Topical Encyclopedia Haman, a central figure in the Book of Esther, is often cited as a biblical example of revenge driven by pride and hatred. He was an Agagite and served as a high-ranking official in the Persian Empire under King Xerxes (Ahasuerus). Haman's account is a cautionary tale of how personal vendettas can lead to one's downfall and highlights the providence of God in protecting His people.Background and Rise to Power Haman's rise to power is documented in Esther 3:1, where he is promoted by King Xerxes above all other officials. This elevation stirs a sense of pride and entitlement in Haman, setting the stage for his vengeful actions. The Berean Standard Bible states, "After these events, King Xerxes honored Haman son of Hammedatha the Agagite, elevating him and giving him a seat of honor higher than that of all the other nobles." Conflict with Mordecai The conflict between Haman and Mordecai, a Jew, begins when Mordecai refuses to bow down to Haman, as recorded in Esther 3:2. This act of defiance infuriates Haman, who perceives it as a personal affront. The text reads, "All the royal servants at the king’s gate bowed down and paid homage to Haman, for the king had commanded this. But Mordecai would not bow down or pay homage." Haman's anger towards Mordecai quickly escalates into a desire for revenge not only against Mordecai but against all Jews in the Persian Empire. Esther 3:5-6 captures this transition: "When Haman saw that Mordecai would not bow down or pay him homage, he was filled with rage. And when he learned the identity of Mordecai’s people, he scorned the idea of laying hands on Mordecai alone. Instead, he sought to destroy all the Jews, Mordecai’s people, throughout the kingdom of Xerxes." The Plot Against the Jews Haman's plan for revenge is both calculated and ruthless. He manipulates King Xerxes into issuing a decree to annihilate the Jewish people, presenting them as a threat to the kingdom. Esther 3:8-9 records Haman's deceitful words to the king: "Then Haman said to King Xerxes, 'There is a certain people scattered and dispersed among the peoples in all the provinces of your kingdom who keep themselves separate. Their customs are different from those of all other people, and they do not obey the king’s laws; 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 royal treasury for the men who carry out this business.'" Divine Intervention and Haman's Downfall Despite Haman's meticulous planning, the providence of God intervenes through Esther, Mordecai's cousin and the queen. Esther courageously reveals Haman's plot to King Xerxes, leading to a dramatic reversal of fortune. Esther 7:3-6 describes Esther's plea: "Then Queen Esther answered, 'If I have found favor with you, O king, and if it pleases the king, grant me my life as my petition, and the lives of my people as my request. For my people and I have been sold into destruction, death, and annihilation. If we had merely been sold as male and female slaves, I would have kept silent, because no such distress would justify disturbing the king.' King Xerxes asked Queen Esther, 'Who is he, and where is the man who has dared to do this?' Esther replied, 'The adversary and enemy is this wicked Haman!'" Haman's plot is exposed, and he is executed on the very gallows he had prepared for Mordecai, as noted in Esther 7:10: "So they hanged Haman on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the king’s fury subsided." Legacy Haman's account serves as a powerful reminder of the destructive nature of revenge and the sovereignty of God in delivering His people. His downfall illustrates the biblical principle found in Proverbs 26:27 : "He who digs a pit will fall into it, and he who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him." Through the narrative of Haman, the Bible underscores the futility of revenge and the ultimate triumph of justice and righteousness. Torrey's Topical Textbook Esther 3:8-15And Haman said to king Ahasuerus, There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of your kingdom; and their laws are diverse from all people; neither keep they the king's laws: therefore it is not for the king's profit to suffer them. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Questions. The Sixth Commandment The Saint's Heritage and Watchword The Later Hebrew Histories. Presumptuous Sins The Important Question Book 5 Footnotes Christ's First and Last Subject Concerning Peaceableness Letter Liii. To Paulinus. Resources What does the Bible say about revenge? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the law of retribution? | GotQuestions.org What does Psalm 137:9 mean when it says, “Happy is the one who seizes your infants and dashes them against the rocks”? | GotQuestions.org Revenge: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Revenge: Be Thankful for Being Kept from Taking Revenge: Christ an Example of Forbearing Revenge: Forbidden by Our Lord Revenge: Inconsistent With Christian Spirit Revenge: Inconsistent With the Will of Christ Revenge: Instead of Taking, we should Bless Revenge: Instead of Taking, we should Exercise Forbearance Revenge: Instead of Taking, we should Exhibit Love Revenge: Instead of Taking, we should Give Place to Wrath Revenge: Instead of Taking, we should Overcome Others by Kindness Revenge: Instead of Taking, we should Trust in God Revenge: Jesus an Example of Forbearing Revenge: Keep Others from Taking Revenge: Proceeds from a Spiteful Heart Revenge: The Wicked are Earnest After Related Terms |
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