Esther-The Gallows- Haman's Greatest Project

By Mary Vee
Esther 5

From Haman's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Haman. The king promoted me to second in command for the entire Babylon Empire a short time ago. 

I had been in a really good mood after leaving the banquet Queen Esther had invited me to. At first I felt so honored to be the only person asked to attend a meal given for the king. Then I realized the queen would feel duty bound to invite me. 

I was the king's closest advisor and worthy of this privilege. I went home and told my family and friends about my successes after the meal.

And then...

I remembered the disrespectful Mordecai. I told everyone in my home what he had done. They completely understood why I would be upset. The problem was, my anger prevented me from constructing an appropriate punishment for Mordecai.

"That Jew Mordecai sits at the king's gate," I said. "He refuses to stand as I approach then bow in my presence. I deserve to have respect by all people in Babylon."

My wife, Zeresh, paced a few steps. She had a mind for great ideas. My friends sat and talked among themselves. "I know," Zeresh said. "Have a gallows built, seventy-five feet high. In the morning, ask the king to have Mordecai hanged on it. Tomorrow, you'll get his permission easily because the king listens to your advice. You'll hang Mordecai then go to the dinner with the king and queen and be happy." 

My friends talked among themselves then shook their heads. "This is a great idea."

It was a good idea. I called my head servant and said, "Build a gallows seventy-five feet tall. I need this done by morning. Stop every project, and put every man on it. Have it built by my house."

"Yes, my lord." The servant left.

I must admit, hearing the hammers and wood brought me great pleasure. At last, Mordecai would receive his punishment, right here in my own yard.

As the sun set, the workers stopped. I went out to inspect the work. The gallows would not be completed soon enough. "I said the gallows needed to be finished by morning."

"Yes, my lord. They will be."

"It doesn't look like it to me." The head worker stood by me looking at the project. He waited for my word. I said, "Set up crews to work through the night. This project needs to be done quickly." 

"Yes, my lord," he said.

Even thought the hammers banged close to the house, I fell asleep with absolutely no problems. I would win this battle.


...come back to read what happens next.

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sources: New International Version, New King James Version  

1. Why was Haman so happy?
2. What made him angry?
3. What terrible plan did Haman's wife say?
4. Did Haman agree? Why?
5. Describe what Haman had built
6. Did the project come together as fast as Haman wanted?
7. What did Haman order the crew to do?
8. How did Haman sleep that night?

Do you think Haman will win?

Esther-Haman's Hunger for Revenge

By Mary Vee
Esther 5

From Haman's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Haman. The king promoted me to second in command for the entire Babylon Empire a short time ago. 

As the king has shown by this act, I am very important, and wanted to make sure you realized just how important I am. 

There are those in the empire that stir my anger. Now that I have this position, I have the power to punish them.

Mordecai is my biggest irritation. Can you imagine, he refuses to bow down to me. Me? I went home quite upset over the whole matter. As soon as I dismounted my horse I called my wife and all my friends to meet at my house. At least I could boast about all the good things that have happened. Maybe I'll feel better then.

My wife served refreshments in the gathering room then I stood. "I have great news to share." I raised my chin to help them understand my importance. "First, as you know I have accumulated vast wealth. Look about you at all I have. And I have plans to enlarge our home and assets."

Zeresh, my wife pressed her hands together on her face. Her eyes leaped wide. "Oh, Haman. A bigger home? This is wonderful."

Of course it was. Important people must show others their wealth and not hide it. "You also know I have many sons."

My friends nodded. And so they should. Having many sons is a sign of wealth and prosperity. "And now, the king has honored me in so many ways." I couldn't help but grin. "Yes, he has elevated me above the other nobles and officials. I have the great power--only second to the king himself."

My friends had a look of pleasure. And why not? They should feel honored to be in my presence. "Something else happened today." I waited for them to lean forward to hear the next great news. When they did, I said, "I am the only person Queen Esther invited to accompany the king to a banquet she gave today. And are you ready for this?"

My friends and wife nodded.

"She was so pleased with how the banquet went that she invited me, along with the king, to another banquet tomorrow."

My friends leaped to their feet and congratulated me. Zeresh hugged me.

Then I remembered that disrespectful Mordecai and my face warmed with anger.

"What's wrong, Haman? You've had nothing but good news. What could possibly upset you?" Zeresh stepped back giving me room to speak to everyone.

"That Jew Mordecai sits at the king's gate. He refuses to stand when I approach then bow in my presence. I deserve to have respect by all people in Babylon. Including Mordecai."

I turned away from them.

...come back to read what happens next.

*********************************************************************************************
sources: New International Version, New King James Version  

1. Why was Haman so happy?
2. What did he want to do and have?
3. Haman decided to go home after the meal, who did he see on the way?
4. What did that person not do?
5. Why did this bother Haman?
6. What did Haman plan to do?
7. Why did Haman feel he could do that?