Topical Bible: Envy: Haman, of Mordecai

◄ Envy: Haman, of Mordecai ►

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Envy, a destructive and sinful emotion, is vividly illustrated in the biblical account of Haman's animosity towards Mordecai, as recorded in the Book of Esther. This narrative provides a profound example of how envy can lead to one's downfall and highlights the providential protection of God's people.

Background

Haman, an Agagite, was elevated by King Xerxes (Ahasuerus) to a position of great power in the Persian Empire, second only to the king himself (Esther 3:1). Despite his high status, Haman's heart was filled with envy and hatred towards Mordecai, a Jew who served at the king's gate. Mordecai's refusal to bow down or pay homage to Haman (Esther 3:2) ignited a deep-seated resentment in Haman, which quickly escalated into a plot not only against Mordecai but against all the Jews in the kingdom.

The Nature of Haman's Envy

Haman's envy was rooted in pride and a desire for recognition and honor. Mordecai's steadfastness in his faith and refusal to compromise his beliefs by bowing to Haman was perceived as a personal affront. This perceived slight was intolerable to Haman, whose self-worth was tied to the reverence of others. The Berean Standard Bible captures Haman's reaction: "When Haman saw that Mordecai would not kneel or pay him homage, he was filled with rage" (Esther 3:5).

The Consequences of Envy

Haman's envy led him to devise a plan to annihilate the Jewish people throughout the Persian Empire. He manipulated King Xerxes into issuing a decree for their destruction, casting lots (purim) to determine the date of this genocide (Esther 3:7-9). Haman's envy blinded him to the moral and ethical implications of his actions, demonstrating how envy can corrupt judgment and lead to heinous acts.

However, the narrative takes a dramatic turn as God intervenes through Esther, Mordecai's cousin and the queen. Esther's courage and strategic wisdom, coupled with Mordecai's guidance, ultimately lead to the exposure of Haman's plot. In a divinely orchestrated reversal, Haman's envy and malice result in his own downfall. The gallows he had prepared for Mordecai become the instrument of his execution (Esther 7:9-10).

Theological Implications

The account of Haman and Mordecai serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of envy. It underscores the biblical principle that "pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall" (Proverbs 16:18). Envy, as a manifestation of pride, can lead to one's ruin, as seen in Haman's fate. Moreover, the narrative highlights God's sovereignty and faithfulness in protecting His people, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.

In the broader biblical context, envy is consistently portrayed as a vice that disrupts relationships and communities. The Apostle Paul warns against envy in his epistles, urging believers to "put aside all envy" (1 Peter 2:1) and to live in harmony with one another. The account of Haman and Mordecai serves as a timeless reminder of the destructive power of envy and the ultimate triumph of righteousness and divine justice.

Nave's Topical Index

Esther 5:13
Yet all this avails me nothing, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king's gate.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Sixth Commandment
... Who is able to stand before envy?' Proverbs 27:4 ... hatred, and hast shed the blood
of the children of Israel.' Ezekiel 35:5. Haman hated Mordecai because he ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 6 the sixth commandment.htm

Concerning Peaceableness
... A proud man would have all strike sail to him. Because Mordecai would not give Haman
the cap and knee, he gets a ... (iii) Envy; envy stirreth up strife. ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/18 concerning peaceableness.htm

All the Day Long
... If you envy the wicked you may soon wish to be like them. ... We would sit in the
gate with Mordecai sooner than feast with the king with Haman. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/all the day long.htm

The Saint's Heritage and Watchword
... Haman had conceived a hatred to Mordecai, and for his ... Even now in imagination he
sees Mordecai swinging on the ... of malice and the calumnies of envy will come ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 50 1904/the saints heritage and watchword.htm

The Important Question
... Then said Haman, Yet "all this profiteth me nothing, while I see Mordecai sitting
in the gate." Poor Human! One unholy temper, whether pride, envy, jealousy ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 84 the important question.htm

The Antiquities of the Jews
... CHAPTER 6. Concerning Esther And Mordecai And Haman; And How ... Herod, And That Of
Jerusalem To Phasaelus; As Also How Herod Upon The Jews' Envy At Antipater ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/

Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &C.
... And though thus by their envy they strive to read ... whether they might not as well
accuse Mordecai of incivility ... them to be more like unto proud Haman, than the ...
/.../proposition xv concerning salutations and.htm

The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
... It was Haman's mishap to be engaged against the queen, and the kindred of the queen;
it ... Yea, all this hast thou done of envy to my Father, and to godliness; of ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the work of jesus christ.htm