Tyndale Open Study NotesEsther 7

• my life...and the lives of my people: The statement that someone wanted to kill the queen and her family likely surprised and shocked the king.

• my people and I have been sold: Esther carefully mentioned the large sum Haman paid the king to approve the decree (Esther 3:8–11). She also used the exact words from Haman’s decree, stating its purpose was to destroy, kill, and annihilate (see Esther 3:13).

• If we had merely been sold as menservants and maidservants, I would have remained silent: Esther humbly explained her request was due to the severe threat against her and her people.

where is the one who would devise such a scheme?: The king could hardly believe what he heard and could not imagine someone attempting this terrible act. He did not ask for details about Esther’s accusations, assuming they were all true (compare Esther 3:10).

• Esther identified wicked Haman as the enemy.

• Haman stood in terror: The queen's accusation and the king's anger made Haman's fate clear.

• Haman was falling on the couch where Esther was reclining: This was a major mistake because no one should touch the queen or be on the same couch with her.

• Would he actually assault the queen while I am in the palace?: This exaggerated rhetorical question suggests Haman has the worst possible motives.

• He had it built for Mordecai: Harbona, one of the king’s seven eunuchs (Esther 1:10), did not seem to be Haman's friend and already knew about Haman’s plot.

• Hang him on it!: This major reversal of fortunes shows God's guiding hand. For more on impalement, see study note on Esther 2:23.