1 After these things King Ahasuerus promoted Haman the Agagite, the son of Hammedatha, and advanced him and set his throne above all the officials who were with him.
2 And all the king’s servants who were at the king’s gate bowed down and paid homage to Haman, for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai did not bow down or pay homage.
3 Then the king’s servants who were at the king’s gate said to Mordecai, “Why do you transgress the king’s command?”
4 Now when they spoke to him day after day and he would not listen to them, they told Haman, in order to see whether Mordecai’s words would stand, for he had told them that he was a Jew.
5 And when Haman saw that Mordecai did not bow down or pay homage to him, Haman was filled with fury.
6 But he disdained to lay hands on Mordecai alone. So, as they had made known to him the people of Mordecai, Haman sought to destroy all the Jews, the people of Mordecai, throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus.
7 In the first month, which is the month of Nisan, in the twelfth year of King Ahasuerus, they cast Pur (that is, they cast lots) before Haman day after day; and they cast it month after month till the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar.
8 Then Haman said to King Ahasuerus, “There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the peoples in all the provinces of your kingdom. Their laws are different from those of every other people, and they do not keep the king’s laws, so that it is not to the king’s profit to tolerate them.
9 If it please the king, let it be decreed that they be destroyed, and I will pay 10,000 talents of silver into the hands of those who have charge of the king’s business, that they may put it into the king’s treasuries.”
10 So the king took his signet ring from his hand and gave it to Haman the Agagite, the son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews.
11 And the king said to Haman, “The money is given to you, the people also, to do with them as it seems good to you.”
12 Then the king’s scribes were summoned on the thirteenth day of the first month, and an edict, according to all that Haman commanded, was written to the king’s satraps and to the governors over all the provinces and to the officials of all the peoples, to every province in its own script and every people in its own language. It was written in the name of King Ahasuerus and sealed with the king’s signet ring.
13 Letters were sent by couriers to all the king’s provinces with instruction to destroy, to kill, and to annihilate all Jews, young and old, women and children, in one day, the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar, and to plunder their goods.
14 A copy of the document was to be issued as a decree in every province by proclamation to all the peoples to be ready for that day.
15 The couriers went out hurriedly by order of the king, and the decree was issued in Susa the citadel. And the king and Haman sat down to drink, but the city of Susa was thrown into confusion.
The True Meaning of Esther 3
The book of Esther was likely written by Mordecai, a Jewish exile living in Persia during the reign of King Xerxes. Mordecai was a wise and influential man who played a crucial role in the events described in this chapter. A wicked plot against the Jewish people living in the Persian Empire rises in Esther 3. Haman, a high-ranking official, seeks to destroy the Jews, unaware that the queen, Esther, is herself a Jew. This chapter sets the stage for a dramatic confrontation, where Esther must find the courage to reveal her true identity and intercede on behalf of her people. This passage reminds us of the timeless struggle between good and evil, and the importance of standing up for one’s faith and convictions, even in the face of great adversity as we read it. The events in Esther 3 echo the themes of deliverance and divine providence found throughout the Scriptures, from the Exodus story in the book of Exodus to the prophecies of Daniel.
Esther 3:1-6
Haman, an Agagite and the enemy of the Jews, rises to power in the Persian Empire in Esther 3:1-6, signifying a significant shift in the story of Esther. It begins with King Xerxes promoting Haman to a position of great authority, even above all the other nobles in his kingdom. The king commands that all the royal officials at the king’s gate should kneel down and pay honor to Haman. However, there is one man who refuses to bow down – Mordecai, a Jew who is Esther’s cousin and who had been instrumental in foiling a plot against the king’s life.
Mordecai’s refusal to bow down to Haman is deeply rooted in his faith and his loyalty to God. Mordecai, as a Jew, understands the commandments of God, including the prohibition against bowing down to anyone or anything other than the Lord Himself (Exodus 20:3-5). His act of defiance against Haman is not only a display of his loyalty to God, but also a foreshadowing of the conflict that will soon arise between the Jews and their enemies.
Haman, upon noticing Mordecai’s refusal to kneel before him, becomes filled with rage. Instead of simply dealing with Mordecai, Haman seeks to destroy all the Jews throughout the entire Persian Empire. He cunningly manipulates King Xerxes into issuing a decree to annihilate all the Jews on a specific day. Haman casts pur (lots) to determine the day for the annihilation of the Jews, hence the term “Purim” which later becomes a festival of celebration for the Jews (Esther 9:26-32).
This passage shows the timeless struggle between good and evil, as evidenced by the conflict between Mordecai and Haman. Mordecai’s unwavering faith and courage to stand up against evil, even at great personal risk, exemplify the importance of remaining steadfast in one’s beliefs. It also demonstrates that acts of defiance against wickedness can have far-reaching consequences and may even lead to the redemption and deliverance of God’s people, as will be seen through Esther’s bravery in the subsequent chapters. The story of Esther and the events unfolding in chapter 3 emphasize the sovereignty of God over the affairs of men in a broader context. Despite the evil schemes of Haman, God is working behind the scenes to protect His people and fulfill His purposes. This serves as a powerful reminder that no matter the challenges or adversaries we face, God is ultimately in control and can turn the plans of the enemy for good (Romans 8:28). The story of Esther ultimately points to the providential care of God and His faithfulness in preserving His people, even in the midst of great danger and opposition.
