Bribery, a corrupt practice condemned throughout Scripture, is vividly illustrated in the account of Haman's plot against the Jews during the reign of King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I) of Persia. This narrative is found in the Book of Esther, a historical account that highlights the providence of God and the courage of His people in the face of evil schemes.

Context and Background

The events unfold in the Persian Empire, where King Ahasuerus rules over 127 provinces from India to Cush. Esther, a Jewish woman, becomes queen, though her heritage remains hidden. Her cousin Mordecai, who raised her, uncovers a plot to assassinate the king and earns favor in the royal court. However, Haman, an Agagite and a high-ranking official, harbors deep animosity toward Mordecai, who refuses to bow to him.

The Bribe

Haman's hatred for Mordecai extends to all Jews, and he devises a plan to annihilate them. To secure the king's approval, Haman resorts to bribery. He approaches King Ahasuerus with a deceitful proposal, masking his genocidal intent as a matter of political expediency. Haman offers a substantial bribe to the royal treasury to compensate for the loss of revenue that would result from the destruction of the Jewish people.

In Esther 3:8-9 , Haman says to the king, "There is a certain people scattered and dispersed among the peoples in all the provinces of your kingdom whose laws are different from those of all other peoples, and who do not comply with the king’s laws. So it is not in the king’s best interest to tolerate them. If it pleases the king, let a decree be issued to destroy them, and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver into the hands of those who carry out this business, to put it into the king’s treasuries."

The King's Response

King Ahasuerus, swayed by Haman's bribe and misrepresentation, grants him the authority to proceed with his plan. The king gives Haman his signet ring, a symbol of royal authority, allowing him to issue decrees in the king's name. The edict to destroy the Jews is dispatched throughout the empire, setting a date for their annihilation.

Moral and Theological Implications

The account of Haman's bribe underscores the destructive power of greed and corruption. Bribery, as depicted in this narrative, is not merely a financial transaction but a tool of manipulation and injustice. It reveals the moral decay that can permeate leadership when decisions are influenced by personal gain rather than righteousness and truth.

Scripture consistently condemns bribery as an affront to justice and integrity. Proverbs 17:23 states, "A wicked man takes a covert bribe to subvert the course of justice." The account of Haman serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating how bribery can lead to widespread suffering and the near destruction of an entire people.

Divine Intervention

Despite Haman's plot, the providence of God is evident throughout the Book of Esther. Through a series of divinely orchestrated events, Esther and Mordecai are instrumental in thwarting Haman's plan. Esther's courage in approaching the king and revealing her Jewish identity leads to the king's favor and the eventual downfall of Haman.

The narrative demonstrates that while human schemes may be driven by corruption and bribery, God's sovereignty prevails. The deliverance of the Jews is celebrated in the festival of Purim, a lasting testament to God's faithfulness and justice.

In summary, the account of Haman's bribe to King Ahasuerus serves as a powerful example of the moral and spiritual dangers of bribery, highlighting the need for integrity and the assurance of divine justice in the face of human corruption.Esther 3:9
If it please the king, let it be written that they may be destroyed: and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver to the hands of those that have the charge of the business, to bring it into the king's treasuries.
Nave's Topical Index

What does the Bible say about bribery / giving or receiving a bribe? | GotQuestions.org

What is truth? | GotQuestions.org

Specific Sins ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org

Bribery: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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