What can we learn about humility from Haman's actions in Esther 6:7? Setting the Scene • King Ahasuerus has a sleepless night, discovers Mordecai’s unrewarded loyalty, and asks Haman how to honor “the man the king wishes to honor” (Esther 6:1-6). • Haman, assuming he is that man, answers eagerly. The Verse in Focus Esther 6:7: “And Haman told the king, ‘For the man whom the king wishes to honor…’ ” – The sentence trails into verse 8, but verse 7 captures the pivotal moment when Haman begins recommending extravagant honors, convinced they will be his. Unmasking Haman’s Heart • Self-importance: Haman’s first thought is not “Who has served the king?” but “Whom would the king honor more than me?” (v. 6). • Presumption: Without asking questions, he prescribes honors fit for royalty—robes, the king’s horse, a public parade. • Blind spot: His pride blinds him to the possibility that anyone else could deserve recognition (Proverbs 16:18). Lessons on Humility • Pride assumes; humility inquires. – Compare David: before acting, he “inquired of the LORD” (1 Samuel 23:2). • Pride seeks visibility; humility serves quietly. – Jesus healed many and then said, “See that you tell no one” (Matthew 8:4). • Pride forgets past mercies; humility remembers God’s hand. – Haman ignores Mordecai’s earlier rescue of the king, while humble believers “forget not all His benefits” (Psalm 103:2). • Pride positions self at the center; humility esteems others above self (Philippians 2:3). • Pride invites humiliation; humility invites exaltation (Luke 14:11; James 4:6). Contrasting Christlike Humility • Haman grasps for robes he never wears; Christ lays aside His divine glory, takes a servant’s form, and receives the name above every name (Philippians 2:5-11). • Haman demands a parade; Christ enters Jerusalem on a donkey, meek yet truly royal (Zechariah 9:9; Matthew 21:5). • Haman’s plan backfires, leading to public shame (Esther 6:10-12); Christ’s self-emptying leads to eternal honor (Hebrews 2:9). Taking It to Heart • Examine motives: Are my plans driven by recognition or by a desire to serve? • Cultivate gratitude: Remember undeserved mercies to guard against entitlement. • Practice unseen service: Look for ways to honor others without seeking credit. • Trust God’s timing: “Humble yourselves under God’s mighty hand, that He may exalt you in due time” (1 Peter 5:6). |
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