Haman’s Plot Exposed as he Builds The Gallows

Esther 5:1–14
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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). 

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