Topical Bible: The Death of the Wicked: Haman

Bible > Topical > The Death of the Wicked

◄ The Death of the Wicked: Haman ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Haman, a central figure in the Book of Esther, is often remembered as a symbol of pride, malice, and the ultimate downfall of the wicked. His account is a vivid illustration of the biblical principle that those who plot evil against God's people will face divine justice.

Background and Rise to Power

Haman, identified as the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, was elevated by King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I) to a position of great authority in the Persian Empire. "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" (Esther 3:1). His rise to power, however, was marred by his deep-seated animosity towards the Jews, particularly Mordecai, who refused to bow down to him.

Plot Against the Jews

Haman's hatred for Mordecai extended to all Jews, leading him to devise a plan to annihilate them throughout the Persian Empire. He manipulated King Ahasuerus into issuing a decree for their destruction, casting lots (Purim) to determine the date of their execution. "Then Haman said to King Xerxes, 'There is a certain people dispersed and scattered among the peoples in all the provinces of your kingdom whose customs are different from those of all other people and who do not obey the king’s laws; it is not in the king’s best interest to tolerate them'" (Esther 3:8).

Divine Reversal and Haman's Downfall

Haman's plot, however, was thwarted by the providential intervention of God through Queen Esther, who was herself a Jew. Esther courageously revealed her identity and Haman's scheme to the king, leading to a dramatic reversal of fortune. "So they hanged Haman on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the king’s fury subsided" (Esther 7:10). The very gallows Haman had constructed for Mordecai became the instrument of his own execution, illustrating the biblical theme that those who dig a pit for others will fall into it themselves (Proverbs 26:27).

Legacy and Theological Implications

Haman's death serves as a powerful reminder of the fate awaiting those who oppose God's people and purposes. His account is a testament to the sovereignty of God, who protects His covenant people and ensures that justice prevails. The celebration of Purim commemorates this deliverance, highlighting the joy and relief of the Jewish people at their unexpected salvation.

Haman's life and death underscore the biblical truth that pride and hatred lead to destruction, while humility and righteousness are rewarded. His account is a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and enmity, and it serves as a reminder of the ultimate triumph of good over evil in God's divine plan.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Esther 7:10
So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then was the king's wrath pacified.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Esther Before the King.
... one of his courtiers, a cruel and wicked man, to be ... Then was Haman filled with wrath
against Mordecai and his ... for not obeying this law being death, unless the ...
/.../anonymous/mother stories from the old testament/esther before the king.htm

The Wall Rebuilt.
... She was in a great strait, for it was death to enter the king's presence unbidden,
unless he were in the ... The adversary and enemy is this wicked Haman," she said ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson xiv the wall rebuilt.htm

Concerning Esther and Mordecai and Haman; and How in the Reign of ...
... of the Jews from the fear of death, and showed ... fellow devoted to destruction, were
not wicked men, but ... the former epistle, which was sent by Haman, ordered to ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 concerning esther and.htm

Esther, the Queen.
... any who so entered there was but one law, and that was that they be put to death,
unless the ... Then Esther said, "The adversary and enemy is this wicked Haman.". ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxxiv esther the queen.htm

Listen, My Brethren, to Death, Mocking the Evil One: that Caused ...
... Lot who overcame anger which is, thy likeness, Death: to his ... waters of the sea choked,
the senses of the wicked! ... was returned on the head, of Haman thy fellow! ...
/.../hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn lvii listen my brethren.htm

At this Time, Mardoch??us was among those Nearest to the King...
... Accordingly, Haman setting his mind to work the ruin of ... his kingdom a race of men
of wicked superstitions, and ... to hand over the whole of this nation to death. ...
/.../severus/life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter xiii at this time.htm

Demonstration xxi. --Of Persecution.
... Mordecai was persecuted by the wicked Haman; and Jesus was ... his people from the hands
of Haman; and Jesus by ... He saved the Church and her children from death. ...
/.../aphrahat/aphrahat select demonstrations/demonstration xxi of persecution.htm

A Little Sanctuary
... hunted by Jezebel, Mordecai was hated by Haman; and yet ... We are not kept apart from
the wicked by high ... the tremendous pass of the Shadow of Death, and hasten ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 34 1888/a little sanctuary.htm

Hebrew Captives; Or, Mordecai and Esther.
... man," said the lovely pleader, "is the wicked Haman." Darting one ... The attendants
simply spread a cloth over Haman's face, and not ... It was the sentence of death. ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/hebrew captives or mordecai and.htm

Queen Esther's Love for Her People
... the king's servants and the people of the king's provinces know that death is the ...
to do so?" Esther answered, "A foe, an enemy, this wicked Haman." Then Haman ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/queen esthers love for her.htm