What happensPermalink
At Esther’s second banquet, she reveals that she is Jewish and identifies Haman as the architect of the plot against her people. Enraged, the king leaves the room while Haman desperately begs Esther for mercy. When the king returns, he orders Haman executed on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai.
Why it mattersPermalink
Esther’s courage and favor with the king lead to the exposure of Haman’s plot. The book’s great reversal reaches its climax as the enemy of the Jews falls into the trap he prepared for another. Haman’s execution demonstrates both the irony of wickedness and God’s hidden providence working to preserve His people.
Key versePermalink
So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the wrath of the king abated.