In those days (at that time), when Mordecai was sitting in the king’s gate, Bigtan and Teresh, two of the king’s eunuchs (chamberlains) who were keeping watch at the threshold [of the king’s bedchamber], became angry [at something the king said or did] and sought an opportunity to lay their hands on (kill) King Ahasuerus (Xerxes).
[Probably it was the king’s divorce with Vashti that was the basis of their discontent. They were eunuchs and were close to Queen Vashti (Est 1:10-11) and could easily take offense at Ahasuerus’ actions. Bigthan is called Bigtha in , the name meaning ”in the wine press”. Teresh is mentioned only here and in , his name meaning ”strictness”. Conspiracies were common in Persia. Ahasuerus was eventually murdered by Artabanus, the captain of the guard, and Aspamitras, a chamberlain and eunuch.]
Then it was found that it was written that Mordecai had told about Bigtan and Teresh [revealed their evil designs], two of the king’s chamberlains of those who guarded the threshold [entrance to the king’s sleeping chamber], how they sought an opportunity to lay their hands on (kill) King Ahasuerus (Xerxes) [Est 2:21-23].
