September 26, 2025 • 20 mins
# 250 - Haman Hangs - In this episode of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein, At Esther’s second banquet (Esther 6:14–7:10), the queen unveils her identity, exposes “this wicked Haman,” and the king orders Haman hung on the very gallows he built for Mordecai. This gripping episode explores courage under pressure, God’s quiet justice, and how pride prepares its own downfall.
Episode 250 of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein is inspired by the Book of Joshua.
Sign up for The Chosen People devotionals at https://www.thechosenpeople.com/sign-up
For more information about Yael Eckstein and IFCJ visit https://www.ifcj.org/
Today's opening prayer is inspired by Psalm 103:8–10, “Yahweh is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness. He will not always accuse; neither will he stay angry forever. He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor repaid us for our iniquities.”
Listen to some of the greatest Bible stories ever told and make prayer a priority in your life by downloading the Pray.com app.
Show Notes:
(01:29) Intro with Yael Eckstein
(02:19) Haman Hangs
(18:05) Reflection with Yael Eckstein
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Previously on the chosen people did not fret.
Speaker 2 (00:04):
Mordecai the Jew, you will not need to wait long
to meet.
Speaker 3 (00:08):
Your freed.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
He must be waiting it sob his deaths, and most
importantly wrote a little Jews know my word sealed with
the King's ring is law. I will not be what
I will not be undermined.
Speaker 4 (00:31):
On the seventh day of the month, two royal guards
conspired against the king. The plot was uncovered and reported
by Mordecai.
Speaker 3 (00:39):
What honor or reward was given to the man hurry
and to just as you proposed for Mordecai, the joe
who sits at the city gate, to take my own
garment and the horse from my stables for him.
Speaker 1 (00:53):
The words struck like a hammer blow. Hayman's vision blurred,
his stomach twisted.
Speaker 3 (01:01):
My kim.
Speaker 1 (01:03):
In that moment, Hayman knew the winds had shifted, and
the rope he had ordered was tightening around his own neck. Outside,
the gallows loomed in the midday sun, a monument to pride,
an omen of doom. The trap was set, but not
(01:25):
for the man. It was built for.
Speaker 5 (01:32):
Shello, my friends from here in the holy Land of Israel,
I'm ya l Extein with the International Fellowship of Christians
and Jews and welcome to the Chosen People. Each day
we'll hear a dramatic story inspired by the Bible, stories
filled with timeless lessons of faith, love, and the meaning
of life. Through Israel's story, we will find this truth
(01:54):
that we are all chosen for something great. So take
a moment today to follow the podcast. If you're feeling
extra grateful for these stories, we would love it if
you left us a review. I read every single one
of them, and if you're interested in hearing more about
the prophetic, life saving work of the Fellowship, you can
(02:15):
visit IFCJ dot org. Let's begin.
Speaker 1 (02:22):
Hayman sat in silence long after his wife and his
friends had gone. The afternoon was turning to evening, fast,
too fast for comfort. Dark leering shadows mocked him as
the time for the queen's banquet drew nearer and nearer.
His wife's chilling final words to him still echoed in
(02:44):
his mind.
Speaker 4 (02:46):
Your downfall has already begun.
Speaker 1 (02:49):
Before he could rise to shake the dread from his bones,
there was an ominous knock at the door that reverberated
through the stone corridors of the estate. One of his
servants answered, and mere moments later, Mamukan, the King's eunuch,
appeared sneering in Hayman's entryway. He could scarcely contain his
(03:11):
malicious glee at Hayman's damaged social standing due to his
very public shaming earlier. The sight of his greedy smile
made Haymon's stomach turn.
Speaker 2 (03:23):
Lord Hayman, the Queen's banquet awaits.
Speaker 6 (03:28):
The King has summoned.
Speaker 1 (03:29):
You, the very banquet he once anticipated, he now dreaded.
It was an uncomfortable ride with Mamukan in a royal
carriage sent from the palace. When they arrived, Mamukan slunk
off to the edges of the Grand Hall, as he
was not invited to dine with the Queen. At least
in that regard, Hayman was still favored. He took solace
(03:53):
in that, but there was not much else to be
grateful for after the terrible reversal of fate earlier. Ooh,
the palace dining hall glistened with gold and candlelight. Rich
tapestries draped the walls, and delicate crystal goblets sparkled beneath
the soft glow. Esther's breath caught as she took in
(04:16):
the scene. Once again, Hettoc's careful touch had transformed the room.
