Title: The power of Haman (3: 1-4)
Contents
Haman's power (3:1-4)
* Haman, a wicked man who wants to destroy the Jews, appears. There was a gap of about 34 years between chapters 2 and 3 (Esther 3:7), during which Haman from Agag appeared as the second-in-command of the Persian Empire.
* The crisis of the Jews was due to Mordecai's religious incision and national historical background who did not yield to Haman.
Because Haman was an Agagite.
(Reference: 1 Samuel 15:32-33) “Samuel said to him, “Bring to me Agag, king of the Amalekites.” Agag rejoiced and said, “Truly, the agony of death is past.” Samuel said, “Your sword is with women. “Your mother will be childless, as she made them childless.” So he cut Agag into pieces before the LORD at Gilgal.”
* Haman was set up as an adversary to show that God loves His people and is still protecting them.
* Haman, meaning ‘dignified’ or ‘excellent’, is the son of Hammedada the Agagite and the Prime Minister of Persia.
1. Haman's career (v. 1)
* The fact that Haman was able to ascend to the high position of Persia even though he was an Agagite shows that the policy of King Ahasuerus was tolerant of all peoples.
* Haman was in a very lowly position. The reason is that if he had been in a high position, many would have easily paid homage to him. However, when he did not bow down to Haman, the king ordered him to bow down (see v. 2).
* Therefore, Haman is a man who suddenly rises to the ranks. So, I can't say that his personality was good. In the end, it can be thought that he obtained the position through his evil methods.
(Proverbs 29:2) “When the righteous increase, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan.”
2. Mordecai who does not bow down (verses 2 and 3)
* When Haman entered the palace gates, everyone bowed to pay their respects, but Mordecai did not bow. = There was no sign of fear on Mordecai's face, and it was not polite.
# It can be learned that there must be an outward difference between a believer and an unbeliever, just as the difference between Mordecai and his companions is clear.
3. Proclaiming Jew (v. 4)
* Mordecai said that the reason he did not bow to Haman was that he was a Jew and that he did not bow to obey God. This is to fear God and do not do what God wants us to do.
(Jon 1:9) “He answered, “I am a Hebrew, and I fear the Lord, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land.”