They hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai (Esther 7:10).
Generations of people are familiar with a series of cartoons depicting a coyote’s ongoing quest to catch a roadrunner. In each episode, the predator employs a new gadget to catch his prey, but ends up falling victim to his own elaborate schemes. The coyote’s frustration hints at an idea found in Scripture. Those who plan to harm others will eventually suffer harm themselves.
In arrogance the wicked hotly pursue the poor; let them be caught in the schemes that they have devised (Psalm 10:2).
Whoever misleads the upright into an evil way will fall into his own pit (Proverbs 28:10).
These verses could have warned Haman against building a twenty-foot gallows in his backyard. He erected the structure in hopes of killing Mordecai the Jew, but would be surprised at its eventual use. The book of Esther tells us what happened when Haman’s plan to destroy Mordecai and the rest of the Jews was revealed.
Then Harbona, one of the eunuchs in attendance on the king, said, “Moreover, the gallows that Haman has prepared for Mordecai... is standing at Haman’s house, fifty cubits high.” And the king said, “Hang him on that” (Esther 7:9-10).
It’s unlikely that anyone has reserved a place for you on a literal gallows, but perhaps you do know what it’s like to suffer because of some wicked plans. Your trial could have been caused by office politics, malicious gossip, identity theft, or some other crime. When someone plans to get ahead at your expense, remember: God will judge. He will not allow evil to go on forever.
Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing (1 Peter 3:9).