Platters of roasted meats glistened with fragrance, steam mingling with
the scents of honey, dates, warm bread, and spiced wine.
The table was an opulent masterpiece, each detail more lavish
(04:36):
than the last. Esther steadied herself, smoothing her gown. Every
movement measured. Her heart fluttered, but she fought to keep
her face serene. She took her place, standing tall and
waited to greet her husband. The doors opened with a
flourish King Serxes swept into the room, surrounded by his
(04:59):
hand selected b mel woman and an entourage of royal attendants,
including the young Jewish cupbearer from the last banquet. Esther's
demeanor eased at the sight of him. It comforted her
that she was not the only Jew in the palace
to night. Perhaps this was a sign that the god
of their shared homeland was with them. The King's grin
(05:22):
was wide and eager, like a child anticipating ripping into
a long awaited gift. His eyes sparkled with curiosity. Esther
bowed low when she rose, He gently lifted her chin
and kissed her forehead. She met his gaze with a soft,
radiant smile, determined to remain in his favor, even as
(05:44):
the weight of her request pressed heavily on her heart.
Hayman arrived shortly after the king, flanked by one of
the king's eunuchs, Mamucan. Esther knew of him, but little else.
Yet his sharp glance toward Hayman told her more than
words could. There was no warmth between them. Mamucin bowed
(06:06):
low before the king, then slipped to the edge of
the grand dining hall, blending into the cluster of attendants
and noblemen. Hester took note. He was a priet observer,
watching the under currents swirl, just the sort of man
her cousin had warned her about in King Xerxes's court,
(06:27):
always sizing up an opportunity to advance his ambitions. Esther's
eyes returned to Hayman. His unbridled lust for power dwarf
Mamucan or any one else she had seen in the
King's court. Though his condescending charm seemed somewhat dampened from
what it was yesterday, She forced herself to stand and
(06:49):
offer Haymon the seat of honor across from her beside
the king. Her pulse quickened. She met Hayman's eyes with
a smile so carefully practiced it felt brittle in her
chein Esther sat poised throughout the meal, reclining on the
couch as was the day's custom, at the edge of
the lavish table beside the king. She spoke little, offering
(07:13):
soft smiles and polite nods, while reminding herself that she
and her people and her new found loyal friends had
fasted and prayed for three days for this moment. With
each breath, she willed her courage to rise, and she
was surprised to find that her voice remained calm and steady.
(07:34):
The rich aroamas of roasted meats and spiced bread had faded,
and now the servants crept through the room, refilling goblets
with fine wine. Among them, the young Jewish cupbearer approached
the king, his movements precise and practiced. Esther did not
look directly at him, but his quiet presence steadied her heart.
(07:57):
As the moment drew nearer, the king reclined beside her,
swirling his cup. His curiosity building with every moment. At last,
as soon as decorum allowed, he leaned toward her, his
eyes bright with anticipation.
Speaker 3 (08:15):
My Queen, I can no longer wait. What is your repetition?
Whatever your desire not to have my kingdom, it shall
be given.
Speaker 1 (08:27):
Esther's breath came slow and deliberate. The weight of the
moment pressed down on her. The room fell silent.
Speaker 4 (08:35):
If I have found favor with you, your majesty, and
if the king is pleased, spare my life. This is
my request.
Speaker 1 (08:44):
The King's brow furrowed. Haymon's eyes narrowed over the goblet
he had just raised to his lips.
Speaker 3 (08:51):
Your life, what what do you mean? Who would there
threaten the queen.
Speaker 1 (08:59):
Esther's heart pounded in her chest. She could sense the
protective edge in the King's voice. She just hoped that
it would last. As she continued in her request. She
had heard from heat Arc how the King's anger had
turned on Queen Vashti and how she was banished from
Persia because of it. But despite the gnawing apprehension of
(09:20):
what she was about to do, Esther met the King's
gaze with a strength she didn't know she possessed her
voice clear, unwavering.
