Let a gallows be made. Rather, "a pale" or "cross." The Persians did not hang men, as we do, but ordinarily executed them by impalement (see the comment on Esther 2:23). Fifty cubits high. This is a very improbable height, and we may suspect a corruption of the number. It occurs, however, again in Esther 7:9. Speak thou unto the king. Haman's wife and friends assume that so trifling a matter as the immediate execution of one Jew will be of course allowed at the request of the chief minister, who has already obtained an edict for the early destruction of the entire people. It certainly would seem to be highly probable that Xerxes would have granted Haman's petition but for the accident of his sleeplessness, as narrated in the next chapter.
HOMILETICS
Prosperity and self-gratulation.
In Oriental courts, where promotion depends upon the favour of the sovereign, it is sometimes as rapid as it is undeserved, and as insecure as it is rapid. So was it with the worthless, vain, arrogant Haman. His career is full of instruction, especially as an instance of the effects and perils of prosperity.
I. Observe THE ELEMENTS of worldly prosperity.
1. Riches. The minister's position gave him the opportunity of acquiring vast wealth, especially by means of extortion, and oppression, and bribes. And the king gave his favourite large sums of money, in that lavish and insane capriciousness which distinguished him.
2. Family. We are told that Haman had ten sons, and we know that a large number of sons was counted in Persia the highest blessing of fortune.
3. Promotion and power. What Haman's origin was we are not told, but that he was raised by royal favour to a station he could never have anticipated is clear enough. He was the first of subjects, and had the car of the king, who delegated to him his authority, handing him his signet to use as he thought fit.
4. Pre-eminence over rivals. This, to such a nature as Haman's, was no mean element in joy and self-gratulation. To pass others in the race, to see them behind him, to have them supplicating his favour and good word with the monarch, all this was very gratifying to the minister of state.
5. Favour with the queen. He only was invited to the banquet given by Esther. True, he misconstrued the motive of the invitation; but, at the time, to himself and to the courtiers this must have been regarded as a proof how high he stood in royal favour.
6. The companionship of the monarch. Haman was evidently admitted to frequent audiences; he had the ear of the king, and was not presuming when he deemed himself "the man whom the king delighted to honour."
II. Observe THE NATURAL EFFECTS Of prosperity. That Haman's "head was turned" by the giddy elevation to which he had climbed is clear enough.
1. Joy and elation.
2. Boasting and self-confidence. So convinced was he that he was secure of favour and power, that he vaunted of his greatness before his family and friends.
3. Contempt of those in adversity. This is ever a proof of a mean, a little mind. Remark, that the higher Haman rose, the more did he despise the lowly.
III. Observe THE DANGERS Of worldly prosperity.
1. There is danger lest men forget the vicissitudes of life. "In my prosperity I said, I shall never be moved." "Riches take to themselves wings and flee away." "Man that is in honour continueth not."
2. There is danger lest men forget the approach of death. How often has God said to the prosperous, the boastful, the self-confident, "Thou fool, this night shall thy soul be required of thee!"
3. There is danger lest men lose sympathy with those in obscurity or adversity.
4. There is danger lest men forget God. They say, like the great king, "Is not this great Babylon that I have built?" like Israel, "My power, and the might of my hand, hath gotten me this wealth." Let these considerations lead the prosperous to reflection, to trembling, to searching of heart.