Esther Chapter 7: Do Not Dig a Pit for Others

Esther Chapter 7
Do Not Dig a Pit for Others

10. So they impaled Haman on the pole he had set up for Mordecai. Then the king’s fury subsided.

◇ This is a perfect example of being caught in one's own trap. Haman, in his hatred for Mordecai refusing to bow down to him, sought to kill him. He aimed to humiliate Mordecai in the most gruesome manner possible. His anger, born out of pride, sought to harm an innocent person. In an attempt to quell his own anger, he sought to bring harm upon someone who had done no wrong.

However, it was he who ended up suffering the consequences. He was misunderstood by the angry king as attempting to assault the queen, which led to his own execution on the very gallows he had prepared for Mordecai.

Whoever digs a pit will fall into it; if someone rolls a stone, it will roll back on them. (Proverbs 26:27)

It is clear to anyone that harming an innocent person to satisfy one's own desires is wrong. How much more so would God disapprove of such actions?

♧ God, prevent me from acting unjustly out of anger. Let there be no one who suffers harm because of my rage. Help me to exhibit righteous anger, not sinful fury. Holy Spirit, lead me in truth! Amen.