Esther 7:9

And Harbonah, one of the chamberlains, said before the king, Behold also, the gallows fifty cubits high, which Haman had made for Mordecai, who had spoken good for the king, standeth in the house of Haman. Then the king said, Hang him thereon.

And Harbonah {H2726}, one {H259} of the chamberlains {H5631}, said {H559} before {H6440} the king {H4428}, Behold also, the gallows {H6086} fifty {H2572} cubits {H520} high {H1364}, which Haman {H2001} had made {H6213} for Mordecai {H4782}, who had spoken {H1696} good {H2896} for the king {H4428}, standeth {H5975} in the house {H1004} of Haman {H2001}. Then the king {H4428} said {H559}, Hang {H8518} him thereon.

Harvonah, one of the king's attendants, said, "Look! The gallows seventy-five feet high that Haman made for Mordekhai, who spoke only good for the king, is standing at Haman's house."The king said, "Hang him on it."

Then Harbonah, one of the eunuchs attending the king, said: “There is a gallows fifty cubits high at Haman’s house. He had it built for Mordecai, who gave the report that saved the king.” “Hang him on it!” declared the king.

Then said Harbonah, one of the chamberlains that were before the king, Behold also, the gallows fifty cubits high, which Haman hath made for Mordecai, who spake good for the king, standeth in the house of Haman. And the king said, Hang him thereon.

Commentary

Esther 7:9 marks a dramatic and pivotal moment in the Book of Esther, as the tables are decisively turned on Haman, the antagonist who sought to destroy the Jewish people. This verse captures the instant when Haman’s meticulously planned evil scheme backfires spectacularly, leading to his swift and ironic demise.

Context

This verse occurs immediately after Queen Esther has courageously revealed Haman's wicked plot to King Ahasuerus during a second private banquet. The king, enraged by Haman's treachery and the realization that his beloved queen and her people were targeted, had just stepped out into the palace garden to compose himself. Upon his return, one of the chamberlains, Harbonah, seizes the opportune moment to reveal a crucial detail: the towering gallows Haman had prepared specifically for Mordecai. This revelation, combined with the king's recent discovery of Mordecai's past loyalty in saving the king's life, seals Haman's fate.

Key Themes

  • Poetic Justice and Divine Reversal: The most striking theme is the ultimate irony and justice meted out to Haman. He is hanged on the very gallows, described as "fifty cubits high," that he had constructed with malicious intent for Mordecai. This serves as a powerful illustration of the principle that those who plot evil against others often fall into their own traps, as seen in Proverbs 26:27.
  • Consequences of Pride and Malice: Haman's unchecked pride, hatred, and murderous ambition are directly responsible for his downfall. His desire for Mordecai's public humiliation and death ultimately led to his own ignominious end.
  • Divine Providence: Although the name of God is not explicitly mentioned in the Book of Esther, His providential hand is evident throughout the narrative. Harbonah's timely and pointed remark, coming at the exact moment of the king's decision, highlights how seemingly small details can be orchestrated to bring about God's purposes and deliver His people.
  • Swift Judgment: The king's immediate command, "Hang him thereon," underscores the swiftness and decisiveness of judgment once Haman's true character and intentions were fully exposed.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "gallows fifty cubits high" emphasizes Haman's extreme malice and desire for a public spectacle of Mordecai's death. Fifty cubits is approximately 75 feet (23 meters), a height designed to ensure maximum visibility and humiliation. The word "gallows" (Hebrew: ‘etz, generally meaning "tree" or "wood") refers to an impaling stake or pole, a common instrument of execution in the ancient Near East, often used for public display of criminals.

Practical Application

Esther 7:9 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Trust in God's Justice: Even when evil seems to prevail and injustice is rampant, this verse reminds us that God is sovereign and ultimately brings justice. We can find hope that oppressors will face the consequences of their actions.
  • Warning Against Malice and Revenge: Haman's fate is a stark warning against harboring hatred, pride, and seeking revenge. Such attitudes ultimately consume those who hold them.
  • God Works Through Unseen Ways: The seemingly coincidental remark by Harbonah highlights that God often works through ordinary people and circumstances to achieve His extraordinary plans, even when His presence is not overtly declared.

This verse stands as a powerful testament to the triumph of good over evil, the consequences of unchecked ambition, and the subtle yet sure hand of divine justice at work in the world.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 7:15

    He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch [which] he made.

  • Psalms 7:16

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

  • Proverbs 11:5

    ¶ The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.

  • Proverbs 11:6

    The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken in [their own] naughtiness.

  • Esther 1:10

    ¶ On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas, the seven chamberlains that served in the presence of Ahasuerus the king,

  • Esther 5:14

    Then said Zeresh his wife and all his friends unto him, Let a gallows be made of fifty cubits high, and to morrow speak thou unto the king that Mordecai may be hanged thereon: then go thou in merrily with the king unto the banquet. And the thing pleased Haman; and he caused the gallows to be made.

  • Psalms 35:8

    Let destruction come upon him at unawares; and let his net that he hath hid catch himself: into that very destruction let him fall.
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