Speaker 4 (09:30):
Yes, I ask for my life for my people, and
I have been sold to destruction and annihilation. If it
were mere slavery, I would have remained silent. But this
evil cannot be ignored.
Speaker 1 (09:45):
The king sat up straight, his face darkening. She could
see his eyes calculating, searching, his anger rising at this
ignorance of a policy in his court.
Speaker 6 (09:56):
Ooh, wise this, and where is the what would advise
such escape?
Speaker 1 (10:03):
Esther turned her gaze slowly, deliberately. Before she spoke, she
looked once more to the young cupbearer. He met her gaze,
a flicker of solidarity in his eyes. Whether he realized
what he did or not, he gave the smallest nod.
Courage surged within her, and then she spoke.
Speaker 4 (10:27):
My people are the Jews of Israel, and we have
been marked for extermination by royal edict on the thirteenth
day of Adar, in the twelfth month of the year.
But the man who authored the edict, in the king's authority,
is here. The adversary and enemy of my people is
this evil.
Speaker 1 (10:46):
Hayman Gasps rippled through the room. Hayman's face drained of color.
The shock that washed over his features was unmistakable. He
had not known the very woman whose favor he had
basked in was now his opponent. The shy young girl
(11:06):
whose beauty had turned the head of the king, was
now a monarch in her own right. She was an
unexpected force rising against him, threatening to topple his foul rein.
Xerxes fury erupted. He robed, knocking over his goblet, wine
spinning like blood across the table. He whirled on ham
(11:28):
and cowering on the floor like a worm, and looked
as though he might strike him for a moment, but
then thought better of it. Without a word, he stormed
into the garden, his mind racing. Hettac had explained the
stakes to esther. She knew that whether or not Xerxes
had penned the edict, it still carried his authority, and,
(11:50):
as her cousin Mordecai had always taught her, the king's
word was law. Outside, Xerxes paced furiously, his pride ward
with his conscience.
Speaker 6 (12:03):
Can I can I undo the cly sealed by my
own ring? Was I blind or manipulated? With a man
I trusted? Most?
Speaker 1 (12:15):
He clenched his fists, rage simmered beneath the surface.
Speaker 6 (12:19):
Her muns and sneered me in one of his political schemes.
This is how he rewards my favorite. But was it
ignorance or willful deceit? His thoughts turned darker.
Speaker 3 (12:35):
If he did.
Speaker 6 (12:35):
Plot against my queen?
Speaker 2 (12:39):
How long before he sets his sight on his king?
Speaker 1 (12:44):
Xerxes's breath came fast and shallow. The fury in him boiled,
seeking a place to land inside the hole around Esther
exploded into unabashed chatter in the king's absence of what
had just taken place. Soon, the halls of the palace
and the streets of Susa would be buzzing with the
(13:05):
Queen's request and her accusation. The declaration of her heritage
revealed at last. In the chaos, estimaticed the of Monuca
lingering in the shadows, eyes sharp, plans falling, Taking it
all in. Across from Esther, Hayman turned desperate. He stumbled
(13:27):
to her side of the table and fell at her feet.
Speaker 6 (13:32):
Spare me, I beg you.
Speaker 3 (13:35):
I didn't know, ah, I don't know my queen was
a jewel.
Speaker 2 (13:40):
I never would have I never would have believe. I
swear it that mercy.
Speaker 1 (13:48):
Her fury rose in Esther, foreign but fearsome.
Speaker 4 (13:53):
You would only spare me because I have a title,
because I have privilege one of my people. What of
the hundreds of thousands of innocence throughout Persia?
Speaker 1 (14:05):
Esther's anger drew out new depths of Hayman's desperation as
he sobbed in terror and grasped for her wrists. Esther recoiled,
but he clung to her, his fears suffocating.
Speaker 4 (14:18):
Get off me, let go.
Speaker 1 (14:21):
At that very moment the king re entered, he froze
at the sight of Hayman sprawled across the Queen's couch,
clawing at her hands, trying to control her. He roared
over the chaos in the banquet.
Speaker 6 (14:35):
Hall, oh, would he violate my queen?
