealogical register 1c3) law-book 1c4) book (of poems) 1c5) book (of kings) 1c6) books of the canon, scripture 1c7) record book (of God) 1d) book-learning, writing 1d1) be able to read (after verb 'to know')

Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: bill, book, evidence, [idiom] learn(-ed) (-ing), letter, register, scroll. See also: Genesis 5:1; 2 Chronicles 17:9; Psalms 40:8.

דִּבְרֵ֥י dâbâr H1697 "Chronicles" N-mp

A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.

Definition: This name means word, speaking

הַ/יָּמִ֖ים yôwm H3117 "day" Art | N-mp

The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow

Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.

לִ/פְנֵ֥י pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | N-cp

This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.

Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of

Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.

הַ/מֶּֽלֶךְ melek H4428 "King's" Art | N-ms

This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.

Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)

Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.

Study Notes — Esther 2:23

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Esther 2:23 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Esther 2:23
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Esther 2:23
Trapp's Commentary on Esther 2:23
Ellicott's Commentary on Esther 2:23
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Esther 2:23
Cambridge Bible on Esther 2:23
Barnes' Notes on Esther 2:23
Whedon's Commentary on Esther 2:23
Sermons on Esther 2:23

Context — Mordecai Uncovers a Conspiracy

21In those days, while Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate, Bigthan and Teresh, two of the king’s eunuchs who guarded the entrance, grew angry and conspired to assassinate King Xerxes. 22When Mordecai learned of the plot, he reported it to Queen Esther, and she informed the king on Mordecai’s behalf.

23After the report had been investigated and verified, both officials were hanged on the gallows. And all this was recorded in the Book of the Chronicles in the presence of the king.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Genesis 40:22	But Pharaoh hanged the chief baker, just as Joseph had described to them in his interpretation.
2	Genesis 40:19	Within three days Pharaoh will lift off your head and hang you on a tree. Then the birds will eat the flesh of your body.”
3	Esther 10:2	And all of Mordecai’s powerful and magnificent accomplishments, together with the full account of the greatness to which the king had raised him, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Media and Persia?
4	Joshua 8:29	He hung the king of Ai on a tree until evening, and at sunset Joshua commanded that they take down the body from the tree and throw it down at the entrance of the city gate. And over it they raised a large pile of rocks, which remains to this day.
5	Esther 7:10	So they hanged Haman on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the fury of the king subsided.
6	Malachi 3:16	At that time those who feared the LORD spoke with one another, and the LORD listened and heard them. So a scroll of remembrance was written before Him regarding those who feared the LORD and honored His name.
7	Deuteronomy 21:22–23	If a man has committed a sin worthy of death, and he is executed, and you hang his body on a tree, you must not leave the body on the tree overnight, but you must be sure to bury him that day, because anyone who is hung on a tree is under God’s curse. You must not defile the land that the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance.
8	Esther 5:14–2	—

Esther 2:23 Summary

[This verse tells us that two men who tried to hurt the king were caught and punished, and it was all written down in a special book so everyone would remember what happened. This shows that God is always watching and will protect those who are loyal to Him, just like He protected the king in Esther 2:23, and like He promises to protect us in Psalm 121:4-8. It also reminds us that our actions have consequences, and we should always try to do what is right, like Mordecai did when he reported the plot to the queen. By trusting in God's sovereignty and protection, we can have peace and confidence in His care for us.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened to the two officials who conspired to assassinate King Xerxes?

After the report had been investigated and verified, both officials were hanged on the gallows, as recorded in Esther 2:23, demonstrating the severe consequences of plotting against a ruler, similar to what is seen in Genesis 9:6 where God establishes the principle of justice for those who shed innocent blood.

Why was it important to record this event in the Book of the Chronicles?

Recording this event in the Book of the Chronicles, as seen in Esther 2:23, was a way to document the king's judgments and decisions, serving as a reminder of God's providence and protection, much like the recording of events in 1 Chronicles 29:29.

What role did Mordecai play in saving the king's life?

Mordecai played a crucial role in saving the king's life by reporting the plot to Queen Esther, who then informed the king, as seen in Esther 2:22, demonstrating his loyalty and faithfulness, similar to the loyalty shown by David in 1 Samuel 26:8-11.

