1The king and Haman came to feast Lit drink Gn 40:20 with Esther the queen.

2Once again, on the second day while drinking wine, Est 5:6 the king asked Esther, “Queen Esther, whatever you ask will be given to you. Whatever you seek, even to half the kingdom, will be done.” Est 5:3,6

3Queen Esther answered, “If I have obtained your approval, Lit If I have found favor in your eyes my king, and if the king is pleased, Est 2:17; 5:8 spare my life — this is my request; and spare my people — this is my desire. Est 4:12-14

4For my people and I have been sold out Est 3:9,13; 4:7 to destruction, death, and extermination. Est 3:13; 8:11; 9:5-10 If we had merely been sold as male and female slaves, Dt 28:48,68 I would have kept silent. Indeed, the trouble wouldn’t be worth burdening the king.”

5King Ahasuerus spoke up and asked Queen Esther, “Who is this, and where is the one who would devise such a scheme? ” Lit who would fill his heart to do this Est 3:5-6,8-9

6Esther answered, “The adversary and enemy Est 3:10 is this evil Haman.”

7Angered Est 1:12; Pr 20:2 by this, the king arose from where they were drinking wine and went to the palace garden. Est 1:5-6 Haman remained to beg Queen Esther for his life because he realized the king was planning something terrible for him. Est 6:13

8Just as the king returned from the palace garden to the house of wine drinking, Haman was falling on the couch Est 1:6 where Esther was reclining. The king exclaimed, “Would he actually violate the queen while I am in the palace? ” As soon as the statement left the king’s mouth, Haman’s face was covered. Est 6:12; Jb 9:24

9Harbona, one of the royal eunuchs, Est 1:12 said: “There is a gallows 75 feet Lit 50 cubits tall at Haman’s house that he made for Mordecai, Est 5:14 who gave the report that saved Lit who spoke good for the king.” Est 2:21-23; 6:1-2

10They hanged Haman on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. Est 5:14; Ps 7:16; 94:23; Pr 11:5,6; Dn 6:24 Then the king’s anger subsided. Est 1:12; 2:1