Esther 7:10

KJV

So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then was the king's wrath pacified.

KJV (with Strong's)

So they hanged {H8518} Haman {H2001} on the gallows {H6086} that he had prepared {H3559} for Mordecai {H4782}. Then was the king's {H4428} wrath {H2534} pacified {H7918}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So they hanged Haman on the gallows he had prepared for Mordekhai. Then the king's anger subsided.

Berean Standard Bible

So they hanged Haman on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the fury of the king subsided.

American Standard Version

So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then was the king’s wrath pacified.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Esther 7:10 marks the dramatic and ironic climax of Haman's malicious plot, narrating his swift execution on the very gallows he had meticulously prepared for Mordecai. This verse signifies the complete reversal of fortune for the Jewish people and their antagonist, serving as the ultimate resolution to King Ahasuerus's intense fury, which is explicitly stated to have been "pacified" by Haman's demise. It is the culmination of Queen Esther's courageous intercession and the unseen providential hand guiding events.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Esther 7:10 stands as the decisive turning point and climax of the book's central conflict. Immediately preceding this verse, Queen Esther has courageously revealed Haman's genocidal plot against her people during the second banquet she arranged for King Ahasuerus and Haman. The king, upon realizing that Haman intended to destroy his own queen's people, stormed out in a rage. Haman, in a desperate attempt to plead for his life, fell upon Esther's couch, which the king misinterpreted as an assault, further fueling his fury. The king's eunuchs then pointed out the very gallows Haman had prepared for Mordecai, providing the king with an immediate and fitting instrument of justice. This verse resolves the tension that has built since Haman's initial decree to annihilate the Jews, fulfilling the dramatic irony foreshadowed when Haman first constructed the gallows (cf. [Esther 5:14](/esther/5-14 "Esther 5:14 - Haman Builds the Gallows")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The narrative of Esther is set in the Persian Empire during the reign of King Ahasuerus, commonly identified with Xerxes I (486-465 BC), ruling from his capital at Susa. Persian kings wielded absolute authority, and their decrees were irreversible. Public executions were common and often brutal, serving as deterrents and demonstrations of royal power. The "gallows" (Hebrew: `ets`, "tree" or "wood") in this context likely refers to a tall stake or pole used for impalement, a particularly humiliating form of execution in the ancient Near East, designed to display the condemned person's body publicly as a warning. Haman's choice of a 50-cubit (approx. 75 feet) high structure for Mordecai underscores his desire for maximum public humiliation and spectacle, a desire that ironically backfired upon him.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes woven throughout the book of Esther. Foremost is **Poetic Justice and Retribution**, where Haman's own wicked device becomes the instrument of his downfall, perfectly illustrating the principle that "the wicked fall into their own nets" (cf. [Psalm 9:15](/psalms/9-15 "Psalm 9:15 - The Wicked's Own Snare")). Another prominent theme is **Divine Providence**, even though God is never explicitly mentioned in the book. The series of "coincidences"—the king's sleepless night leading to the reading of the royal chronicles ([Esther 6:1](/esther/6-1 "Esther 6:1 - The King's Sleepless Night")), Mordecai's forgotten service being remembered, Esther's strategic banquets, and the timing of Haman's arrival—all point to an unseen divine hand orchestrating events to protect His people and defeat their enemy. Finally, the **King's Absolute Authority and Wrath** is a critical theme; Ahasuerus's power is supreme and his anger, once fully aroused and directed, results in swift and irreversible judgment, bringing immediate resolution and "pacification" to his fury.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Gallows (Hebrew, _`'ets`_):** While often translated "gallows," the Hebrew word `עֵץ` literally means "tree" or "wood." In the context of ancient Near Eastern execution, it refers to a tall, upright stake or pole used for impalement or hanging. This method was designed for maximum public visibility and humiliation, often leaving the body exposed as a warning. The irony is profound: Haman intended this symbol of shame for Mordecai, but it became his own monument of disgrace.
* **Hanged (Hebrew, _`talah`_):** The verb `תָּלָה` means "to hang," "to suspend," or "to impale." It describes the act of execution on the `ets`. The immediate action ("So they hanged Haman") highlights the swiftness of royal justice once the king's decision was made, emphasizing the finality and decisiveness of Haman's fate.
* **Pacified (Hebrew, _`shakak`_):** The word `שָׁכַךְ` means "to sink," "to subside," "to abate," or "to quiet down." It vividly describes the complete cessation of the king's intense wrath. This "pacification" indicates that Haman's execution fully satisfied the king's anger and sense of violated justice, bringing a definitive end to the immediate crisis and emotional turmoil for the monarch.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So they hanged Haman on the gallows":** This clause describes the immediate and decisive execution of Haman. The "they" refers to the king's servants or eunuchs, who carried out the royal command without delay. The action is swift and public, marking the dramatic reversal of Haman's fortunes. This execution is not merely a punishment but a public spectacle of justice.
* **"that he had prepared for Mordecai.":** This is the heart of the verse's profound irony. The instrument of Haman's intended malice, designed specifically for his enemy Mordecai, becomes the instrument of his own demise. This detail underscores the principle of poetic justice, where the perpetrator falls into the very trap he set for another, highlighting the self-destructive nature of evil.
* **"Then was the king's wrath pacified."**: This concluding clause emphasizes the resolution of the king's intense fury. Haman's death served as the ultimate satisfaction for King Ahasuerus, who had been enraged by Haman's betrayal and the threat to his queen. The "pacification" of his wrath signifies that justice, from the king's perspective, had been fully served, and the immediate threat to his kingdom and queen had been decisively removed.

