KJV ORIGINAL
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.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
That night the king couldn't sleep, so he ordered his servants to bring the official record book that contained the history of his reign, and they read it aloud to him.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
The king had insomnia and decided to pass the time by having his royal records read to him - a moment that would change everything for the Jewish people.
📚 Historical Context
This takes place during the reign of King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I) of Persia around 483-473 BC. Persian kings kept detailed records of their reigns, including notable events and acts of service to the crown. This sleepless night occurred right after Haman had built gallows to hang Mordecai, setting up a divine reversal of fortune.
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