What does Haman's suggestion reveal about his character and understanding of honor? Setting the Scene “Have them bring a royal robe the king has worn and a horse the king has ridden, one bearing a royal crest on its head.” (Esther 6:8) Haman’s Suggestion in Esther 6:8 • A royal robe the king himself has worn • The king’s own horse, crowned with the royal crest • A public parade led by one of the king’s officials (v. 9) What This Reveals About Haman’s Character • Self-exaltation: Haman immediately assumes he is the one deserving honor (v. 6). • Outward focus: He equates honor with visible symbols—robe, horse, crest—rather than inner virtue. • Pride and vanity: Proverbs 16:18—“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” He embodies the proverb. • Insecurity masked by grandeur: The need for royal trappings hints at a fragile ego seeking validation. • Manipulative ambition: He tries to secure the king’s favor by hijacking royal imagery for himself—contrast with 1 Samuel 18:6-9 where Saul fears David’s rising honor. Haman’s Misunderstanding of True Honor • Haman sees honor as something taken; Scripture shows it is given by God. 1 Chronicles 29:12—“You…give honor.” • He overlooks humility, the very pathway to exaltation. Proverbs 29:23—“A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor.” • He ignores service. Jesus teaches, “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant” (Matthew 20:26). Haman seeks greatness without service. • He forgets accountability to God: Galatians 6:7—“God is not mocked.” His scheme backfires when Mordecai receives the honor. Lessons for Us • Honor pursued for self-glory leads to humiliation (Esther 7:10). • True honor results from humility, righteousness, and God’s timing (James 4:10). • External symbols cannot substitute for internal integrity—Mordecai possessed integrity; Haman possessed only ambition. |
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