July 31, 2023
Please use the comment section on this page to share insights from today’s reading OR your own personal Bible reading.
Reading along with us in Esther? Here’s today’s reading:
Esther 3 (NIV)
Haman’s Plot to Destroy the Jews
1 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. 2 All the royal officials at the king’s gate knelt down and paid honor to Haman, for the king had commanded this concerning him. But Mordecai would not kneel down or pay him honor.…..Continue Reading
Haman thought so highly of himself that when Mordecai didn`t bow down to him he was infuriated that he not only wanted to kill Mordecai but all the Jewish people. The other princes probably hated Mordecai also for that is why they brought him up to Haman. Mordecai was only following his Lord. Only to bow down before God Almighty and no other. Just has Daniel did in earlier times. Mordecai was a man with strong principles and convictions which he got from loving the Lord his God with all his heart, soul, mind, and strength. He had taught Hadassah [ Esther ] well for it shows in her love and respect for him in coming to him for his guidance in the next chapter 4. Although I am not sure he would had killed his enemies unless he had to. But that is only my opinion. Maybe he would had as Esther does in latter chapters. God does say ; Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. [ Romans 12;19c ] God has mercy but we as humans don`t so maybe we would had been like Esther destroying her enemies like they tried to destroy her and her people. Our thoughts should be what would Jesus do/ [ Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how ye ought to answer every man. ] Colossians 4;5,6.
Esther 3
Haman was clearly extremely proud and extremely insecure! To take such a harsh reaction to Mordecai’s refusal to bow to him is ridiculous! He is also manipulative and sneaky to then convince the king to sign and put into action this heinous decree.
Esther 3
Esther 3
One does wonder why Mordecai does not bow down to Haman, because it need not be in deference to him but also to the king. It could have been conviction about honoring God and no other or about what kind of man Haman was. I see in it as well God orchestrating things knowing how Haman will react, and God not wanting a man like Haman, who is so opposed to His people, in a place of authority. But Haman shows his true colors by not just wanting to bring retribution on Mordecai, but on all the Jews as well. He shows further his evil heart by presenting his plan to annihilate the Jews in a conniving way. How cheap life was considered In that day that the king would grant his request without much consideration. How much Jesus and His people raised the value of human life amongst those cultures that are influenced by Him. But Naman does’t know, like many unbelievers don’t know, that God does not take kindly to people coming after His people. He will prove to an unassailable enemy as He orchestrates things from the start. He is behind even the date that is set. How important that the twelfth month was drawn, which gives God plenty of time and opportunity to turn the tables on Haman. We can be glad that He is on our side as well. We just need to make sure we live in a way consistent with His ways to free Him to be to us everything we need Him to be.
Esther 3
Hi Gordy! Good to have you back!
Haman was outraged at Mordecai for not honoring him, so he wants to kill all the Jews. Haman is so determined to do this that he is willing to pay the king to destroy the Jews. “The king and Haman sat down to drink, but the city of Susa was bewildered.” Yes, I can understand that. It makes no sense, there must be a satanic force in play.
Haman (&Satan) = enemy of the Jews (&Christians)