Speaker 4 (14:39):
Why?
Speaker 6 (14:40):
Among the room.
Speaker 1 (14:43):
Fell into stunned silence. The royal guards surged forward, tearing
Hayman off of Esther. Hayman's knees scraped the floor as
they dragged him to his feet, where he swayed, dazed
and horrified. Xerxes stormed for toward his face. Etched in fury,
(15:03):
he seized Hayman's savagely by the front of his robe,
pulling him close enough for their breath to mingle, one
wheezed with terror, the other burning with rage. Esther wanted
desperately to look away from the feral violence, but found
in her shock she could not tear her eyes away. Then,
(15:24):
with a violent lunge, Xerxes ripped the signet ring from
Hayman's trembling right hand. Esther winced as the flesh of
his knuckles scraped against the engraved gold. Blood welled, but
it went unnoticed by the dumb struck Hayman. The king
then hurled the ring across the floor with unbridled fury.
(15:46):
The heavy gold struck stone with a sharp echoing clang.
Every head turned, the sound ran with an eerie finality,
Hayman's fate was sealed. The guard's yank to black cloth
over Hayman's head, a mark of shame and final condemnation.
As the King turned away in disgust, weighing not if
(16:10):
Hayman would die, but how Esther collapsed into her seat
and let out a shaky breath as her heart rate
began to slow. After the commotion, the king was still
shouting and reeling in anger as his attendants and noblemen
clamored around him. Their voices, a frenzy of counsel and caution.
(16:32):
Esther noticed Momucans slink forward like a snake in the grass,
his voice boily and precise.
Speaker 2 (16:39):
King and a gallow stands at Hagman's estate, seventy feet high.
It was built just last night.
Speaker 3 (16:48):
It was built, saved you all.
Speaker 1 (16:54):
Esther's eyes widened in horror. If her banquet had been delayed,
would hang him, executed her cousin Esther trembled at the thought.
But Serxey's face hardened into stone, Hey hamah horn. The
guards dragged ham and ham wall. His struggles were useless,
(17:17):
his cries drowned beneath the weight of royal decree. From
across the hall, the young cupbearer met Esther's gaze again,
his face grave. He had seen the fall of the mighty.
He would remember this night. Moments later, across town, the
gallows outside Hayman's home held its builder. His body hung impaled,
(17:44):
seventy five feet above the ground, a gruesome sight, taller
than any tree for all of Soussa to behold. The
enemy of the Jews was vanquished, but the King's edict
still loomed, sharp as any sword. The danger was far
from over.
Speaker 5 (18:08):
If your faith has been kindled by this podcast and
it has affected your life, we'd love it if you
left her review. We read them, and me personally, I
cherish them as you venture forth boldly and faithfully. I
leave you with the biblical blessing from numbers six IV.
Hashem vishmerechra yeah heir hashempanave ele y sa hachempanavelera salon.
(18:38):
May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the
Lord make his face shine upon you. May he be
gracious to you, Made the Lord turn his face towards
you and give you peace. Amen.
Speaker 1 (18:51):
You can listen to The Chosen People with the Isle
Exstein add free by downloading and subscribing to the pray
dot Com app today. This prey dog comproduction is only
made possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Gattina,
Max Bard, Zach Schllabager and Ben Gammon are the executive
producers of the Chosen People with Yiel Eckstein, edited by
(19:14):
Alberto Avilla, narrated by Paul Coltofianu. Characters are voiced by
Jonathan Cotton, Aaron Salvado, Sarah Seltz, Mike Reagan, Stephen Ringwald,
Sylvia Zaradoc, Thomas Copeland Junior, Rosanna Pilcher and Mitch Leshinsky,
and the opening prayer is voiced by John Moore, music
(19:34):
by Andrew Morgan Smith, written by Aaron Salvato, bre Rosalie
and Chris Baig. Special thanks to Bishop Paulineer, Robin van Ettin,
Kayleb Burrows, Jocelyn Fuller, Rabbi Edward Abramson, and the team
at International Fellowship of Christians and Jews. You can hear
more Prey dot com productions on the Prey dot com app,
(19:56):
available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
If you enjoy Lloyd the Chosen People with Yil Eckstein,
please rate and leave a review,
Previously on the chosen people did not fret.
