The term "gallows" in the Bible is primarily associated with the account of Haman in the Book of Esther. In the ancient context, gallows were not the wooden structures commonly envisioned today but were often large wooden stakes used for impalement or hanging. The Hebrew word translated as "gallows" in the Book of Esther is "עֵץ" (etz), which generally means "tree" or "wood."

Biblical References:

1. Esther 5:14 : "His wife Zeresh and all his friends told him, 'Have them build a gallows seventy-five feet high, and in the morning ask the king to have Mordecai hanged on it. Then go to the banquet with the king and enjoy yourself.' This suggestion pleased Haman, and he had the gallows constructed."

2. Esther 7:9-10 : "Then Harbona, one of the eunuchs attending the king, said, 'Look, the gallows seventy-five feet high stands by Haman’s house. He had it made for Mordecai, who spoke up to help the king.' The king said, 'Hang him on it!' So they hanged Haman on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the king’s fury subsided."

Historical and Cultural Context:

In the Persian Empire, where the events of Esther took place, execution by impalement was a known practice. The gallows mentioned in Esther were likely a tall stake or pole, which was used to display the bodies of those executed as a public warning. The height of the gallows, seventy-five feet, underscores the severity of Haman's intended punishment for Mordecai and reflects Haman's pride and desire for public spectacle.

Theological Significance:

The account of the gallows in Esther is a powerful illustration of divine justice and the reversal of fortunes. Haman's plot to destroy Mordecai and the Jewish people ultimately leads to his own downfall. The gallows, intended for an innocent man, becomes the instrument of justice against the plotter himself. This narrative highlights the biblical theme that those who dig a pit for others may fall into it themselves (Proverbs 26:27).

Moral and Ethical Lessons:

The account of Haman and the gallows serves as a cautionary tale against pride, malice, and plotting evil against others. It underscores the biblical principle that God is sovereign and just, and that He can turn the schemes of the wicked against them. Believers are reminded to trust in God's justice and to act righteously, even in the face of persecution or adversity.

Symbolism:

The gallows in Esther symbolize the ultimate triumph of good over evil and the protection of God's people. It serves as a reminder of God's providence and His ability to deliver His people from seemingly insurmountable threats. The account encourages faith in God's plan and His timing, even when circumstances appear dire.

In summary, the gallows in the Book of Esther are a significant symbol of divine justice and the reversal of evil schemes. They remind believers of the importance of humility, righteousness, and trust in God's sovereign will.Gallows

[PUNISHMENTS]

Hebrews `ets, meaning "a tree" (Esther 6:4), a post or gibbet. In Genesis 40:19 and Deuteronomy 21:22 the word is rendered "tree." 1. (n.) Plural of Gallows.

2. (n. sing.) A frame from which is suspended the rope with which criminals are executed by hanging, usually consisting of two upright posts and a crossbeam on the top; also, a like frame for suspending anything.

3. (n. sing.) A wretch who deserves the gallows.

4. (n. sing.) The rest for the tympan when raised.

5. (n. sing.) A pair of suspenders or braces.

GALLOWS

gal'-oz.

See HANGING; PUNISHMENTS.

6086. ets -- tree, trees, wood
... Word Origin from an unused word Definition tree, trees, wood NASB Word Usage carpenters*
(4), framework (1), gallows (9), handle (1), logs (1), shaft (3 ...
/hebrew/6086.htm - 6k

How, by the Contrivance of the Devil, Brother Juniper was ...
... PART TWO. HERE BEGINNETH THE LIFE OF BROTHER JUNIPER CHAPTER III HOW, BY THE
CONTRIVANCE OF THE DEVIL, BROTHER JUNIPER WAS CONDEMNED TO THE GALLOWS. ...
/.../ugolino/the little flowers of st francis of assisi/chapter iii how by the.htm

The Wall Rebuilt.
... The day was fixed for the massacre, and Haman prepared an enormous gallows on
which to hang Mordecai, or as is supposed, to nail him up alive. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson xiv the wall rebuilt.htm

