Commentaries and Other Bible Study Helps - Prayer Tents - Prayer Tents

7:2 Even . . . half of my kingdom. See note on 5:3.

7:4 I and my people. Esther reveals that she is a Jew and that Ahasuerus has been tricked into ordering the death of the queen he loves. we have been sold. Haman had "bought" the king's agreement to his plan (3:9). our affliction is not to be compared with the loss to the king. With this exaggerated comparison, Esther, like Haman, appeals to the king's self-interest. If he reduced the Jews to slavery, he would at least have the benefit of their free labor. By killing them, he will lose a valuable asset.

7:7 the palace garden. See 1:5. Ahasuerus withdraws briefly to compose himself.

7:8 falling on the couch. Haman was probably kneeling, perhaps with his hands or arms on the couch (probably to seek mercy from Esther), but the king's perception is distorted by his anger (taking Haman's move as an assault on Esther). they covered Haman's face. Covering the head of a condemned prisoner is a custom well known in both ancient and modern times.

7:10 Hang him on that. A gruesome piece of poetic justice that completes the "fall" Haman's wife had predicted (see 5:13; 6:13).