Haman's wife in the Bible is Zeresh.
Who Was Zeresh?
Zeresh is primarily known from the biblical Book of Esther as the wife of Haman, the antagonist who plots to annihilate the Jewish people in ancient Persia. While the Bible mentions her by name and her advice to Haman, further insights into her character and influence are provided by midrashic traditions.
According to various midrashic accounts, Zeresh was depicted as a figure of significant wickedness, often considered even more malevolent than her husband. She served as Haman's most trusted and influential advisor among all his counselors.
Zeresh's Role and Influence
Zeresh played a crucial role in Haman's schemes against the Jews. Her advice was instrumental in shaping Haman's actions:
- Inciting Haman's Wrath: When Haman was infuriated by Mordecai's refusal to bow to him, it was Zeresh who famously advised Haman to construct a gallows fifty cubits high and execute Mordecai upon it. This very gallows eventually became the instrument of Haman's own demise.
- Advocating Genocide: In specific midrashic narratives, Zeresh went beyond just advising Haman on Mordecai. She explicitly counseled Haman to target and kill all the Jews as a collective punishment for Mordecai's defiance. This highlights her profound animosity towards the Jewish people and her active participation in Haman's genocidal plot.
Her counsel underscores her deep involvement in Haman's evil machinations, making her a significant, albeit dark, character in the Purim narrative.
Here's a quick overview of Zeresh:
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Name | Zeresh |
| Husband | Haman the Agagite |
| Key Role | Advisor to Haman; encouraged his plot against Mordecai and the Jews. |
| Biblical Book | Book of Esther |
| Midrashic Portrayal | Even more wicked than Haman; his best counsel; advised the extermination of Jews. |
Zeresh's character, particularly as expanded upon in Jewish tradition, serves as a stark reminder of the influence of insidious counsel and the dangers of unchecked hatred.