Esther 3:7-11
Esther 3:7-11 provides us with a glimpse into the character of Haman, one of the primary antagonists in the book of Esther. The passage begins by describing how King Xerxes elevated Haman to a position of power, above all the other nobles in his court. This action alone serves to showcase the immense power and authority that Haman wielded, setting the stage for the subsequent events in the story.
Haman’s pride and arrogance are further highlighted in these verses as we see him demanding that all the royal officials at the king’s gate kneel down and pay him homage. This display of power and insistence on being revered demonstrates Haman’s lust for control and adoration. His desire for absolute authority and recognition leads him to seek not only personal glory but to enforce it through oppressive and degrading means.
The refusal of Mordecai, a Jew who held a prominent position in the king’s gate, to bow down to Haman incites the deep-seated anger and resentment within Haman. Mordecai’s allegiance to God and refusal to bow to anyone other than the Almighty reflects his unwavering faith and commitment. This defiance sets the stage for the unfolding conflict between Haman and the Jewish people, serving as a testament to the courage and steadfastness of those who remain faithful to their beliefs and convictions, even in the face of immense pressure.
Haman’s response to Mordecai’s refusal is drastic and extreme. He does not simply seek retribution against Mordecai alone but determines to exterminate all the Jews throughout the kingdom of Xerxes. This malicious intent to annihilate an entire race underscores the depths of Haman’s depravity and hate. This genocidal plot forms the crux of the narrative in the book of Esther, showcasing the grave consequences of unchecked pride, prejudice, and malice.
Through the character of Haman, the book of Esther highlights timeless lessons about the destructive nature of pride, the dangers of seeking power for selfish gain, and the importance of remaining steadfast in one’s faith, even in the face of persecution. It serves as a stark reminder of the impact of one individual’s actions on an entire community and the ultimate triumph of good over evil through divine intervention. The story of Esther and the defiance of Mordecai against Haman’s tyranny echoes throughout the Bible, resonating with themes of faith, courage, and the providence of God in the face of adversity.
Esther 3:12-15
The verses in Esther 3:12-15 begin by stating that King Xerxes summoned the royal secretaries to write up his decrees on the thirteenth day of the first month. Haman, the antagonist in the Book of Esther, had successfully manipulated the king into issuing a decree authorizing the destruction of all the Jews throughout the Persian Empire. The methodical planning and execution of this edict highlights the insidious nature of Haman’s plot to annihilate Mordecai and his people.
Haman’s selection of the day and month for the destruction of the Jews was done through the casting of lots, a common practice in the ancient world that was believed to reveal divine will. The use of lots in this context underscores the perversion of spiritual practices for personal gain and the manipulation of events for nefarious purposes. It demonstrates Haman’s reliance on superstition rather than faith in the true God.
The decree was dispatched to all the king’s provinces, commanding the people to annihilate, kill, and destroy all Jews—young and old, women and children—in a single day, the thirteenth day of the twelfth month. This genocidal act planned by Haman against the Jews is a heinous display of hatred and prejudice. It echoes other instances in history where entire communities have been targeted because of their faith, ethnicity, or beliefs. The Book of Esther provides a poignant reminder of the dangers of unchecked power, discrimination, and the pervasive presence of evil in the world.
The closing verse of this passage mentions that the couriers rushed out, and the edict was also issued in the citadel of Susa where the king and Haman sat down to drink, but the city of Susa was bewildered. While the king and Haman were callously celebrating the impending massacre with revelry, the city of Susa was in a state of confusion and distress. This contrast illustrates the disparity between the obliviousness of those in power and the imminent danger faced by the vulnerable and marginalized. Humanity’s capacity for evil and the suffering that can result from unchecked hatred and prejudice are witnessed in this passage. The Book of Esther serves as a powerful narrative that highlights the importance of courage, faith, and standing up against injustice. It also underscores the ultimate triumph of good over evil and the providential protection of God’s people, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. Believers are reminded of the call to stand firm in the face of persecution and trust in God’s sovereignty as they reflect on Esther’s bravery in risking her life to save her people and Mordecai’s unwavering commitment to his faith.”
After Esther 3
The reverend solemnly closed the book and gazed upon the congregation. “And so, Haman’s wicked plot unfolded, sowing seeds of fear and division. Yet, as we have seen, the hand of God was at work, guiding the course of events. What challenges now await our heroine, Esther? How will she navigate the treacherous waters ahead? We shall soon discover, for the next chapter holds the answers we seek. We turn the page and continue our journey, trusting in the divine providence that has brought us this far.”
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.