Speaker 2 (00:04):
Mordecai the Jew, you will not need to wait long
to meet.
Speaker 3 (00:08):
Your freed.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
He must be waiting it sob his deaths, and most
importantly wrote a little Jews know my word sealed with
the King's ring is law. I will not be what
I will not be undermined.
Speaker 4 (00:31):
On the seventh day of the month, two royal guards
conspired against the king. The plot was uncovered and reported
by Mordecai.
Speaker 3 (00:39):
What honor or reward was given to the man hurry
and to just as you proposed for Mordecai, the joe
who sits at the city gate, to take my own
garment and the horse from my stables for him.
Speaker 1 (00:53):
The words struck like a hammer blow. Hayman's vision blurred,
his stomach twisted.
Speaker 3 (01:01):
My kim.
Speaker 1 (01:03):
In that moment, Hayman knew the winds had shifted, and
the rope he had ordered was tightening around his own neck. Outside,
the gallows loomed in the midday sun, a monument to pride,
an omen of doom. The trap was set, but not
(01:25):
for the man. It was built for.
Speaker 5 (01:32):
Shello, my friends from here in the holy Land of Israel,
I'm ya l Extein with the International Fellowship of Christians
and Jews and welcome to the Chosen People. Each day
we'll hear a dramatic story inspired by the Bible, stories
filled with timeless lessons of faith, love, and the meaning
of life. Through Israel's story, we will find this truth
(01:54):
that we are all chosen for something great. So take
a moment today to follow the podcast. If you're feeling
extra grateful for these stories, we would love it if
you left us a review. I read every single one
of them, and if you're interested in hearing more about
the prophetic, life saving work of the Fellowship, you can
(02:15):
visit IFCJ dot org. Let's begin.
Speaker 1 (02:22):
Hayman sat in silence long after his wife and his
friends had gone. The afternoon was turning to evening, fast,
too fast for comfort. Dark leering shadows mocked him as
the time for the queen's banquet drew nearer and nearer.
His wife's chilling final words to him still echoed in
(02:44):
his mind.
Speaker 4 (02:46):
Your downfall has already begun.
Speaker 1 (02:49):
Before he could rise to shake the dread from his bones,
there was an ominous knock at the door that reverberated
through the stone corridors of the estate. One of his
servants answered, and mere moments later, Mamukan, the King's eunuch,
appeared sneering in Hayman's entryway. He could scarcely contain his
(03:11):
malicious glee at Hayman's damaged social standing due to his
very public shaming earlier. The sight of his greedy smile
made Haymon's stomach turn.
Speaker 2 (03:23):
Lord Hayman, the Queen's banquet awaits.
Speaker 6 (03:28):
The King has summoned.
Speaker 1 (03:29):
You, the very banquet he once anticipated, he now dreaded.
It was an uncomfortable ride with Mamukan in a royal
carriage sent from the palace. When they arrived, Mamukan slunk
off to the edges of the Grand Hall, as he
was not invited to dine with the Queen. At least
in that regard, Hayman was still favored. He took solace
(03:53):
in that, but there was not much else to be
grateful for after the terrible reversal of fate earlier. Ooh,
the palace dining hall glistened with gold and candlelight. Rich
tapestries draped the walls, and delicate crystal goblets sparkled beneath
the soft glow. Esther's breath caught as she took in
(04:16):
the scene. Once again, Hettoc's careful touch had transformed the room.
Platters of roasted meats glistened with fragrance, steam mingling with
the scents of honey, dates, warm bread, and spiced wine.
The table was an opulent masterpiece, each detail more lavish
(04:36):
than the last. Esther steadied herself, smoothing her gown. Every
movement measured. Her heart fluttered, but she fought to keep
her face serene. She took her place, standing tall and
waited to greet her husband. The doors opened with a
flourish King Serxes swept into the room, surrounded by his
(04:59):
hand selected b mel woman and an entourage of royal attendants,
including the young Jewish cupbearer from the last banquet. Esther's
demeanor eased at the sight of him. It comforted her
that she was not the only Jew in the palace
to night. Perhaps this was a sign that the god
of their shared homeland was with them. The King's grin
(05:22):
was wide and eager, like a child anticipating ripping into
a long awaited gift. His eyes sparkled with curiosity. Esther
bowed low when she rose, He gently lifted her chin
and kissed her forehead. She met his gaze with a soft,
radiant smile, determined to remain in his favor, even as
(05:44):
the weight of her request pressed heavily on her heart.
