Background and Context:
Haman, the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, is a prominent figure in the Book of Esther, serving as a high-ranking official in the Persian Empire under King Xerxes (Ahasuerus). His account is set during the Jewish exile in Persia, a time when the Jewish people were living under foreign rule and often faced hostility and persecution.

Haman's Rise to Power:
Haman's ascent to power is documented in Esther 3:1, where he is promoted by King Xerxes above all other officials. This elevation grants him significant authority and influence within the empire. The king commands that all royal officials at the king's gate bow down and pay homage to Haman, a decree that sets the stage for the conflict between Haman and Mordecai.

Mordecai's Refusal:
Mordecai, a Jew and a relative of Queen Esther, refuses to bow down or pay homage to Haman. This act of defiance is recorded in Esther 3:2: "But Mordecai would not bow down or pay homage." Mordecai's refusal is rooted in his Jewish faith, which prohibits idol worship and the veneration of human beings as divine.

Haman's Anger:
Haman's reaction to Mordecai's refusal is one of intense anger and indignation. Esther 3:5 states, "When Haman saw that Mordecai would not bow down or pay him homage, he was filled with rage." Haman's anger is not merely personal but becomes a catalyst for a broader plan of vengeance against the entire Jewish population within the Persian Empire.

The Plot Against the Jews:
Haman's wrath leads him to devise a plan to annihilate all the Jews in the empire. He presents his scheme to King Xerxes, manipulating the king by portraying the Jews as a rebellious and dangerous people. Esther 3:8-9 records Haman's words to the king: "There is a certain people scattered and dispersed among the peoples in all the provinces of your kingdom who keep themselves separate. Their laws are different from those of all other people, and they do not obey the king’s laws; it is not in the king’s best interest to tolerate them. If it pleases the king, let a decree be issued to destroy them."

Casting Lots (Purim):
To determine the date for the execution of his plan, Haman casts lots, known as "Pur" in Hebrew. This event is significant as it leads to the establishment of the Jewish festival of Purim, commemorating the deliverance of the Jewish people from Haman's plot.

Haman's Downfall:
Despite his initial success in securing the king's approval for his genocidal plan, Haman's anger and pride ultimately lead to his downfall. Through a series of divinely orchestrated events, Queen Esther reveals Haman's plot to the king, and Haman is executed on the very gallows he had prepared for Mordecai (Esther 7:9-10).

Theological Implications:
Haman's anger toward Mordecai and his subsequent actions serve as a powerful narrative of divine justice and providence. The account illustrates the dangers of pride, hatred, and the persecution of God's people, while also highlighting God's faithfulness in protecting and delivering His chosen people from their enemies.