Esther 5:9-14

Modern English Version

Haman’s Plan to Destroy Mordecai

⁹ Haman left that day joyfully and with a glad heart, but when Haman saw Mordecai at the king’s gate, that he neither stood up nor trembled because of him, then Haman was full of indignation against Mordecai. ¹⁰ Nevertheless, Haman restrained himself, and when he came to his home, he sent for his friends and for his wife Zeresh.

¹¹ Haman recounted to them the glory of his riches, his many children, and everything about him the king had praised, and how he had promoted him over the princes and servants of the king. ¹² Then Haman continued, “Indeed, Queen Esther brought to the banquet she had prepared no one but the king and me, and tomorrow I am again invited by her with the king. ¹³ Yet for all this, I am not satisfied whenever I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king’s gate.”

¹⁴ Then his wife Zeresh and all his friends suggested to him, “Let a gallows fifty cubits^[a] tall be constructed, and in the morning ask the king if Mordecai can be hanged on it. Then go merrily with the king to the banquet.” And the suggestion pleased Haman, so he had the gallows constructed.