The term "gallows" in the Bible is most prominently associated with the account of Haman in the Book of Esther. The gallows, as described in the biblical narrative, is a structure used for execution, specifically for hanging. In the context of ancient Persia, where the account of Esther is set, the gallows could refer to a wooden structure or a pole used for impalement, a common method of execution in the ancient Near East.

Biblical Account:

The most notable mention of the gallows is found in the Book of Esther. Haman, an Agagite and a high-ranking official in the Persian Empire under King Xerxes (Ahasuerus), harbored intense animosity towards Mordecai, a Jew who refused to bow to him. In his wrath, Haman devised a plan not only to execute Mordecai but also to annihilate all the Jews in the empire.

Haman's plot is detailed in Esther 5:14 : "His wife Zeresh and all his friends told him, 'Have a gallows seventy-five feet high built, 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 delighted Haman, and he had the gallows constructed."

However, the narrative takes a dramatic turn. Through a series of providential events, Queen Esther, who is secretly Jewish and the cousin of Mordecai, reveals Haman's plot to King Xerxes. The king, enraged by Haman's treachery, orders that Haman be executed on the very gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. Esther 7:9-10 records this outcome: "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."

Symbolism and Themes:

The gallows in the Book of Esther symbolize the reversal of fortune and divine justice. Haman's execution on the gallows he built for Mordecai serves as a powerful illustration of the biblical principle found in Proverbs 26:27 : "He who digs a pit will fall into it, and he who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him." This theme of poetic justice underscores the sovereignty of God in protecting His people and thwarting the plans of the wicked.

Historical and Cultural Context:

In the ancient world, execution by hanging or impalement was a public spectacle intended to serve as a deterrent to others. The height of the gallows, described as seventy-five feet (or fifty cubits), emphasizes the severity of Haman's intended punishment for Mordecai and the public nature of his own downfall. The use of such a structure reflects the customs and legal practices of the Persian Empire, where public executions were a means of maintaining order and demonstrating the power of the ruling authority.

Theological Implications:

The account of the gallows in Esther highlights the providential care of God for His covenant people. Despite the absence of direct mention of God in the Book of Esther, His hand is evident in the deliverance of the Jews from annihilation. The account serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and His ability to turn the schemes of the wicked against them, ensuring the preservation and protection of His people.

The gallows, therefore, is not merely a tool of execution but a symbol of divine justice and the ultimate triumph of good over evil, as orchestrated by God's unseen hand in the affairs of men.