Esther asks for mercy for her people, exposing Haman in the process. Haman dies on the gallows he’s prepared for Mordecai, and Esther’s people are allowed to defend themselves: Esther 5–10

Haman was one of the most senior officials in Persia, yet he found the time to invest in the sort of pettiness he showed towards Mordecai the Jew.

Haman’s wife and advisors suggested he should end Mordacai’s life:

^{Esther 5:14} So Haman’s wife, Zeresh, and all his friends suggested, ‘Set up a sharpened pole that stands seventy-five feet tall, and in the morning ask the king to impale Mordecai on it. When this is done, you can go on your merry way to the banquet with the king.’ This pleased Haman, and he ordered the pole set up.

But before the plan could be implemented, the king had asked Haman to honour Mordecai—something poor Haman found humiliating. It was enough for Haman’s wife and advisors to realise, too late, they were taking on more than just a Jew who sat outside the palace gate:

^{Esther 5:13} When Haman told his wife, Zeresh, and all his friends what had happened, his wise advisers and his wife said, ‘Since Mordecai—this man who has humiliated you—is of Jewish birth, you will never succeed in your plans against him. It will be fatal to continue opposing him.’