This verse from Esther 5:14 (specifically referencing the Greek Septuagint version) describes a pivotal moment in the story where Haman's pride and hatred for Mordecai reach a fever pitch. Here's a breakdown of the meaning:
"And Zeresh his wife and his friends said to him...": Haman is consulting with his wife, Zeresh, and his close friends about how to deal with his frustration and humiliation caused by Mordecai's refusal to bow down to him.
"Let there be a gallows made for you of fifty cubits...": This is the core of their suggestion. They propose building an extremely tall gallows (fifty cubits, which is roughly 75 feet, would be exceptionally high) specifically to publicly execute Mordecai. The extreme height suggests that Haman and his friends wanted to make an example of Mordecai.
"...and in the morning do you speak to the king, and let Mordecai be hanged on the gallows...": The plan is for Haman to request permission from King Ahasuerus in the morning to hang Mordecai on the gallows. The idea is to get rid of Mordecai immediately and decisively.
"...but do you go in to the feast with the king, and be merry.": After eliminating his perceived enemy, Haman's wife and friends urge him to put it behind him, attend the banquet with the king, and enjoy himself. They are encouraging him to act as if nothing has happened and to revel in his power and status.
"And the saying pleased Haman, and the gallows was prepared.": Haman is delighted by this idea. It fuels his ego, allows him to act on his hatred, and provides him with a seemingly foolproof solution. He immediately orders the construction of the gallows.
In Essence:
This verse demonstrates the escalating nature of Haman's malice and hubris. Fueled by the encouragement of his wife and friends, he is willing to commit an extreme act of violence to satisfy his personal grudge. The tall gallows is a symbol of his arrogance and overreach, setting the stage for his downfall. It's important to note that the idea to build the gallows came from the advice of his wife and friends, showing how influence can either positively or negatively shape one's actions.
This verse from Esther 5:14 (specifically referencing the Greek Septuagint version) describes a pivotal moment in the story where Haman's pride and hatred for Mordecai reach a fever pitch. Here's a breakdown of the meaning:
"And Zeresh his wife and his friends said to him...": Haman is consulting with his wife, Zeresh, and his close friends about how to deal with his frustration and humiliation caused by Mordecai's refusal to bow down to him.
"Let there be a gallows made for you of fifty cubits...": This is the core of their suggestion. They propose building an extremely tall gallows (fifty cubits, which is roughly 75 feet, would be exceptionally high) specifically to publicly execute Mordecai. The extreme height suggests that Haman and his friends wanted to make an example of Mordecai.
"...and in the morning do you speak to the king, and let Mordecai be hanged on the gallows...": The plan is for Haman to request permission from King Ahasuerus in the morning to hang Mordecai on the gallows. The idea is to get rid of Mordecai immediately and decisively.
"...but do you go in to the feast with the king, and be merry.": After eliminating his perceived enemy, Haman's wife and friends urge him to put it behind him, attend the banquet with the king, and enjoy himself. They are encouraging him to act as if nothing has happened and to revel in his power and status.
"And the saying pleased Haman, and the gallows was prepared.": Haman is delighted by this idea. It fuels his ego, allows him to act on his hatred, and provides him with a seemingly foolproof solution. He immediately orders the construction of the gallows.
In Essence:
This verse demonstrates the escalating nature of Haman's malice and hubris. Fueled by the encouragement of his wife and friends, he is willing to commit an extreme act of violence to satisfy his personal grudge. The tall gallows is a symbol of his arrogance and overreach, setting the stage for his downfall. It's important to note that the idea to build the gallows came from the advice of his wife and friends, showing how influence can either positively or negatively shape one's actions.