Esther 5:10

Nevertheless, Haman restrained himself and went home. And calling for his friends and his wife Zeresh,

Study Bible

Nevertheless, Haman restrained himself
The word "nevertheless" indicates a contrast or a turning point in the narrative. Haman, despite his anger and frustration, chooses to exercise self-control. The Hebrew root for "restrained" is "אָפַק" (afak), which means to hold back or contain oneself. This moment of restraint is significant, as it shows Haman's ability to suppress his immediate emotions for a strategic purpose. In a broader biblical context, self-control is a virtue often highlighted in Scripture, such as in Proverbs 16:32, which states, "Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city." Haman's restraint, however, is not born out of righteousness but rather a calculated move to further his own agenda.

and went home
The phrase "went home" signifies a retreat to a personal space, a place of comfort and privacy. In the ancient Near Eastern context, one's home was not only a physical dwelling but also a symbol of one's status and personal life. Haman's return home suggests a moment of introspection and planning. It is a pause in the narrative where Haman seeks solace and counsel from those closest to him. This action reflects a common human tendency to seek refuge and advice from familiar surroundings and trusted individuals when faced with challenges.

And calling for his friends and his wife Zeresh
The act of "calling for his friends and his wife Zeresh" indicates Haman's reliance on his inner circle for support and counsel. In the Hebrew culture, family and friends played a crucial role in decision-making processes. The mention of "friends" suggests that Haman had a network of allies who shared in his ambitions and possibly his animosity towards the Jews. His wife, Zeresh, is specifically named, highlighting her influence and partnership in Haman's life. The inclusion of Zeresh in this narrative underscores the importance of spousal support and counsel in biblical times. This gathering of confidants sets the stage for the subsequent events, where Haman's pride and plans are further revealed. In a spiritual sense, this moment serves as a reminder of the impact that one's close relationships can have on their decisions and actions, for better or worse.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Haman
A high-ranking official in the Persian Empire, Haman is the antagonist in the Book of Esther. He is filled with pride and anger, particularly towards Mordecai, a Jew who refuses to bow to him.

2. Mordecai
A Jew living in Susa, the capital of the Persian Empire, and the cousin of Queen Esther. Mordecai's refusal to bow to Haman sets off a chain of events that lead to Haman's plot against the Jews.

3. Esther
The Jewish queen of King Xerxes (Ahasuerus) of Persia. She plays a crucial role in the deliverance of the Jewish people from Haman's plot.

4. Susa
The capital of the Persian Empire, where the events of the Book of Esther take place.

5. Haman's House
A place of personal significance to Haman, where he gathers his friends and wife to boast about his wealth, status, and plans.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Pride
Haman's pride blinds him to the reality of his situation and leads to his downfall. As Christians, we must guard against pride and seek humility.

The Importance of Patience and Trust in God's Timing
Mordecai and Esther demonstrate patience and trust in God's timing, which ultimately leads to their deliverance. We should learn to wait on the Lord and trust His plans.

The Power of Influence and Counsel
Haman's friends and wife encourage his destructive plans. This highlights the importance of surrounding ourselves with godly counsel and being cautious of the influence others have on us.

God's Sovereignty in Human Affairs
Despite Haman's plans, God is in control and works through Esther and Mordecai to protect His people. We can trust that God is sovereign over our lives and circumstances.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Haman's reaction to Mordecai's refusal to bow reflect the dangers of pride in our own lives?

2. In what ways can we practice humility in our daily interactions, and how does this align with biblical teachings?

3. How does the account of Esther and Mordecai encourage us to trust in God's timing, even when we face difficult situations?

4. What can we learn from Haman's choice of friends and advisors about the importance of seeking godly counsel?

5. How does the sovereignty of God, as demonstrated in the Book of Esther, provide comfort and assurance in your current life circumstances?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Proverbs 16:18
This verse speaks to the theme of pride leading to destruction, which is evident in Haman's character and actions.

James 4:6
This New Testament verse highlights God's opposition to the proud and His favor towards the humble, reflecting the eventual downfall of Haman and the rise of Mordecai.

Psalm 37:12-13
These verses describe how the wicked plot against the righteous, but the Lord laughs at them, knowing their day is coming, paralleling Haman's plot against Mordecai and the Jews.