MORDECAI SAVES THE KING

19 When the virginsu were gathered a second time, Mordecai was sitting at the King’s Gate.v 20 Esther still did not reveal her family background or her ethnicity, as Mordecai had directed. She obeyed Mordecai’s orders, as she always had while he raised her.

21 During those days while Mordecai was sitting at the King’s Gate, Bigthan and Teresh, two of the king’s eunuchsw who guarded the entrance, became infuriated and planned to assassinateB King Ahasuerus. 22 When Mordecai learned of the plot, he reported it to Queen Esther, and she told the king on Mordecai’s behalf.x 23 When the report was investigated and verified, both men were hanged on the gallows.y This event was recorded in the Historical Record in the king’s presence.