Haman’s Rage Against Mordecai

Haman went out that day happy and in high spirits. But when he saw Mordecai at the king’s gate and observed that he neither rose nor showed fear in his presence, he was filled with rage(A) against Mordecai.(B) 10 Nevertheless, Haman restrained himself and went home.

Calling together his friends and Zeresh,(C) his wife, 11 Haman boasted(D) to them about his vast wealth, his many sons,(E) and all the ways the king had honored him and how he had elevated him above the other nobles and officials. 12 “And that’s not all,” Haman added. “I’m the only person(F) Queen Esther invited to accompany the king to the banquet she gave. And she has invited me along with the king tomorrow. 13 But all this gives me no satisfaction as long as I see that Jew Mordecai sitting at the king’s gate.(G)

14 His wife Zeresh and all his friends said to him, “Have a pole set up, reaching to a height of fifty cubits,[a](H) and ask the king in the morning to have Mordecai impaled(I) on it. Then go with the king to the banquet and enjoy yourself.” This suggestion delighted Haman, and he had the pole set up.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Esther 5:14 That is, about 75 feet or about 23 meters

Haman Plans to Have Mordecai Hung

Haman went out that day happy and in good spirits, but when Haman saw Mordecai in the king’s gate and observed that he neither rose nor trembled before him, he was infuriated with Mordecai;(A) 10 nevertheless, Haman restrained himself and went home. Then he sent and called for his friends and his wife Zeresh,(B) 11 and Haman recounted to them the splendor of his riches, the number of his sons, all the promotions with which the king had honored him, and how he had advanced him above the officials and the ministers of the king.(C) 12 Haman added, “Even Queen Esther let no one but myself come with the king to the banquet that she prepared. Tomorrow also I am invited by her, together with the king.(D) 13 Yet all this does me no good so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king’s gate.”(E) 14 Then his wife Zeresh and all his friends said to him, “Let a pole fifty cubits high be made, and in the morning tell the king to have Mordecai hung on it; then go with the king to the banquet in good spirits.” This advice pleased Haman, and he had the pole made.(F)

Read full chapter