Haman Hanged on His Own Gallows

Esther 7:1–10
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This chapter gives a pointed example of reaping what you sow (Gal. 6:7). This final banquet for Haman was prepared by Esther in her apartment and attended by her husband (the king), Haman and herself (v. 1). While they lingered at the table after a nice meal, the king once again pressed Esther to share her request (v. 2). Esther knew that the proper moment had come and to delay now could prove to be disaster. As she began, she was very careful in her choice of words. She didn’t demand; she didn’t accuse; she only appealed (v. 3). The wise person knows what to say and how and when to say it (Prov. 15:28; 16:23). 

Finally, when she felt she had the king’s ear, Esther blurted out, “For we are sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be slain and to perish.” (v. 4). The king recoiled in shock and asked who it was that had devised such a plan (v. 5). When Esther pointed to Haman and said, “this is the wicked man!” (v. 6), the king became very angry and left for a walk in the garden. What a blow it must have been to the king’s pride when he learned that the man he promoted was a self-seeking traitor. A person who digs a pit for others runs the risk of falling into it himself (Prov. 26:27). What happened to Haman shows the tragic results of what can take place when we set any kind of trap for others. 

Haman realized that the intent of the king was now fully against him, and his only hope was to persuade the queen to spare his life (v. 7). He fell down at her couch pleading for her to save his life. When the king returned and found him in this position, he assumed that Haman had immoral intentions with the queen and immediately orders Haman’s execution (vv. 8-9). One of the servants suggested that they hang Haman on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai and that was what happened (v. 10).

Application

Haman might have lived and kept his position if he had only ignored Mordecai’s slight. I must never try to take revenge on those who may not treat me the way I think they should (Rom. 12:19).