Haman’s Plot Exposed as he Builds The Gallows
October 18, 2019
Commentary
After fasting for three days, Esther took off her mourning clothes, puts on her queenly garb, and made her appearance before the king (v 1). When the king saw Esther, he extended the golden scepter to her, which meant she was free to come before him, having found favor in his sight (v. 2). For Esther to take this risk, the king knew she must have something very important on her mind. He asked for her request, promising that it would be granted even up to half of the kingdom (v. 3). But Her request was simply to put on a banquet for the king and Haman (v. 4). The king granted her request, and preparations were made for the banquet that evening (v. 5). At the banquet, the king again asked Esther what her request was (v. 6). She decides not to tell him at that time but requested to have another banquet with the king and Haman the next day (vv. 7-8).
In the providence of God, within the next 24 hours Haman built gallows for hanging Mordecai, and Mordecai’s virtues were brought to the king’s attention. On the way home Mordecai once again snubbed Haman (v. 9). When Haman got home, he started bragging about all he had done and how the King had honored him (vv. 10-11). He told his friends that he and the King were the only ones the Queen invited to the dinner, but he was not happy to see Mordecai serving the King (vv. 12-13). They suggest he prepare gallows, 75 feet tall, to hang Mordecai from, and to ask the king for permission to do it immediately. Haman thought that was a great idea, so he gave the orders to his carpenters and set out for the king’s palace that night (5:14, 6:4).
Application
I can learn something from Esther as to how to make a difficult request. Her request wasn’t blurted out in condemnation, but she waited for the right time by first reestablishing their relationship.
Esther 5:1– 14 (NET)
1 It so happened that on the third day Esther put on her royal attire and stood in the inner court of the palace, opposite the king’s quarters. The king was sitting on his royal throne in the palace, opposite the entrance. 2 When the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she met with his approval. The king extended to Esther the gold scepter that was in his hand, and Esther approached and touched the end of the scepter.
3 The king said to her, “What is on your mind, Queen Esther? What is your request? Even as much as half the kingdom will be given to you.”
4 Esther replied, “If the king is so inclined, let the king and Haman come today to the banquet that I have prepared for the king.” 5 The king replied, “Find Haman quickly so that we can do as Esther requests.”
6 While at the banquet of wine, the king said to Esther, “What is your request? It shall be given to you. What is your petition? Ask for as much as half the kingdom, and it shall be done.”
7 Esther responded, “My request and my petition is this: 8 If I have found favor in the king’s sight and if the king is inclined to grant my request and approve my petition, let the king and Haman come tomorrow to the banquet that I will prepare for them. At that time I will do as the king wishes.”
9 Now Haman went forth that day pleased and very much encouraged. But when Haman saw Mordecai at the king’s gate, and he did not rise or tremble in his presence, Haman was filled with rage toward Mordecai. 10 But Haman restrained himself and went on to his home.
11 Haman then recounted to them his fabulous wealth, his many sons, and how the king had magnified him and exalted him over the king’s other officials and servants. 12 Haman said, “Furthermore, Queen Esther invited only me to accompany the king to the banquet that she prepared. And also tomorrow I am invited along with the king. 13 Yet all this fails to satisfy me so long as I have to see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king’s gate.”
14 Haman’s wife Zeresh and all his friends said to him, “Have a gallows 75 feet high built, and in the morning tell the king that Mordecai should be hanged on it. Then go with the king to the banquet contented.” It seemed like a good idea to Haman, so he had the gallows built.