Hayman arrived shortly after the king, flanked by one of
the king's eunuchs, Mamucan. Esther knew of him, but little else.
Yet his sharp glance toward Hayman told her more than
words could. There was no warmth between them. Mamucin bowed
(06:06):
low before the king, then slipped to the edge of
the grand dining hall, blending into the cluster of attendants
and noblemen. Hester took note. He was a priet observer,
watching the under currents swirl, just the sort of man
her cousin had warned her about in King Xerxes's court,
(06:27):
always sizing up an opportunity to advance his ambitions. Esther's
eyes returned to Hayman. His unbridled lust for power dwarf
Mamucan or any one else she had seen in the
King's court. Though his condescending charm seemed somewhat dampened from
what it was yesterday, She forced herself to stand and
(06:49):
offer Haymon the seat of honor across from her beside
the king. Her pulse quickened. She met Hayman's eyes with
a smile so carefully practiced it felt brittle in her
chein Esther sat poised throughout the meal, reclining on the
couch as was the day's custom, at the edge of
the lavish table beside the king. She spoke little, offering
(07:13):
soft smiles and polite nods, while reminding herself that she
and her people and her new found loyal friends had
fasted and prayed for three days for this moment. With
each breath, she willed her courage to rise, and she
was surprised to find that her voice remained calm and steady.
(07:34):
The rich aroamas of roasted meats and spiced bread had faded,
and now the servants crept through the room, refilling goblets
with fine wine. Among them, the young Jewish cupbearer approached
the king, his movements precise and practiced. Esther did not
look directly at him, but his quiet presence steadied her heart.
(07:57):
As the moment drew nearer, the king reclined beside her,
swirling his cup. His curiosity building with every moment. At last,
as soon as decorum allowed, he leaned toward her, his
eyes bright with anticipation.
Speaker 3 (08:15):
My Queen, I can no longer wait. What is your repetition?
Whatever your desire not to have my kingdom, it shall
be given.
Speaker 1 (08:27):
Esther's breath came slow and deliberate. The weight of the
moment pressed down on her. The room fell silent.
Speaker 4 (08:35):
If I have found favor with you, your majesty, and
if the king is pleased, spare my life. This is
my request.
Speaker 1 (08:44):
The King's brow furrowed. Haymon's eyes narrowed over the goblet
he had just raised to his lips.
Speaker 3 (08:51):
Your life, what what do you mean? Who would there
threaten the queen.
Speaker 1 (08:59):
Esther's heart pounded in her chest. She could sense the
protective edge in the King's voice. She just hoped that
it would last. As she continued in her request. She
had heard from heat Arc how the King's anger had
turned on Queen Vashti and how she was banished from
Persia because of it. But despite the gnawing apprehension of
(09:20):
what she was about to do, Esther met the King's
gaze with a strength she didn't know she possessed her
voice clear, unwavering.
Speaker 4 (09:30):
Yes, I ask for my life for my people, and
I have been sold to destruction and annihilation. If it
were mere slavery, I would have remained silent. But this
evil cannot be ignored.
Speaker 1 (09:45):
The king sat up straight, his face darkening. She could
see his eyes calculating, searching, his anger rising at this
ignorance of a policy in his court.
Speaker 6 (09:56):
Ooh, wise this, and where is the what would advise
such escape?
Speaker 1 (10:03):
Esther turned her gaze slowly, deliberately. Before she spoke, she
looked once more to the young cupbearer. He met her gaze,
a flicker of solidarity in his eyes. Whether he realized
what he did or not, he gave the smallest nod.
Courage surged within her, and then she spoke.
Speaker 4 (10:27):
My people are the Jews of Israel, and we have
been marked for extermination by royal edict on the thirteenth
day of Adar, in the twelfth month of the year.
