Esther 5:14

“Then said Zeresh his wife and all his friends unto him, Let a gallows be made of fifty cubits high, and to morrow speak thou unto the king that Mordecai may be hanged thereon: then go thou in merrily with the king unto the banquet. And the thing pleased Haman; and he caused the gallows to be made.”

Historical Context: The book of Esther is set during the reign of King Ahasuerus (also known as Xerxes I) in Persia. Haman, an official in the king’s court, had a deep hatred for the Jewish people and sought to destroy them. In Esther 5, Haman had just experienced humiliation at the hands of Mordecai, who refused to bow down to him.

Haman’s Response to Humiliation: When Haman returned home after being publicly dishonored by Mordecai, he sought counsel from his wife, Zeresh, and his friends. They suggested that Haman build a gallows, fifty cubits high, to hang Mordecai. This shows Haman’s extreme anger and desire for revenge against Mordecai.

Zeresh’s Influence: Zeresh, Haman’s wife, played a significant role in supporting her husband’s plot against Mordecai. Her counsel reflects her own animosity towards the Jewish people. She encouraged Haman to carry out his plan of execution without delay, ensuring that Mordecai would be hanged before the next banquet with the king.

Haman’s Pleasure: The verse states that Haman was pleased with the idea of constructing the gallows. This indicates his eagerness to eliminate Mordecai and his confidence that his plan would be successful. Haman’s satisfaction with the plan demonstrates his cruel and vengeful nature.

God’s Sovereignty: While this verse does not explicitly mention God, it is important to recognize the underlying theme of God’s providence throughout the book of Esther. Although the situation seems dire for the Jewish people, God is working behind the scenes to deliver them from destruction. Subsequent events in the book reveal that Haman’s plot ultimately leads to his own downfall, and Mordecai is honored by the king.

• The Destructiveness of Anger and Hatred: Haman’s response to humiliation exemplifies the destructive power of anger and hatred. His desire for revenge blinded him to reason and led him to make rash decisions. As followers of God, we should guard against harboring resentment and bitterness, choosing forgiveness and reconciliation instead.
• The Influence of Companions: The counsel of Zeresh and Haman’s friends played a significant role in shaping his actions. This highlights the importance of surrounding ourselves with wise and godly companions who will provide counsel in line with God’s principles.
• Trusting in God’s Providence: Even in difficult circumstances, we can trust that God is at work. The book of Esther reminds us that God’s providence is often hidden, but His ultimate purposes will be accomplished. We should rely on Him, seek His guidance, and trust that He is in control, even when we face challenges and opposition.