He only went as far as the King’s Gate, since the law prohibited anyone wearing sackcloth from entering the King’s Gate.

When the young women were assembled together for a second time, Mordecai was sitting at the King’s Gate.

During those days while Mordecai was sitting at the King’s Gate, Bigthan and Teresh, two eunuchs who guarded the king’s entrance, became infuriated and planned to assassinate King Ahasuerus.

The entire royal staff at the King’s Gate bowed down and paid homage to Haman, because the king had commanded this to be done for him. But Mordecai would not bow down or pay homage.

The members of the royal staff at the King’s Gate asked Mordecai, “Why are you disobeying the king’s command?”

So Hathach went out to Mordecai in the city square in front of the King’s Gate.

That day Haman left full of joy and in good spirits. But when Haman saw Mordecai at the King’s Gate, and Mordecai didn’t rise or tremble in fear at his presence, Haman was filled with rage toward Mordecai.

Still, none of this satisfies me since I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the King’s Gate all the time.”

The king told Haman, “Hurry, and do just as you proposed. Take a garment and a horse for Mordecai the Jew, who is sitting at the King’s Gate. Do not leave out anything you have suggested.”

Then Mordecai returned to the King’s Gate, but Haman, overwhelmed, hurried off for home with his head covered.