Of all the terrible people in scripture, Haman stands in the top 1%.

An adviser to King Xerxes, Haman literally pranced his status in the streets. When one lowly Jewish man failed to bow, an incensed Haman concocted a plan to murder him and all his people throughout the empire. Genocide over a snub.

Fortunately, Esther and Mordecai saved the day. Well, saved the day for everyone except Haman. When Xerxes discovered the depths of the foul plan (why he asked no questions earlier reveals a disturbing lack of connection) he turned his wrath on Haman, impaling him on a 75-foot pole. The best, most ironic part of the story reveals that Haman initially built this structure to victimize Mordecai (FYI, don’t google impalement unless you have a strong stomach).

Ultimately, Haman suffered the justice he deserved. I like this ending. Nice, tidy, dramatic. Evil is vanquished and good people take charge (except crazy Xerxes is still calling the shots). Justice like we all hope for in the world.

Sometimes before my eyes, I watch the unjust brought to punishment. But too often, I see corrupt people prosper, doing so as they climb on the backs of unfortunates below them. Nothing nice or tidy emerges to chastise their behavior.

However, I’m reminded that the Lord knows how to execute justice, in this world or the next. While I’m not sure if eternity will be nice and tidy, it certainly will be dramatic.

Esther 7 in week forty-nine of reading the Bible cover to cover

Photo by Ashley Jurius