Thou Shalt not Steal.
... and observed that it exceeds all measure, so that if all who are thieves, and yet
do not wish to be called such, were to be hanged on gallows the world would ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/the large catechism/thou shalt not steal.htm

The Penitent Thief
... hours, perhaps bitter years, seeing what was right, and yet doing what was wrong
from bad habits or bad company, before he came to his end upon the gallows-tree ...
/.../kingsley/the good news of god/sermon xxxi the penitent thief.htm

Queen Esther's Love for Her People
... Then Zeresh, his wife, and all his friends said to him, "Let a gallows seventy-five
feet high be built and in the morning speak to the king and let Mordecai be ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/queen esthers love for her.htm

Esther
... The courtier himself falls from power, and is finally hanged on the gallows he had
prepared for Mordecai, while Mordecai "the Jew" is exalted to the place next ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/esther.htm

Esther, the Queen.
... gate.". Then his wife and his friends urged him to build a high gallows
and ask the king on the next day to hang Mordecai upon it. ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxxiv esther the queen.htm

Seventh Sunday after Trinity Exhortation to Resist Sin.
... more. For instance, when the judge extends mercy and pardon to the thief
deserving of the gallows, the law is canceled by grace. ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/seventh sunday after trinity exhortation.htm

The Saint's Heritage and Watchword
... of revenge. Even now in imagination he sees Mordecai swinging on the lofty
gallows, and all his kindred given to slaughter. Ah, thou ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 50 1904/the saints heritage and watchword.htm

Concerning Esther and Mordecai and Haman; and How in the Reign of ...
... next day; "yet," said he, "am I not pleased to see Mordecai the Jew in the court."
Hereupon his wife Zeresh advised him to give order that a gallows should be ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 concerning esther and.htm

Gallows (8 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary. 1. (n.) Plural of Gallows. ... 3. (n. sing.) A wretch who
deserves the gallows. 4. (n. sing.) The rest for the tympan when raised. ...
/g/gallows.htm - 10k

Hanged (36 Occurrences)
... Esther 5:14 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 ...
/h/hanged.htm - 18k

Mor'decai (51 Occurrences)
... Esther 5:14 Then said Zeresh his wife and all his friends unto him: 'Let a gallows
be made of fifty cubits high, and in the morning speak thou unto the king ...
/m/mor'decai.htm - 20k

Zeresh (3 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Star of Venus, the wife of Haman, whom she instigated
to prepare a gallows for Mordecai (Esther 5:10). Int. ...
/z/zeresh.htm - 8k

Seventy-five (12 Occurrences)
... Esther 5:14 Then Zeresh his wife and all his friends said to him, "Let a gallows
be made fifty cubits high, and in the morning speak to the king about hanging ...
/s/seventy-five.htm - 9k

Hang (37 Occurrences)
... Esther 5:14 Then Zeresh his wife and all his friends said to him, "Let a gallows
be made fifty cubits high, and in the morning speak to the king about hanging ...
/h/hang.htm - 20k

Mordecai (52 Occurrences)
... The Jews were delivered from destruction, Mordecai was raised to a high rank, and
Haman was executed on the gallows he had by anticipation erected for Mordecai ...
/m/mordecai.htm - 28k

Joyfully (37 Occurrences)
... Esther 5:14 Then Zeresh his wife and all his friends said to him, "Let a gallows
be made fifty cubits high, and in the morning speak to the king about hanging ...
/j/joyfully.htm - 16k

Drop (32 Occurrences)
... 6. (n.) A door or platform opening downward; a trap door; that part of the gallows
on which a culprit stands when he is to be hanged; hence, the gallows itself ...
/d/drop.htm - 20k

Merrily (1 Occurrence)
... Esther 5:14 Then Zeresh his wife and all his friends said to him, "Let a gallows
be made fifty cubits high, and in the morning speak to the king about hanging ...
/m/merrily.htm - 7k

Who was Haman the Agagite? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Esther in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Summary of the Book of Esther - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org

Gallows: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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