Definition: And Mordecai came again to the king’s gate. But Haman hasted to his house mourning, and having his head covered.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this short but significant passage from Esther 6:12. It's a really important story about evil rising up against good. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: Mordecai is Suspicious: Mordecai, who was the royal advisor to King Ahasuerus, noticed that Esther was being unusually quiet and wasn't participating as much in courtly events. He felt something was wrong. He Goes to the King’s Gate: Mordecai went to the king's palace gate to see what was happening. This is a secret meeting place. Haman Plots Evil: Suddenly, Haman, a powerful and ambitious man, arrives at the gate. He doesn't just visit; he hurries to his house and begins to mourn deeply. Haman's Hurry & Mourning: Haman is incredibly anxious and overwhelmed by his thoughts. He’s rushing around, covering his head with a shroud (a sign of mourning), and generally acting very distraught. It shows he's consumed by fear and anger. The Meaning - What's Happening? This verse describes a planned act of evil – Haman is deliberately setting up a plot to kill King Ahasuerus. He’s using his anxiety and sorrow to manipulate the situation. Key Takeaway: Haman’s actions are driven by fear and anger, and he's actively trying to cause trouble and harm. It shows the dangers of evil rising when people become consumed with worry or malice. It’s a warning! This story is a crucial part of the book of Esther, because it sets up the larger conflict between Haman and Mordecai, which ultimately leads to the downfall of Haman and his plotting. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse in this passage? Discuss the context of the story (why is this important)? Give a little more detail about the characters involved?