2:23 on the gallows. Lit. “on a tree.” This refers to impalement on wooden stakes, a Persian and Assyrian form of execution. To the Jews, this would be a sign that the two officials were under God’s curse (Deut. 21:22, 23 and note), confirming the appropriateness of Mordecai’s loyalty to the pagan king.

recorded in the book of the chronicles. Mordecai was not rewarded at this time (6:1–11); instead, the account of Haman’s promotion is given (3:1).