Esther 6:1
New International Version
That night the king could not sleep; so he ordered the book of the chronicles, the record of his reign, to be brought in and read to him.

New Living Translation
That night the king had trouble sleeping, so he ordered an attendant to bring the book of the history of his reign so it could be read to him.

English Standard Version
On that night the king could not sleep. And he gave orders to bring the book of memorable deeds, the chronicles, and they were read before the king.

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

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
That night the king could not sleep. So one was commanded to bring the book of the records of the chronicles; and they were read before the king.

New American Standard Bible
During that night the king could not sleep, so he gave an order to bring the book of records, the chronicles, and they were read before the king.

NASB 1995
During that night the king could not sleep so he gave an order to bring the book of records, the chronicles, and they were read before the king.

NASB 1977
During that night the king could not sleep so he gave an order to bring the book of records, the chronicles, and they were read before the king.

Legacy Standard Bible
During that night, sleep had fled from the king, so he said for them to bring the book of memoranda, the chronicles, and they were read before the king.

Amplified Bible
On that night the king could not sleep; so he ordered that the book of records and memorable deeds, the chronicles, be brought, and they were read before the king.

Christian Standard Bible
That night sleep escaped the king, so he ordered the book recording daily events to be brought and read to the king.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
That night sleep escaped the king, so he ordered the book recording daily events to be brought and read to the king.

American Standard Version
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.

Contemporary English Version
That night the king could not sleep, and he had a servant read him the records of what had happened since he had been king.

English Revised Version
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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
That night the king could not sleep. So he told [a servant] to bring the official daily records, and they were read to the king.

Good News Translation
That same night the king could not get to sleep, so he had the official records of the empire brought and read to him.

International Standard Version
That night the king could not sleep, so he gave instructions to bring the book of records, the chronicles, and they were read to the king.

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

NET Bible
Throughout that night the king was unable to sleep, so he asked for the book containing the historical records to be brought. As the records were being read in the king's presence,

New Heart English Bible
On that night, the king couldn't sleep. He commanded the book of records of the chronicles to be brought, and they were read to the king.

Webster's Bible Translation
In that night the king could not sleep, and he commanded to bring the book of records of the chronicles; and they were read before the king.

World English Bible
On that night, the king couldn’t sleep. He commanded the book of records of the chronicles to be brought, and they were read to the king.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
On that night the sleep of the king has fled away, and he commands to bring in the scroll of memorials of the chronicles, and they are read before the king,

Young's Literal Translation
On that night hath the sleep of the king fled away, and he saith to bring in the book of memorials of the Chronicles, and they are read before the king,

Smith's Literal Translation
In that night the king's sleep fled away, and he will say to bring in the book of memorials of the words of the days; and they will be read before the king.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
That night the king passed without sleep, and he commanded the histories and chronicles of former times to be brought him. And when they were reading them before him,

Catholic Public Domain Version
The king passed that night without sleep, and so he ordered the histories and chronicles of former times to be brought to him. And when they were reading them before him,

New American Bible
That night the king, unable to sleep, asked that the chronicle of notable events be brought in. While this was being read to him,

New Revised Standard Version
On that night the king could not sleep, and he gave orders to bring the book of records, the annals, and they were read to the king.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
ON that night the king could not sleep, and he commanded to bring the book of the records of the chronicles; and they were read be fore the king.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And in that night the sleep of the King fled away, and he said to bring the Scroll of the Records of the Words of Days, and the Readers were reading before the King.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
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.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
But the Lord removed sleep from the king that night: and he told his servant to bring in the books, the registers of daily events, to read to him.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Mordecai is Honored
1That night sleep escaped the king; so he ordered the Book of Records, the Chronicles, to be brought in and read to him. 2And there it was found recorded that Mordecai had exposed Bigthana and Teresh, two of the eunuchs who guarded the king’s entrance, when they had conspired to assassinate King Xerxes.…

Cross References
Daniel 2:1
In the second year of his reign, Nebuchadnezzar had dreams that troubled his spirit, and sleep escaped him.

