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Proverbs 26 warns that whoever digs a pit to trap someone falls in it themselves. The narrative of Esther describes this happening, where Haman is hanged on the very gallows he built for Mordecai.
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2500 BCE
1000+ CE
Proverbs 26:27
Hebrew Bible
24 The one who hates others disguises it with his lips, but he stores up deceit within him. 25 When he speaks graciously, do not believe him, for there are seven abominations within him. 26 Though his hatred may be concealed by deceit, his evil will be uncovered in the assembly. 27 The one who digs a pit will fall into it; the one who rolls a stone—it will come back on him. 28 A lying tongue hates those crushed by it, and a flattering mouth works ruin.
Esther 7:10
Hebrew Bible
8 When the king returned from the palace garden to the banquet of wine, Haman was throwing himself down on the couch where Esther was lying. The king exclaimed, “Will he also attempt to rape the queen while I am still in the building?”As these words left the king’s mouth, they covered Haman’s face. 9 Harbona, one of the king’s eunuchs, said, “Indeed, there is the gallows that Haman made for Mordecai, who spoke out on the king’s behalf. It stands near Haman’s home and is 75 feet high.”The king said, “Hang him on it!” 10 So they hanged Haman on the very gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. The king’s rage then abated.
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Notes and References
... 9. Then, too (gam hinneh). In addition to suggesting an appropriate way to execute Haman, Harbonah's observation also had the effect of introducing a second accusation against him, namely, that he had knowingly tried to kill a benefactor of the king. If there had been any uncertainty in the king's mind concerning Haman's fate, this ended it. One need not, however, agree with Hoschander (page 226) that without Harbonah's accusation Haman could not have been summarily executed but, in accordance with Herodotus I. 137, would have been formally tried and given ample opportunity to defend himself; as it turned out, this was something he was not allowed to do. In any case, Harbonah's suggestion struck the king as perfect poetic justice. 'He who digs a pit will fall into it' (Proverbs 26:27). ...
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