"Haman Hangs" – The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein

Podcast Host: Yael Eckstein
Produced by: Pray.com
Date: September 26, 2025

Overview

In this episode, "Haman Hangs," Yael Eckstein narrates the dramatic climax of the Book of Esther, focusing on the downfall of Haman and the triumph of Esther’s courage. The episode immerses listeners in the ancient Persian court, highlighting Esther’s bravery, the revelation of her identity, and the swift retribution against Haman—who plotted against the Jewish people. Through captivating storytelling, the episode underscores timeless lessons of faith, justice, and the importance of speaking out.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Trap Set for Mordecai Turns on Haman

• (04:26 – 05:32)
  Haman's pride and previous triumph are reversed. As he prepares for the queen’s banquet, the ominous presence of the gallows—built for Mordecai but destined for him—sets the narrative tone.
• Haman is publicly shamed, and his ominous fall foreshadowed:
  • “The trap was set, but not for the man it was built for.” (00:52, Narrator)

2. The Banquet: Esther’s Moment of Truth

• (05:32 – 10:39)
  At the lavish royal banquet, Queen Esther prepares to address King Xerxes with her true petition.
• The tension rises as Esther contemplates the risk of revealing her identity and request for her people.
• Esther’s poise and faith, strengthened by days of fasting and prayer, come to the fore:
  • “With each breath she willed her courage to rise, and she was surprised to find that her voice remained calm and steady.” (07:02, Narrator)

3. The Accusation: Esther Confronts the King

• (10:19 – 12:51)
  King Xerxes, eager to please Esther, urges her to speak:
  • “My queen, I can no longer wait. What is your petition? Whatever you desire, up to half my kingdom, it shall be given.” (10:19, King Xerxes)
• Esther bravely reveals the threat against her life and her people:
  • “If I have found favor with you, your majesty, and if the king is pleased, spare my life. This is my request.” (10:39, Esther)
  • She exposes Haman as the author of the edict:
    • “The adversary and enemy of my people is this evil. Haman.” (12:31, Esther)
• Ripples of shock move through the court, and the king is furious, realizing Haman’s betrayal.

4. Xerxes’ Rage and Haman’s Desperation

• (12:51 – 16:40)
  King Xerxes grapples with the implications of his own decree and his misplaced trust:
  • “Can I…undo a decree sealed by my own ring? Was I blind? Or manipulated by the man I trusted most?” (14:07, King Xerxes)
• Haman, in abject terror, begs Esther for mercy:
  • “Have mercy. …I swear it. Have mercy.” (15:37, Haman)
• Esther’s response reveals a shift from powerlessness to righteous anger:
  • “You would only spare me because I have a title, Because I have privilege. What of my people? What of the hundreds of thousands of innocents throughout Persia?” (15:57, Esther)

5. Haman’s Ultimate Downfall

• (16:40 – 19:30)
  The king returns and, witnessing Haman’s physical desperation, erupts:
  • “Oh, would he violate my queen while I am in the house?” (16:40, King Xerxes)
• Xerxes tears the signet ring from Haman’s hand and orders the guards to seize him. The hangman’s gallows, built by Haman, becomes his own end:
  • “Hang Haman on it.” (18:51, King Xerxes)
  • Haman is executed on the very gallows he intended for Mordecai.

6. The Impact and Unresolved Danger

• (19:30 – 20:11)
  The king’s edict against the Jews still stands, reminding listeners that, despite Haman’s fall, Esther’s struggle for her people’s survival is not over.
• The episode closes with a sense of soberness:
  • “The enemy of the Jews was vanquished, but the king's edict still loomed sharp as any sword. The danger was far from over.” (19:58, Narrator)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote | |-----------|----------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:52 | Narrator | "The trap was set, but not for the man it was built for." | | 10:19 | King Xerxes | "My queen, I can no longer wait. What is your petition? Whatever you desire, up to half my kingdom, it shall be given." | | 10:39 | Esther | "If I have found favor with you, your majesty, and if the king is pleased, spare my life. This is my request." | | 12:31 | Esther | "The adversary and enemy of my people is this evil. Haman." | | 14:07 | King Xerxes | "Can I…undo a decree sealed by my own ring? Was I blind? Or manipulated by the man I trusted most?" | | 15:57 | Esther | "You would only spare me because I have a title, Because I have privilege. What of my people? What of the hundreds of thousands of innocents throughout Persia?" | | 16:40 | King Xerxes | "Oh, would he violate my queen while I am in the house?" | | 18:51 | King Xerxes | "Hang Haman on it." | | 19:58 | Narrator | "The enemy of the Jews was vanquished, but the king's edict still loomed sharp as any sword. The danger was far from over." |

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:52 – The trap for Mordecai is set to ensnare Haman instead
• 05:32 – The queen’s banquet: Setting and rising tensions
• 10:19 – King Xerxes invites Esther to reveal her true petition
• 12:31 – Esther identifies Haman as the enemy
• 14:07 – Xerxes’ self-doubt and rage
• 15:37 – Haman’s terrified pleas for mercy
• 16:40 – Haman is accused of assault, seized by the guards
• 18:51 – Xerxes orders Haman to be hanged on his own gallows
• 19:58 – Reflection: Edict still threatens the Jews despite Haman's execution

Tone and Style

The episode is narrated with a blend of reverent drama and emotional intensity, staying true to the monumental stakes and moral gravitas of the biblical episode. Esther’s courage is depicted with tenderness and awe, while the tension in the royal court is palpable—a mix of indignation, fear, and justice finally served.

Final Blessing

Yael Eckstein ends with a heartfelt benediction from Numbers 6, inviting listeners to draw inspiration and boldness from the story’s ancient faith.

“May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face shine upon you. May he be gracious to you. May the Lord turn His face towards you and give you peace.” (21:41, Yael Eckstein)

Summary prepared for those seeking depth, inspiration, and the enduring lessons of justice and faith from the Book of Esther.