Genesis 41:1-8
After two full years had passed, Pharaoh had a dream: He was standing beside the Nile, / when seven cows, sleek and well-fed, came up from the river and began to graze among the reeds. / After them, seven other cows, sickly and thin, came up from the Nile and stood beside the well-fed cows on the bank of the river. ...

1 Samuel 26:12
So David took the spear and water jug by Saul’s head, and they departed. No one saw them or knew about it, nor did anyone wake up; they all remained asleep, because a deep sleep from the LORD had fallen on them.

Psalm 77:4
You have kept my eyes from closing; I am too troubled to speak.

Psalm 127:2
In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for bread to eat—for He gives sleep to His beloved.

Proverbs 21:1
The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases.

Ecclesiastes 5:12
The sleep of the worker is sweet, whether he eats little or much, but the abundance of the rich man permits him no sleep.

Daniel 6:18
Then the king went to his palace and spent the night fasting. No entertainment was brought before him, and sleep fled from him.

Matthew 27:19
While Pilate was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent him this message: “Have nothing to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered terribly in a dream today because of Him.”

Acts 12:6-7
On the night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, with sentries standing guard at the entrance to the prison. / Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He tapped Peter on the side and woke him up, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his wrists.

Acts 16:25-26
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. / Suddenly a strong earthquake shook the foundations of the prison. At once all the doors flew open and everyone’s chains came loose.

Romans 8:28
And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.

2 Corinthians 2:12-13
Now when I went to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ and a door stood open for me in the Lord, / I had no peace in my spirit, because I did not find my brother Titus there. So I said goodbye to them and went on to Macedonia.

Philippians 4:6-7
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. / And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Hebrews 1:14
Are not the angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?


Treasury of Scripture

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.

that night.

Esther 5:8
If I have found favour in the sight of the king, and if it please the king to grant my petition, and to perform my request, let the king and Haman come to the banquet that I shall prepare for them, and I will do to morrow as the king hath said.

Genesis 22:14
And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovahjireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen.

1 Samuel 23:26,27
And Saul went on this side of the mountain, and David and his men on that side of the mountain: and David made haste to get away for fear of Saul; for Saul and his men compassed David and his men round about to take them…

could not the king sleep.

Daniel 2:1
And in the second year of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar Nebuchadnezzar dreamed dreams, wherewith his spirit was troubled, and his sleep brake from him.

Daniel 6:18
Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting: neither were instruments of musick brought before him: and his sleep went from him.

the book of records.

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.

Malachi 3:16
Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.

Jump to Previous
Book Books Chronicles Commanded Couldn't Deeds Fled Memorable Memorials Night Order Ordered Orders Read Reading Record Records Reign Sleep Unable
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Book Books Chronicles Commanded Couldn't Deeds Fled Memorable Memorials Night Order Ordered Orders Read Reading Record Records Reign Sleep Unable
Esther 6
1. Xerxes, reading of the good service done by Mordecai, takes care for his reward.
4. Haman, coming to ask that Mordecai might be hanged,
10. gives counsel that he might do him honor.
12. Complaining of this, his friends tell him of his final destiny.














That night
The phrase "that night" is pivotal, marking a divinely orchestrated moment in the narrative. In the Hebrew text, the word for "night" is "לַיְלָה" (laylah), which often signifies a time of vulnerability and divine intervention. This particular night is crucial in the unfolding of God's providential plan for the Jewish people. Historically, nights were often seen as times when God would reveal His will or intervene in human affairs, as seen in other biblical accounts such as Jacob's wrestling with God (Genesis 32:22-32).

the king could not sleep
The inability of the king to sleep is significant, suggesting divine intervention. The Hebrew word for "sleep" is "שֵׁנָה" (shenah), and its negation here implies a restlessness that is beyond mere insomnia. In the ancient Near Eastern context, kings were often seen as semi-divine figures, yet here, the king's sleeplessness underscores his humanity and the sovereignty of God over earthly rulers. This moment of insomnia sets the stage for a pivotal turn in the narrative, highlighting God's unseen hand at work.

so he ordered
The king's decision to order the reading of the chronicles is a direct result of his sleeplessness. The Hebrew verb "אָמַר" (amar) is used here, which means "to say" or "to command." This action, seemingly mundane, is laden with divine purpose. In the broader biblical narrative, God often uses ordinary decisions to fulfill His extraordinary plans. The king's command is a catalyst for the revelation of Mordecai's loyalty, which had been previously overlooked.

