Esther 5: Building the Gallows
Thursday, February 13, 2025
We must take care to observe what schemes we enter, knowingly or unknowingly. In today’s reflection, a parade of characters brings us an invitation to explore our own motivations and actions.
Queen Esther waits beyond the throne room, knowing that entrance without permission results in death. Does she know that she will need more courage than she believes she possesses?
King Xerxes offers half his kingdom in a magnanimous gesture. Does he know what price he will actually pay for this promise?
Haman wells over with envy and anger. Does he understand what happens to plotters and schemers?
Haman’s wife Zeresh urges her husband to build an execution scaffold. Does she understand who will eventually stand on its trapdoor?
Mordecai insists on worshipping no other god before Yahweh. Does he know that the LORD will protect him?
These characters invite us to explore what gallows we build for ourselves and others. They call us to examine our goals and incentives. They ask us to open ourselves to the possibility of conversion and mercy.
We use the scripture link and the drop down menus to compare varying translations of these verses. We explore more about the lives of the characters in this story today.
For a film representation of Esther’s story, click on her image, or visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYOaP2rf–Q
Images from: https://www.historyandwomen.com/2012/04/esther.html and https://www.meisterdrucke.ie/fine-art-prints/English-School/976719/The-Story-of-Queen-Esther:-Haman-lays-his-complaint-before-Zeresh-his-wife-and-all-his-friends.html
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