The answer is: Zeresh

Esther 5:10

Haman, the notorious antagonist of the Book of Esther, has his plans repeatedly thwarted in a fascinating tale of ambition and justice. His wife, Zeresh, plays a surprisingly pivotal role in his story. When Haman returns home, filled with bitterness after an unexpected encounter with Mordecai, he seeks her counsel. Zeresh suggests quite the shocking solution: she advises him to build gallows for Mordecai, illustrating how inseparable personal demise often seems from unbridled pride.

Zeresh’s name itself, meaning "to be a bride," evokes the complex dynamics of their relationship. Many wonder how much influence she held over Haman's decisions, sometimes revealing the challenging role women of that era played in a largely male-dominated narrative.

Interestingly, Zeresh's advice not only reveals her personal character but also resonates with themes of pride preceding a fall—a common thread throughout Scripture. Many later Biblical figures, having faced similar fateful crossroads born from arrogance, highlight the dangers of ignoring wise counsel.

In fact, her understated contribution echoes throughout stories of people who turn from folly to faith, making her a captivating, if overlooked, figure in the narrative. The Book of Esther deftly weaves together human frailty, divine providence, and redemption, culminating in one of the most celebrated victories over evil within Jewish tradition, emphasizing that even family members can sometimes yoke us toward destructive paths.