How does this verse relate to God's sovereign protection of His people?

This verse demonstrates God's sovereign protection of His people, as He used Mordecai to prevent the assassination of the king, ultimately protecting the Jewish people, as seen in Esther 2:23, and reflecting the promise of protection in Psalm 121:4-8.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I can demonstrate loyalty and faithfulness to those in authority over me, just like Mordecai did in this verse?
How can I trust in God's sovereign protection in my life, even when I face uncertain or dangerous circumstances?
What are some lessons that I can learn from the consequences faced by the two officials who conspired against the king, and how can I apply those lessons to my own life?
In what ways can I be a 'watchman' or a protector of those around me, just like Mordecai was in this verse?

Gill's Exposition on Esther 2:23

And when inquisition was made of the matter, it was found out,.... That these two men had entered into a conspiracy to take away the king's life; full proof and evidence were given of it: therefore

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Esther 2:23

This may be referred, either, 1. To the writing, to note that this was written in the king’ s presence by scribes, who were continually present with the king to write all remarkable passages happening in the court from time to time. Or, 2. To the book, which was laid up before the king, that he might more easily and frequently peruse it for his own delight or direction.

Trapp's Commentary on Esther 2:23

Esther 2:23 And when inquisition was made of the matter, it was found out; therefore they were both hanged on a tree: and it was written in the book of the chronicles before the king.Ver. 23. And when inquisition was made of the matter] The king neither slighted this accusation, nor too hastily believed it. Not this, lest he should discover a needless fear, or precipitate a wrong sentence. Not that, lest he should betray his own life, and put all into a confusion, as Gedaliah did, Jeremiah 40:13-16; Jeremiah 41:1-3, and as he in the history did, who, being forewarned by a letter of a dangerous plot laid for his life, laid aside the letter with these words, ειςαυριοντασπουδαια, Tomorrow we will mind these serious businesses, but ere the morrow he was despatched. The matter was here inquired into, saith the text, lest haply it might be misreported, and so the innocent be punished. Or, if not innocent, yet doth our law condemn any before his cause be heard? Surely Pilate and Festus were far better judges than Caiaphas and Lysias, for they would execute a man in the morning, and then sit upon him in the afternoon. Aeneas Sylvius, in his twentieth chapter of Europe, tells of some places, wherein, if anyone be suspected of theft, he is forthwith taken and trussed up. Three days after they judge the suspicion; and if they find the man guilty, they let his carcase hang till it rot; as if otherwise, they take it down, and bury it honourably at the public charge. This is preposterous justice, judgment turned into gall, and righteousness into hemlock. It was found out] As treason usually is, and strangely: witness those in Queen Elizabeth’ s reign, and the gunpowder plotters. Creighton, the Jesuit, a Scot, falling into Scotland, and being taken by certain Netherland pirates, had torn certain papers in pieces; but the torn pieces, being thrown out of the ship, were blown back again by the wind, and cast by a providence into the ship, not without a miracle, as Creighton said himself; which, being set together, by Wade, with much labour and singular cunning, discovered new designs of the pope and his agents here against England, A.D. 1585 (Cared. Eliz.). Detexit facinus fatuus et non implevit, saith Tacitus of one about his time. Either the traitor’ s own tongue shall betray him (as it befell those two sent by Mahomet to kill Scanderbeg), or the fowls of heaven shall reveal the mischief, and that which hath wing shall tell the matter, Ecclesiastes 10:20 (it was a piece of a wing, a quill, that discovered that hellish gunpowder plot), or some other way it shall be found out, as here, and the conspirators brought to condign punishment. Therefore they were both hanged on a tree] Traitors, like bells, will be never well tuned till well hanged, till they have worn a Tyburn tippet, as father Latimer phrased it.

Ellicott's Commentary on Esther 2:23

(23) Hanged on a tree.—Were crucified; a common punishment among the Persians, especially on rebels (Herod. iii. 120, 125, 159, &c). The dead body of Leonidas was crucified by Xerxes’ orders after the desperate stand at Thermopylæ. Book of the chronicles.—A sleepless night of Xerxes accidentally brought this matter, after it had been forgotten, before the king’s mind. Herodotus often refers to these Persian Chronicles (vii. 100; viii. 85, 90).

