His wife Zeresh and all his friends told him, "Have them build a gallows fifty cubits high, and ask the king in the morning to have Mordecai hanged on it. Then go to the banquet with the king and enjoy yourself." The advice pleased Haman, and he had the gallows constructed. His wife Zeresh and all his friends told him,Haman sought counsel from those closest to him, but their advice fed his pride and hatred rather than restraining them. A multitude of counselors can bring safety when they fear God and love righteousness, but Haman’s household encouraged evil and shared responsibility for the plot against Mordecai. Est 6:13 Haman told his wife Zeresh and all his friends… “Have them build a gallows fifty cubits high, The proposed structure stood about seventy-five feet high, making Mordecai’s death visible throughout Susa. Such a towering gallows revealed Haman’s desire not merely to kill Mordecai but to disgrace him publicly and magnify his own honor. The word can refer to a stake used for impalement, a form of execution known in the Persian world. Est 7:9-10 Then Harbonah, one of the eunuchs attending the king… and ask the king in the morning to have Mordecai hanged on it. Haman expected the king to grant his request without resistance, confident that the royal decree against the Jews and his own influence at court had secured Mordecai’s death. His eagerness to act early exposed the urgency of his resentment. Yet the king’s sleepless night would overturn Haman’s plans before morning came. Est 6:1-3 That night sleep escaped the king; so he ordered… Then go to the banquet with the king and enjoy yourself.” Zeresh and Haman’s friends treated the murder of an innocent man as a means to restore Haman’s pleasure. The coming banquet, however, would not bring Haman satisfaction but would become the setting in which Esther exposed his wickedness before the king. Est 7:1-2 So the king and Haman went to dine with Esther the queen,… The advice pleased Haman, and he had the gallows constructed. Haman acted immediately because the counsel agreed with the desires of his heart. While he prepared an instrument of death for Mordecai, God was arranging that Haman himself would die upon it. The gallows became a visible testimony that the wicked may plot against the righteous, but the Lord brings their schemes back upon their own heads. Pro 12:15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,… Persons / Places / Events 1. HamanA high-ranking official in the Persian Empire, known for his pride and hatred towards the Jews, particularly Mordecai. 2. Zeresh Haman's wife, who advises him to build a gallows for Mordecai, showing her complicity in Haman's schemes. 3. Mordecai A Jew living in Susa, who refuses to bow to Haman, inciting Haman's wrath. 4. The Gallows A structure intended for Mordecai's execution, symbolizing Haman's malice and pride. 5. The Banquet A feast prepared by Queen Esther, which plays a crucial role in the unfolding of events leading to Haman's downfall. Teaching Points The Dangers of PrideHaman's pride leads him to make irrational decisions. As Christians, we must guard against pride, which can cloud our judgment and lead to our downfall. Influence of Counsel Zeresh and Haman's friends encourage his wicked plans. We should seek godly counsel that aligns with biblical principles rather than advice that leads us away from God's will. God's Sovereignty Despite Haman's plans, God is in control and uses the situation to protect His people. Trust in God's sovereignty, even when circumstances seem dire. The Consequences of Hatred Haman's hatred for Mordecai consumes him and ultimately leads to his destruction. We must be vigilant against allowing hatred to take root in our hearts. The Power of Patience and Faith Mordecai's patience and faith in God contrast with Haman's impulsive actions. Trusting in God's timing is crucial for believers. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Haman's pride influence his decision-making, and what can we learn from this about the dangers of pride in our own lives?2. In what ways does the counsel of Zeresh and Haman's friends impact his actions, and how can we ensure we are receiving godly counsel? 3. How does the account of Haman and Mordecai illustrate the biblical principle of reaping what one sows? 4. What does this passage teach us about God's sovereignty and His ability to use even the wicked plans of others for His purposes? 5. How can Mordecai's example of patience and faith encourage us in situations where we face opposition or injustice? Connections to Other Scriptures Proverbs 16:18This verse speaks about pride leading to destruction, which is evident in Haman's account as his pride blinds him to the consequences of his actions. Psalm 7:14-16 These verses describe how the wicked fall into the traps they set for others, paralleling Haman's fate. Galatians 6:7 This verse about reaping what one sows is relevant to Haman's eventual downfall due to his own schemes.
People Esther, Haman, Mordecai, ZereshPlaces SusaTopics Able, Advice, Banquet, Built, Caused, Counsel, Cubits, Delighted, Dinner, Feast, Fifty, Friends, Gallows, Glad, Haman, Hang, Hanged, Hanging, Happy, Heart, Height, Joyfully, Merrily, Mordecai, Mor'decai, Morning, Morrow, Orders, Pillar, Pleased, Prepare, Prepareth, Ready, Rejoicing, Seventy-five, Speak, Suggestion, Thereon, To-morrow, Tree, Wife, ZereshDictionary of Bible Themes Esther 5:14 4830 height Library Of the Subject to whom to the Key of Church Priviledge, Power, or Liberty is Given. THIS key is given to the Brethren of the Church: for so saith the Apostle, in Gal. 5. 13. (in the place quoted and opened before) Brethren, you have been called to liberty. And indeed, as it is the eu einai, euexi'a, & eupraxi'a of a Commonwealth, the right and due establishment and ballancing of the liberties or priviledges of the people (which is in a true sense, may be called a power) and the authority of the Magistrate: so it is the safety of Church estate, the right and due settling and ordering … John Cotton—The Keyes of the Kingdom of Heaven, and Power Thereof Walking with God The Life of the Blessed in Heaven. Dining with a Pharisee. Sabbath Healing and Three Lessons Suggested by the Event. The Poor in Spirit are Enriched with a Kingdom Esther Links Esther 5:14 NIVEsther 5:14 NLT Esther 5:14 ESV Esther 5:14 NASB Esther 5:14 KJV Esther 5:14 Commentaries Bible Hub |
    |