Esther-The Unfinished Gallows

By Mary Vee
Esther 6

From Haman's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Haman. I am the second highest ranked person in the empire. The famous Babylon Empire. Yes, yes, I am very important and that is why I must tell my story.

I got up early this morning and inspected the gallows. My wife Zeresh and my friends came up with a brilliant beyond brilliant way for me to get rid of that disrespectful Mordecai. I ordered gallows built right by my house that would stand seventy-five feet tall.

I told the crew to work through the night. They needed to be finished by today. The problem was, no one could be executed in the land without the kings approval. That I planned to get when I saw the king this morning. 

Any way, I walked outside and saw the men sleeping. Really? Sleeping instead of doing the job I ordered. Didn't they know who I was?  "What are you doing?" I bellowed loud enough to wake them all. They must have been asleep for a long time based on the work that still needed to be done. "Why aren't the gallows done? I ordered you to work through the night."

"Yes, lord Haman. We're sorry." They scurried about and got back to work. 

"I want to know the second these gallows are finished." I lowered my voice threatening them, "And make sure they are sturdy. If they can't hold the weight of the man ordered to be hung, you all will be strung on better gallows."

Their eyes widened. "Yes, lord Haman." They bowed and returned to their work.

My wife walked out the door. "Haman, you could still ask the king. The gallows should be ready by the time all of that is done."

She was right. Her words made me feel much better. "Yes. That's a great idea." I climbed on my horse and road to the palace. There I left the horse at the stable and walked to the court. 

Half way across the court toward the palace entrance, one of the king's servants approached me and stopped. He bowed. "Lord Haman, the king asks me to escort you to his chambers."

Me? This was wonderful news. Already he depends on me for counsel. Maybe he wants to honor me with more. Oh, this is the perfect moment to ask his permission to hang Mordecai from the new gallows. "Yes, of course." 

I followed the servant and was allowed in the king's chambers without any question.

The king said, "What should be done for the man the king delights to honor?"

I knew it. Who is there that the king would rather honor than me? I'll not only ask to hang Mordecai, but this is my chance to receive what I deserve. Yes!



Unfortunately the story has much more to tell...come back to read what happens next.

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sources: New International Version, New King James Version  

1. Why did Haman have the gallows built on his own property?
2. Who did he want to hang?
3. Who did he have to get permission from to hang this person?
4. What were the workers doing when Haman went to check on the gallows?
5. What did Haman's wife encourage him to do?
6. What happened when Haman arrived in the court?