Bible Figure
Zeresh
wife of Haman in the Book of Esther; advises him to prepare gallows to hang Mordecai (Book of Esther)
Zeresh was Haman's wife who first encouraged him to build a gallows for Mordecai and later recognized that Haman's downfall before Mordecai was becoming inevitable.
Biography
Esther 5 says Haman returned home boasting of his wealth, sons, royal advancement, and exclusive invitations to Esther's banquets, yet complained that none of it satisfied him while Mordecai remained at the king's gate. Zeresh and Haman's friends advised him to have a very high gallows or stake prepared and ask the king to have Mordecai executed. Later, after Haman was forced to honor Mordecai publicly, Zeresh and his advisers warned that if Mordecai was Jewish, Haman would not prevail against him but would surely fall.
Biblical Significance
Zeresh's two speeches frame Haman's dramatic reversal: first encouraging his murderous pride and then recognizing the inevitability of his collapse. Her role contributes to Esther's theme of providential reversal.