Definition: Then said Zeresh his wife and all his friends unto him, Let a gallows be made of fifty cubits high, and to morrow speak thou unto the king that Mordecai may be hanged thereon: then go thou in merrily with the king unto the banquet. And the thing pleased Haman; and he caused the gallows to be made.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Esther 5:14. It's a really dramatic and unsettling story about betrayal and revenge. Here’s a simple explanation: The Core of the Verse: “Then said Zeresh his wife and all his friends unto him, Let a gallows be made of fifty cubits high, and to morrow speak thou unto the king that Mordecai may be hanged thereon: then go thou in merrily with the king unto the banquet. And the thing pleased Haman; and he caused the gallows to be made.” What's Happening – A Simplified Story: The Setup: Esther is a Jewish woman who’s been trusted by King Mordecai. She’s being targeted because of a plot to kill her. Zeresh’s Rebellion: Her wife, Zeresh, and her friends are plotting to trick the king into believing Mordecai was killed. They want to frame him for treason. The Plan: They decide to hang Mordecai on a gallows (a tall structure) that's 50 cubits (cubits are units of length in Hebrew) high. The plan is to tell the king about this hanging tomorrow . The King’s Reaction: The king, who was enjoying a banquet, is thrilled with the idea! He orders his servants to go and meet Mordecai. Haman's Revenge: Haman, a powerful advisor to the king, becomes enraged by this plan. He convinces the king to have Mordecai hanged on the gallows. What it Means – The Big Picture: This verse is a really unsettling example of how fear and paranoia can lead to terrible things. It highlights: The Power of Deception: Zeresh’s betrayal sets in motion a chain of events where someone manipulates the king. Divine Justice (Sort Of): While it seems like a simple plot, it also shows that God is involved and that justice will ultimately prevail – even though it's a terrible outcome for Mordecai. Important Note: This story is ancient and often interpreted as a warning about the dangers of evil and the importance of trusting God’s guidance. --- Would you like me to: Explain any part in more detail? Talk about the historical context of Esther 5:14? Discuss the themes this verse explores (like fear, judgment, or loyalty)?