Esther 6:11,12 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Then Haman took the apparel The king's words undoubtedly produced great commotion in his breast, but he durst not dispute, nor so much as seem to dislike the king's order; but, though with the greatest regret and reluctance imaginable, brings the apparel, &c, to Mordecai, who, we may suppose, did no more cringe to Haman now than he did before, valuing his counterfeit respects no more than he had valued his concealed malice. And arrayed Mordecai, and brought him on horseback, &c. It is hard to say which of the two put a greater force upon himself: proud Haman, in giving this honour to Mordecai, or humble Mordecai, in accepting it. Upon one account, no doubt, it was agreeable to Mordecai, as it was an indication of the king's favour, and gave ground to hope that Esther would prevail for the reversing of the edict against the Jews. Mordecai came again to the king's gate To his former place, showing that, as he was not overwhelmed with Haman's threats, so he was not puffed up with this honour. Besides, he came thither to attend the issue of the business he had most at heart, respecting the Jews; and to be at hand, if need were, to assist or encourage the queen, which he was now more capable of doing than heretofore he had been. Haman hasted to his house mourning, and having his head covered In token of his shame and grief for his unexpected disappointment, and for the great honour done to his abhorred adversary, by his own hands, and with his own public disgrace.