Chapter 6
"It was found written what Mordechai reported about Bigtana and Teresh." (6:2)
Question:
In the beginning of the Megillah (2:21), it is stated that the servants who plotted to kill the King were Bigtan and Teresh. Why in the records was the name spelled "Bigtana" ?
Answer:
The secretaries who recorded the event were sons of Haman. They felt that some day historians would read the King's book of records and conclude that credit was due to a Jewish person for saving the King's life. Therefore, they falsified the records and wrote that Mordechai reported about Bigtan or Teresh. This would mean that Mordechai was not really sure if it was Bigtan or Teresh who plotted to kill the King. Since both were put to death, an innocent person was possibly killed through Mordechai, and he did not deserve any reward.
A miracle happened and the word "oh" which means "or" separated itself and the "aleph" moved close to Bigsan and the "vav" close to Teresh. Thus, it read that Mordechai told about Bigtana and Teresh (VaTeresh, that the two of them plotted to kill the King, and that thanks to Mordechai's alertness the King's life was saved, rightfully entitling Mordechai to a great reward.
"Hurry, take the robes and horse as you said, and do this for Mordechai the Jew." (6:10)
Question:
Why did Achashveirosh insist that Mordechai receive his acknowledgment speedily?
Answer:
When Esther invited Achashveirosh to a banquet the day before she did not reveal an agenda. That night Achashveirosh could not sleep and ordered his servants to bring him the book of records. As it was read to him, he realized that he had been remiss in rewarding Mordechai for saving his life.
Achashveirosh thought, "Possibly, Esther invited me to the banquet and will perhaps request that proper recognition be given to Mordechai." Consequently, he told Haman, "Give Mordechai his honors and do it expeditiously. Thus, should Esther ask at the banquet why we did not honor Mordechai, I will be able to tell her that it was already taken care of earlier in the day."
"Haman told them all that happened to him... and his wise men said to him... 'If Mordechai is of Jewish descent you will not prevail against him, but will undoubtedly fall before him.' " (6:13)
Question:
What sage counsel did his "wise men" give him?
Answer:
Haman came home and conveyed to his family and friends the humiliation he had experienced. He had no faith in Divine Providence and arrogantly told them that this was "karahu" -- "a haphazard occurrence." "Moreover," he said, "now that Mordechai received his reward, I will return to my glorious position and no longer suffer from him."
His wise men told him that he was mistaken: "Mordechai is a descendant of the Jewish people and his G-d is not allowing you to prevail against him. Your only salvation may be 'ki nafol tipol lefanav' --'Bow to him and beg him to forgive you.' The Jewish people are merciful people. King Shaul had compassion and spared our grandfather Agog; likewise Mordechai will pardon you if you beg his forgiveness."
Out of desperation, Haman considered following their advice. However, before he had a chance to speak to Mordechai, the King's chamberlains arrived and hurried him off to the banquet which Esther had arranged.
Later Haman, realizing the King's intention to execute him, tried to follow his wise men's advice and fell on Esther's couch. The King, however, entered the room and became enraged. Before anything else could happen, they covered Haman's face (7:8).
