Plot Reversals in Esther - "ונהפוך הוא"

"וְנַהֲפוֹךְ הוּא"

It is well known that the Book of Esther is a story of reversals. Haman's plot not only fails, but the evil he planned for others falls on himself.  The Jews who were slated for death are saved, their sorrow turning into joy.  The Megillah itself highlights this fact, pointing out in 9:1:

These reversals are emphasized through two series of contrasting parallels, one which focuses on the inner plot of the story, the undoing of Haman's edict, and one which encompasses the scroll as a whole. 

Inner Core of Linguistic Parallels – Undoing Haman's Plot

Almost every aspect of Haman's plan that is mentioned in the first half of the scroll finds its contrast in the second half, expressed in very similar language. These are presented in the following table:

Analysis

The above parallels contain an extremely high degree of linguistic similarity leaving little doubt that they are intentional rather than coincidental.  They are structured inversely and form a chiasm with the scene of Haman leading Mordechai on the king's horse at the central point. Such a structure is perfectly suited to highlight the reversals in the plot.¹  The middle scene serves as the turning point of the Megillah, marking the beginning of the downfall of Haman and the change in fortune for the Jews.

Is there some deeper message, though, to these reversals and the literary artistry that clearly tries to focus the reader's attention to them?  It seems that Esther is trying to hint to the reader that the happenings of the Megillah are too perfectly aligned to be coincidental.  Though one might suggest that the whole story is the product of chance and a fickle king, in reality, every action was guided by an intentional hand, that of the King of Kings, Hashem.

Outer Rings of Content Parallels

It is possible that the Book of Esther in its entirety is also built upon reversals, as seen in the following larger chiastic structure:²

A – Introduction: Extent and power of Achashverosh's Kingdom (1:1)

B – Two Feasts: One for the princes of all the provinces and one for only the people of Shushan (1:3-9)

C – Esther is taken to the king and conceals her Jewish identity (2:1-20)

D – Promotion of Haman and raising him above others ("גִּדַּל... וַיְנַשְּׂאֵהוּ")‎ (3:1-2)

E – Casting of the lot:  War against the Jews is set for the 13th of Adar (3:7)

F – Edict and reaction (giving of ring to Haman, sending of letters, rending of clothing, fast and cries of the Jews) (3:10 – 4:17)

G – Esther's first feast; Haman leaves joyful (5:5-9)

H – Haman consults with family; advice to topple Mordechai (5:10-14)

I – King cannot fall asleep; episode with the horse  (6:1-12)

H’ – Haman consults with family and is advised that he will fall before Mordechai (6:13-14)

G’ – Esther's second feast, Haman is hanged (7:1-10)

F’ – New edict and reaction (giving of ring to Mordechai, new letters, dressing of Mordechai in royal garments, happiness and feasting for the Jews) (8:1-17)

E’ – War against enemies of the Jews on the 13th of Adar (9:1-2)

D’ – Promotion of Mordechai and exalting of Jews ("מְנַשְּׂאִים אֶת הַיְּהוּדִים... כִּי גָדוֹל מׇרְדֳּכַי")‎ (9:3-4)

C’ – Esther comes before the king and the Jews congregate for battle (9:13-16)

B’ – Two Feasts:  One for the Jews of all the provinces and one for only the Jews of Shushan (9:17-32)

A’ – Conclusion:  Extent and power of Achashverosh's kingdom (10:1-2)