But the man who authored the edict, in the king's authority,
is here. The adversary and enemy of my people is
this evil.
Speaker 1 (10:46):
Hayman Gasps rippled through the room. Hayman's face drained of color.
The shock that washed over his features was unmistakable. He
had not known the very woman whose favor he had
basked in was now his opponent. The shy young girl
(11:06):
whose beauty had turned the head of the king, was
now a monarch in her own right. She was an
unexpected force rising against him, threatening to topple his foul rein.
Xerxes fury erupted. He robed, knocking over his goblet, wine
spinning like blood across the table. He whirled on ham
(11:28):
and cowering on the floor like a worm, and looked
as though he might strike him for a moment, but
then thought better of it. Without a word, he stormed
into the garden, his mind racing. Hettac had explained the
stakes to esther. She knew that whether or not Xerxes
had penned the edict, it still carried his authority, and,
(11:50):
as her cousin Mordecai had always taught her, the king's
word was law. Outside, Xerxes paced furiously, his pride ward
with his conscience.
Speaker 6 (12:03):
Can I can I undo the cly sealed by my
own ring? Was I blind or manipulated? With a man
I trusted? Most?
Speaker 1 (12:15):
He clenched his fists, rage simmered beneath the surface.
Speaker 6 (12:19):
Her muns and sneered me in one of his political schemes.
This is how he rewards my favorite. But was it
ignorance or willful deceit? His thoughts turned darker.
Speaker 3 (12:35):
If he did.
Speaker 6 (12:35):
Plot against my queen?
Speaker 2 (12:39):
How long before he sets his sight on his king?
Speaker 1 (12:44):
Xerxes's breath came fast and shallow. The fury in him boiled,
seeking a place to land inside the hole around Esther
exploded into unabashed chatter in the king's absence of what
had just taken place. Soon, the halls of the palace
and the streets of Susa would be buzzing with the
(13:05):
Queen's request and her accusation. The declaration of her heritage
revealed at last. In the chaos, estimaticed the of Monuca
lingering in the shadows, eyes sharp, plans falling, Taking it
all in. Across from Esther, Hayman turned desperate. He stumbled
(13:27):
to her side of the table and fell at her feet.
Speaker 6 (13:32):
Spare me, I beg you.
Speaker 3 (13:35):
I didn't know, ah, I don't know my queen was
a jewel.
Speaker 2 (13:40):
I never would have I never would have believe. I
swear it that mercy.
Speaker 1 (13:48):
Her fury rose in Esther, foreign but fearsome.
Speaker 4 (13:53):
You would only spare me because I have a title,
because I have privilege one of my people. What of
the hundreds of thousands of innocence throughout Persia?
Speaker 1 (14:05):
Esther's anger drew out new depths of Hayman's desperation as
he sobbed in terror and grasped for her wrists. Esther recoiled,
but he clung to her, his fears suffocating.
Speaker 4 (14:18):
Get off me, let go.
Speaker 1 (14:21):
At that very moment the king re entered, he froze
at the sight of Hayman sprawled across the Queen's couch,
clawing at her hands, trying to control her. He roared
over the chaos in the banquet.
Speaker 6 (14:35):
Hall, oh, would he violate my queen?
Speaker 4 (14:39):
Why?
Speaker 6 (14:40):
Among the room.
Speaker 1 (14:43):
Fell into stunned silence. The royal guards surged forward, tearing
Hayman off of Esther. Hayman's knees scraped the floor as
they dragged him to his feet, where he swayed, dazed
and horrified. Xerxes stormed for toward his face. Etched in fury,
(15:03):
he seized Hayman's savagely by the front of his robe,
pulling him close enough for their breath to mingle, one
wheezed with terror, the other burning with rage. Esther wanted
desperately to look away from the feral violence, but found
in her shock she could not tear her eyes away. Then,
(15:24):
with a violent lunge, Xerxes ripped the signet ring from
Hayman's trembling right hand. Esther winced as the flesh of
his knuckles scraped against the engraved gold. Blood welled, but
it went unnoticed by the dumb struck Hayman. The king
then hurled the ring across the floor with unbridled fury.
(15:46):
The heavy gold struck stone with a sharp echoing clang.
