Esther-Hamon: I Could Have Been Hung!

By Mary Vee
Esther 6

From Haman's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Haman. I am King Xerxes' second in command for all of Babylon. 

The king had asked me,  "So, Haman, what should be done for the man the king delights to honor?"

Naturally, I assumed he meant me. I mean who else would he mean? Think about it, in all of Babylon could there be anyone more deserving of the king's honor than me?

No. I didn't think so either.

So I answered. It took only seconds to come up with my perfect reward. Something that would show Mordecai, that bothersome thorn in my side, how truly worthy I am to be respected with bows from the masses. Including him. 

I think I smiled. I couldn't help it. My plan was brilliant! 

I said, with the most humblest voice, of course "For the man the king delights to honor, have them bring a royal robe the king has worn and a horse the king has ridden, one with a royal crest placed on its head. Then let the robe and horse be entrusted to one of the king's most noble princes. Let them robe the man the king delights to honor, and lead him on the horse through the city streets, proclaiming before him, 'This is what is done for the man the king delights to honor!'"

I watched the king's face for his reaction. Had I asked for too much? No. Impossible. I waited to look up then took a chance. The king had a smile so wide he burst into laughter. I knew it. I knew it. 

The king said, "Well done, Haman. Go at once. Get the robe and the horses and do just as you have suggested--"

Yes. My name would be spoken next. I nodded my appreciation. And then he spoke.

Wait. That's not my name. What was he doing? This is impossible.

Mordecai the Jew? The one who sits at the king's gate? That disrespectful Mordecai?

I wanted to pound my fist in the air and scream "NO!" And, "You're honoring the wrong man!!"

But I couldn't. To my right and left the king's guards stood with their weapons. Could any moment be worse? I faked my understanding and approval, bowing to the king. As I turned to follow the most ridiculous command ever, the king stopped me.

"Oh, and Haman. I am very pleased Mordecai saved my life, so do not forget anything you've mentioned."

I took a deep breath and counted slowly to five before turning to the king. "Yes. Yes, your majesty. I will do so right away."

I walked out of the palace and didn't care who heard me any more. I screamed, "How could this happen? To me?"

This should have been my epic day. Hang Mordecai on the gallows. Eat with the king and queen at a banquet. Oops. I didn't ask permission to--I pressed my hand against my face. What would have happened to me if I had asked before the king spoke his wishes?

I--

I could have been hung instead. I pressed my hands around my neck and swallowed. 

Across the court sat Mordecai. Like usual. 

Well, he may get this honor...but one day soon, I will get mine. I laughed, a satisfying dastardly laugh.


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. Who did Haman think the king was talking about?
2. Why was Haman angry?
3. Why didn't Haman tell the king he was mad?
4. What did Hama forget to ask?
5. What would have happened if he had remembered?


As a reminder, Haman dislikes Mordecai because Mordecai the Jew feels he should only bow down to the living God. Haman wants Mordecai to bow down to him.