ESTHER SERIES – CHAPTER 3

Esther chapter 3 introduces Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, who many believe was a descendant of King Agag the Amalekites whom King Saul spared in 1 Samuel 15. Before the twelfth year of his reign, King Ahasuerus elevated Haman to the position of the prime minister which garnered him honor and reverence from all the citizens and subordinate officers of the empire. This reverence required the people to bow down in his presence; however, Mordecai refused to bow and reverence Hamon, and for this Mordecai drew attention to himself.

When questioned by the citizens about his actions Mordecai told them, “He was a Jew.” Eventually, his actions and response were told to Haman, who consequently sought revenge on Mordecai and all the Jews for what he thought was Mordecai’s blatant disrespect of his position. Thus, Hamon masterminded a scheme to eliminate the disrespectful Mordecai.

Haman told the king there were disloyal individuals that lived in their empire that did not keep the king’s laws because of their religious laws, and he suggested that they be destroyed. Also, he offered to give money to the treasury to assist with this dastardly deed. Listening and agreeing with Haman King Ahasuerus gave Haman the power to carry out his suggestion, his signet ring to seal the decree and monies to fund this effort.

On the thirteenth day of the first month, after consulting and obtaining a date for the slaughtering of the Jews from soothsayers Haman had the king’s scribes write letters to be distributed throughout the ten provinces that on the thirteenth day of Adar a universal massacre of all Jews, both young and old, men, women, and children could be done by the populace and their property confiscated.

With the plan in place for the annihilation of the Jews, the command sealed and published, the king and Haman continued their daily routine, but the citizens of Shushan was perplexed by the order.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:
Believing the reverence that Haman wanted to receive as idolatry Mordecai refused to bow and for this, his life was threatened. Refusal to bow and commit idolatry can cost you your life.

When you refuse to conform to the ways of the world, the world views you as a threat.

When you place your confidence in wicked people, they may cause you to make bad decisions. It is vitally important to know those that labor among you. The King thought Hamon was a trusty valuable servant; however, Hamon had his own hidden agenda, and he used his position and falsehoods to influence the king into committing genocide.

If rulers in-charge of a nation are not prayerful and accept good counsel, they are capable of making decisions that can destroy the lives of its’ citizens.