#### Literary Devices
Esther 7:10 is rich in **Irony**, specifically **Situational Irony**, as Haman is executed on the very gallows he prepared for Mordecai. This is a classic example of **Poetic Justice**, where a character's demise is perfectly fitting and often brought about by their own actions or instruments. The verse functions as the **Climax** of the narrative, representing the peak of the dramatic tension and the decisive turning point in the fortunes of the Jewish people. It also serves as a powerful **Resolution** to the conflict, bringing an immediate end to Haman's threat and the king's fury. The earlier mention of Haman building the gallows ([Esther 5:14](/esther/5-14 "Esther 5:14 - Haman Builds the Gallows")) acts as **Foreshadowing**, subtly hinting at this ultimate reversal. The entire situation presents a stark **Antithesis** between Haman's arrogant rise and his humiliating fall, directly contrasting his intended victim's elevation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Esther 7:10 powerfully illustrates the biblical principle that those who plot evil against God's people often fall into their own snares. While God is not explicitly named in the book of Esther, His providential hand is undeniably evident in the precise timing and ironic outcome of Haman's scheme. This verse serves as a profound testament to divine justice, demonstrating that even in seemingly secular or politically driven events, God is sovereignly working behind the scenes to protect His covenant people and ensure that evil does not ultimately triumph. It reassures believers that despite the machinations of the wicked, God's purposes will prevail, and those who sow malice will inevitably reap its bitter fruit.

* [Proverbs 26:27](/proverbs/26-27 "Proverbs 26:27 - The Pit Digger Falls In")
* [Psalm 7:15-16](/psalms/7-15 "Psalm 7:15-16 - The Wicked's Own Trap")
* [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Sowing and Reaping")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Esther 7:10 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers, reminding us that even when God's presence seems hidden or His intervention delayed, His sovereign hand is actively at work, orchestrating events for the good of His people and the ultimate defeat of evil. Haman's swift and ironic downfall serves as a powerful warning against pride, hatred, and the destructive nature of plotting malice against others. It assures us that justice, though sometimes slow, is certain, and that those who seek to harm the innocent will ultimately face consequences, often by their own devices. This narrative encourages steadfast faith and courage in the face of adversity, knowing that God can turn the most dire circumstances into triumphs, reversing the plans of the wicked and elevating the humble. We are called to trust in His unseen providence and to live righteously, confident that His justice will prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "poetic justice" in Haman's fate encourage you when you face injustice or opposition?**
* **In what areas of your life might you need to trust God's unseen hand, even when circumstances seem chaotic or His presence is not overtly clear?**
* **What lessons does Haman's pride and malice offer about the dangers of unchecked ambition and hatred?**
* **How can you, like Esther, courageously act for justice and truth, even when it involves personal risk?**

### FAQ
**What exactly does "gallows" mean in this context, and why was it so high?**

Answer: The KJV translation "gallows" for the Hebrew word `עֵץ` (`'ets`) is somewhat misleading to a modern reader, as it typically refers to a structure for hanging by the neck. In the ancient Near East, and specifically in the Persian context, `ets` referred to a tall stake or pole, upon which a condemned person would be impaled or hanged as a form of public execution. This method was designed not only for death but for extreme humiliation, with the body left exposed as a warning. Haman's decision to make his `ets` 50 cubits (approximately 75 feet) high ([Esther 5:14](/esther/5-14 "Esther 5:14 - Haman Builds the Gallows")) was to ensure maximum visibility and public disgrace for Mordecai, reflecting the depth of his hatred and desire for a spectacular display of power. Ironically, this very height ensured Haman's own public humiliation.