the book of the chronicles
The "book of the chronicles" refers to the official records of the Persian Empire, known in Hebrew as "סֵפֶר הַזִּכְרוֹנוֹת" (sefer ha-zikronot). These records were detailed accounts of the king's reign and significant events. Archaeologically, such chronicles were common in ancient empires, serving as both historical records and propaganda tools. The choice of this particular book is divinely orchestrated, as it contains the account of Mordecai's unrewarded service, which becomes crucial to the narrative.

the record of his reign
This phrase emphasizes the personal nature of the chronicles, focusing on the king's reign. The Hebrew word "דִּבְרֵי" (divrei) means "words" or "matters," indicating that these were the documented affairs of the king's rule. Historically, Persian kings kept meticulous records, which were used to ensure loyalty and reward service. The reading of these records at this moment is a divine setup for the recognition of Mordecai, aligning with the biblical theme of God's justice and timing.

to be brought in and read to him
The act of bringing in and reading the chronicles signifies the king's desire for distraction or insight during his sleeplessness. The Hebrew verb "לְהָבִיא" (le-havi) means "to bring," and "לִקְרוֹא" (likro) means "to read." This action, though seemingly routine, is orchestrated by God to bring about His purposes. In the biblical narrative, reading often precedes revelation or action, as seen in the public reading of the Law in Nehemiah 8. Here, the reading leads to the revelation of Mordecai's loyalty, setting the stage for the deliverance of the Jewish people.

VI.

(1) Could not the king sleep.--Literally, the king's sleep fled away. Here, in the most striking way in the whole book, the workings of God's providence on behalf of His people are shown. "God Himself is here, though His name be absent." The king's sleepless night falls after the day when Haman has resolved to ask on the morrow for Mordecai's execution, a foretaste of the richer vengeance he hopes to wreak on the whole nation of the Jews. It is by a mere chance, one would say, looking at the matter simply in its human aspect, that the king should call for the book of the royal chronicles, and not for music. It was by a mere chance too. it might seem, that the reader should happen to light upon the record of Mordecai's services; and yet when all these apparent accidents are wrought up into the coincidence they make, how completely is the providence visible, the power that will use men as the instruments of its work, whether they know it, or know it not, whether they be willing or unwilling, whether the glory of God is to be manifested in and by and through them, or manifested on them only.

They were read before the king.--Canon Rawlinson remarks that there is reason to think that the Persian kings were in most cases unable to read.

Verse 1. - The book of records of the chronicles. Compare Esther 2:23, where the title is given more briefly, as "the book of the chronicles." See also Esther 10:2. The character of the book has been already explained (see comment on Esther 2:23). They were read. Either because the king could not read himself ('Ancient Monarchies,' vol. 4. p. 184), or because the sound of a man's voice might (it was thought) induce drowsiness.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
That
הַה֔וּא (ha·hū)
Article | Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

night,
בַּלַּ֣יְלָה (bal·lay·lāh)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3915: A twist, night, adversity

sleep
שְׁנַ֣ת (šə·naṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 8142: Sleep

escaped
נָדְדָ֖ה (nā·ḏə·ḏāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 5074: To wave to and fro, to rove, flee, to drive away

the king;
הַמֶּ֑לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

so he ordered
וַיֹּ֗אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

the book
סֵ֤פֶר (sê·p̄er)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5612: A missive, document, writing, book

of records,
הַזִּכְרֹנוֹת֙ (haz·ziḵ·rō·nō·wṯ)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 2146: Memorial, remembrance

the chronicles,
דִּבְרֵ֣י (diḇ·rê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

to be brought in
לְהָבִ֞יא (lə·hā·ḇî)
Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

and read
נִקְרָאִ֖ים (niq·rā·’îm)
Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 7121: To call, proclaim, read

to
לִפְנֵ֥י (lip̄·nê)
Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440: The face

him.
הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king


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OT History: Esther 6:1 On that night the king couldn't sleep (Est Esth. Es)
Esther 5:14
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