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Esther 2:23

Verse 23. It was found out] It was proved against them, in consequence of which they were hanged. Perhaps the words vaiyittalu al ets, they were hung upon wood or a tree, may refer to their being impaled. A pointed stake is set upright in the ground, and the culprit is taken, placed on the sharp point, and then pulled down by his legs till the stake that went in at the fundament passes up through the body and comes out by the side of the neck. A most dreadful species of punishment, in which revenge and cruelty may glut the utmost of their malice. The culprit lives a considerable time in excruciating agonies. It has been observed that the name of God does not once occur in this book. This is true of the Hebrew text, and all translations from it; but in the Septuagint we find the following words, in Es 2:20, after, Esther had not showed her kindred: ΟὑτωςγαρενετειλατοαυτῃΜαρδοχαιος, φοβεισθαιτονΘεον, καιποιεινταπροσταγματααυτου, καθωςηνμετ' αυτου; "For so Mordecai had charged her to fear GOD, and to keep his commandments, as she did when with him." This, as far as the Septuagint is concerned, takes away the strange reproach from this book. It must be owned that it was not because there were not many fair opportunities that the sacred name has not been introduced.

Cambridge Bible on Esther 2:23

23. And when inquisition … on a tree] The LXX. have more briefly, ‘And the king examined the two eunuchs and hung them.’ The word ‘examined’ probably means by torture. hanged on a tree] crucified or impaled. Such was the form of capital punishment inflicted upon political offenders in Persia (Herod. iii. 159, iv. 43). the book of the chronicles] Herodotus (viii. 90) tells us that historiographers were attached to Xerxes’ court, and moved with it from place to place. Thus these chronicles recorded facts and events of State importance. Doubtless they were written on materials more perishable than the burnt clay tablets, which have been found in the vicinity of Babylon and elsewhere, and which have fortunately transmitted to us public occurrences of their time. Ctesias (see on Esther 1:2) pretended that records set down by Persian chroniclers were the sources from which he drew his information. We may compare the acta diurna of the Roman Empire, referred to in Tacitus (Ann. xiii. 31). The ‘chronicles’ mentioned in the text here are referred to again in Esther 6:1, Esther 10:2. Cp. Ezra 4:15. before the king] under his supervision, if not actually in his presence.

Barnes' Notes on Esther 2:23

Both hanged on a tree - i. e. “crucified” or “impaled” the ordinary punishment of rebels and traitors in Persia. The book of the chronicles - Ctesias drew his Persian history from them, and they are often glanced at by Herodotus.

Whedon's Commentary on Esther 2:23

23. Hanged on a tree — This punishment was performed by the Persians by crucifying or impaling. Grecian writings and the Behistun inscription frequently mention this kind of execution.

Sermons on Esther 2:23

	Sermon	Description
	A Great Nothing by Thomas Brooks	Thomas Brooks emphasizes that worldly honor and glory are ultimately meaningless, describing them as mere illusions and shadows that lead one away from true fulfillment. He illustr
	Judgement Seat - Part 2 by Leonard Ravenhill	Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the significance of our lives and actions in the context of the Judgment Seat of Christ, where every believer will be held accountable for their servic
	The Judgement Seat of Christ - Part 2 (Alternate) by Leonard Ravenhill	Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the significance of the Judgment Seat of Christ, where every believer's life and service will be evaluated. He contrasts the eternal rewards for faithf
	The Voice of Conscience by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a sincere and reverent attitude towards God in Christ. He acknowledges the value of testimonies, songs, and occasion
	God's Standard of Values by T. Austin-Sparks	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of focusing on Christ in everything we do. He mentions the slogan "Attempt great things for God. Expect great things from God,
	"Book of Remembrance" by Leonard Ravenhill by Compilations	This sermon emphasizes the importance of living a life that is devoted to God, comparing our actions and words to materials like wood, hay, stubble, silver, gold, and precious ston
	How to Continue Steadfastly by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the speaker encourages people to take time off and reflect on God, nature, and themselves. He emphasizes the importance of not living in a constant rush and urges p