**Why was the king's wrath "pacified" by Haman's execution?**

Answer: King Ahasuerus's wrath was "pacified" (Hebrew: `שָׁכַךְ`, _`shakak`_, meaning to subside or abate) because Haman's execution fully satisfied his sense of justice and removed the immediate threat. The king had been deeply enraged by Haman's deceit and the realization that Haman's decree would lead to the destruction of his own queen and her people. Haman's death represented the ultimate consequence for his treachery, restoring order and punishing the betrayer. For the king, the matter was resolved, and his intense anger subsided, allowing him to move forward with the subsequent decrees that would protect the Jews (cf. [Esther 8:1-17](/esther/8 "Esther 8 - Mordecai's Elevation and Jewish Deliverance")).

**Given that God is not explicitly mentioned in the book of Esther, how can we speak of "Divine Providence" in relation to Esther 7:10?**

Answer: While the name of God does not appear in the book of Esther, His providential hand is powerfully evident throughout the narrative, especially in Esther 7:10. The series of seemingly coincidental events—such as the king's sleepless night leading to the reading of the chronicles ([Esther 6:1](/esther/6-1 "Esther 6:1 - The King's Sleepless Night")), Mordecai's forgotten service being recalled, Esther's courage, and the perfect timing of Haman's arrival to request Mordecai's execution—all culminate in this moment of Haman's downfall. The fact that Haman is executed on the very gallows he prepared for Mordecai is a striking example of poetic justice, which many biblical scholars interpret as a clear sign of God's unseen but active orchestration of events to protect His people and thwart the plans of their enemies. The absence of God's name highlights the subtle, yet undeniable, way He works through human agents and ordinary circumstances to achieve His purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Esther 7:10, with its vivid portrayal of the enemy's self-inflicted downfall and the ultimate triumph of justice, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. Haman, in his pride and malice, sought to annihilate God's people, acting as a type of anti-Christ figure. His plot to destroy the Jews, from whom the Messiah would come, was ultimately defeated on the very instrument he prepared. This foreshadows the ultimate victory of Christ over sin, death, and the devil. The cross, which was intended by Satan and wicked men as an instrument of shame and defeat for Jesus, became the very means of their undoing. Just as Haman was "hanged on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai," so too was Christ "hanged on a tree" ([Acts 5:30](/acts/5-30 "Acts 5:30 - Jesus Hanged on a Tree")) to defeat the one who held the power of death, that is, the devil ([Hebrews 2:14](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14 - Defeating the Devil")). Through His death and resurrection, Jesus disarmed the principalities and powers, triumphing over them by the cross ([Colossians 2:14-15](/colossians/2-14 "Colossians 2:14-15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). The "pacification" of the king's wrath in Esther 7:10 points to the ultimate pacification of God's wrath against humanity, achieved not through human execution, but through Christ's perfect sacrifice on the cross, making peace through the blood of His cross ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Peace Through the Cross")). Thus, Haman's ironic demise serves as a powerful Old Testament echo of the greater victory secured by the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and whose "gallows" became the throne of salvation.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 7:16

His mischief shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down upon his own pate.

Daniel 6:24

And the king commanded, and they brought those men which had accused Daniel, and they cast [them] into the den of lions, them, their children, and their wives; and the lions had the mastery of them, and brake all their bones in pieces or ever they came at the bottom of the den.

Judges 15:7

And Samson said unto them, Though ye have done this, yet will I be avenged of you, and after that I will cease.

Ezekiel 5:13

Thus shall mine anger be accomplished, and I will cause my fury to rest upon them, and I will be comforted: and they shall know that I the LORD have spoken [it] in my zeal, when I have accomplished my fury in them.

Zechariah 6:8

Then cried he upon me, and spake unto me, saying, Behold, these that go toward the north country have quieted my spirit in the north country.

Esther 2:1

¶ After these things, when the wrath of king Ahasuerus was appeased, he remembered Vashti, and what she had done, and what was decreed against her.