And the king said, Who is in the court? Now Haman was come into the outward court of the king’s house, to speak unto the king to hang Mordecai on the gallows that he had prepared for him.
The king asked, 'Who is in the courtyard?' At that very moment, Haman had just arrived in the outer courtyard of the king's palace. He had come to ask the king's permission to hang Mordecai on the gallows that he had built for him.
The writer is showing us a moment of perfect timing - just as the king is wondering who's available to help honor someone, Haman arrives planning to kill that very person.
📚 Historical Context
This takes place in the Persian Empire under King Xerxes (Ahasuerus). Haman, the king's highest official, had built gallows to execute Mordecai, a Jewish man who refused to bow down to him. Ironically, the king had just spent a sleepless night reading records that reminded him of how Mordecai had once saved his life.
Explore Similar Verses
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.