Every head turned, the sound ran with an eerie finality,
Hayman's fate was sealed. The guard's yank to black cloth
over Hayman's head, a mark of shame and final condemnation.
As the King turned away in disgust, weighing not if
(16:10):
Hayman would die, but how Esther collapsed into her seat
and let out a shaky breath as her heart rate
began to slow. After the commotion, the king was still
shouting and reeling in anger as his attendants and noblemen
clamored around him. Their voices, a frenzy of counsel and caution.
(16:32):
Esther noticed Momucans slink forward like a snake in the grass,
his voice boily and precise.
Speaker 2 (16:39):
King and a gallow stands at Hagman's estate, seventy feet high.
It was built just last night.
Speaker 3 (16:48):
It was built, saved you all.
Speaker 1 (16:54):
Esther's eyes widened in horror. If her banquet had been delayed,
would hang him, executed her cousin Esther trembled at the thought.
But Serxey's face hardened into stone, Hey hamah horn. The
guards dragged ham and ham wall. His struggles were useless,
(17:17):
his cries drowned beneath the weight of royal decree. From
across the hall, the young cupbearer met Esther's gaze again,
his face grave. He had seen the fall of the mighty.
He would remember this night. Moments later, across town, the
gallows outside Hayman's home held its builder. His body hung impaled,
(17:44):
seventy five feet above the ground, a gruesome sight, taller
than any tree for all of Soussa to behold. The
enemy of the Jews was vanquished, but the King's edict
still loomed, sharp as any sword. The danger was far
from over.
Speaker 5 (18:08):
If your faith has been kindled by this podcast and
it has affected your life, we'd love it if you
left her review. We read them, and me personally, I
cherish them as you venture forth boldly and faithfully. I
leave you with the biblical blessing from numbers six IV.
Hashem vishmerechra yeah heir hashempanave ele y sa hachempanavelera salon.
(18:38):
May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the
Lord make his face shine upon you. May he be
gracious to you, Made the Lord turn his face towards
you and give you peace. Amen.
Speaker 1 (18:51):
You can listen to The Chosen People with the Isle
Exstein add free by downloading and subscribing to the pray
dot Com app today. This prey dog comproduction is only
made possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Gattina,
Max Bard, Zach Schllabager and Ben Gammon are the executive
producers of the Chosen People with Yiel Eckstein, edited by
(19:14):
Alberto Avilla, narrated by Paul Coltofianu. Characters are voiced by
Jonathan Cotton, Aaron Salvado, Sarah Seltz, Mike Reagan, Stephen Ringwald,
Sylvia Zaradoc, Thomas Copeland Junior, Rosanna Pilcher and Mitch Leshinsky,
and the opening prayer is voiced by John Moore, music
(19:34):
by Andrew Morgan Smith, written by Aaron Salvato, bre Rosalie
and Chris Baig. Special thanks to Bishop Paulineer, Robin van Ettin,
Kayleb Burrows, Jocelyn Fuller, Rabbi Edward Abramson, and the team
at International Fellowship of Christians and Jews. You can hear
more Prey dot com productions on the Prey dot com app,
(19:56):
available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
If you enjoy Lloyd the Chosen People with Yil Eckstein,
please rate and leave a review,
Popular Podcasts
My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark
My Favorite Murder is a true crime comedy podcast hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark. Each week, Karen and Georgia share compelling true crimes and hometown stories from friends and listeners. Since MFM launched in January of 2016, Karen and Georgia have shared their lifelong interest in true crime and have covered stories of infamous serial killers like the Night Stalker, mysterious cold cases, captivating cults, incredible survivor stories and important events from history like the Tulsa race massacre of 1921. My Favorite Murder is part of the Exactly Right podcast network that provides a platform for bold, creative voices to bring to life provocative, entertaining and relatable stories for audiences everywhere. The Exactly Right roster of podcasts covers a variety of topics including historic true crime, comedic interviews and news, science, pop culture and more. Podcasts on the network include Buried Bones with Kate Winkler Dawson and Paul Holes, That's Messed Up: An SVU Podcast, This Podcast Will Kill You, Bananas and more.
24/7 News: The Latest
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com