Definition: And Harbonah, one of the chamberlains, said before the king, Behold also, the gallows fifty cubits high, which Haman had made for Mordecai, who had spoken good for the king, standeth in the house of Haman. Then the king said, Hang him thereon.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this Bible verse together. Itβs a really chilling and dramatic moment in the story of Esther. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: This passage is from the Book of Esther, and it tells us about a plan to kill someone β Mordecai β who was being persecuted by King Ahasuerus. Ahasuerus had set up a gallows (a place for hanging) fifty cubits (about 6 feet) high in the house of Haman. Whatβs Happening: Mordecai is Good for the King: Esther, a young woman who was trusted by the king, bravely spoke up and told him that Mordecai, a man who had been speaking well to the king, shouldn't be harmed. Haman Plots Revenge: Haman, a chamberlain (a royal advisor), is furious at Mordecai and decides to carry out a terrible plan: he builds a gallows for Mordecai. The King Orders It: The king hears about this plan and orders it to be carried out. What the Verse Says β A Dramatic Scene: "And Harbonah, one of the chamberlains, said before the king, Behold also, the gallows fifty cubits high, which Haman had made for Mordecai, who had spoken good for the king, standeth in the house of Haman." Harbonah is a Witness: This tells us that Harbonah was present and witnessed this entire event. The Gallows is Established: He describes the gallows as being fifty cubits tall β a significant distance. It's a Warning: The key part of the verse is "which Haman had made for Mordecai..." This shows that Haman was directly involved in this plan. The Meaning and Significance: This verse is incredibly important because itβs a turning point . It shows: Evil Intent: Haman's plan is evil and motivated by revenge. Power and Manipulation: The king uses his power to execute someone, showing the potential for abuse of authority. The Danger of Revenge: The verse highlights that revenge can be a dangerous path. Itβs about more than just punishing an individual; it's about setting a chain reaction of evil. Overall β A Moment of Crisis: This passage isn't about the what of the plan, but the why . Itβs a snapshot of a moment of crisis where evil is unleashed and the story begins to shift dramatically towards a terrible outcome. --- Do you want me to: Explain any specific part in more detail? Talk about the context of the story (like why Esther's bravery matters)? Connect this verse to other parts of the Bible?