Topical Bible: Happiness of the Wicked: Haman

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Haman, a prominent figure in the Book of Esther, serves as a quintessential example of the fleeting and deceptive happiness experienced by the wicked. As an Agagite and a high-ranking official in the Persian Empire under King Xerxes (Ahasuerus), Haman's account is a vivid illustration of how the prosperity of the wicked is often short-lived and ultimately leads to their downfall.

Position and Power

Haman's rise to power is documented in Esther 3:1, where he is promoted above all the other officials. This elevation brings him great joy and satisfaction, as he relishes the honor and authority bestowed upon him. His happiness is further amplified by the king's command that all royal officials at the king's gate bow down and pay homage to him (Esther 3:2). This public recognition feeds Haman's pride and sense of superiority, contributing to his temporary happiness.

Hatred and Plot Against the Jews

Despite his high status, Haman's happiness is marred by his deep-seated hatred for Mordecai, a Jew who refuses to bow to him. This singular act of defiance infuriates Haman, leading him to devise a plan to annihilate not only Mordecai but all the Jews in the Persian Empire (Esther 3:5-6). Haman's happiness becomes intertwined with his malicious intent, as he finds satisfaction in the prospect of eradicating an entire people.

Haman's plot is sanctioned by King Xerxes, who issues a decree for the destruction of the Jews (Esther 3:10-11). This royal endorsement further inflates Haman's ego and sense of invincibility, as he believes his wicked plans are unstoppable. His happiness is rooted in his perceived success and the impending doom of his enemies.

The Downfall of Haman

However, Haman's happiness is short-lived. The narrative takes a dramatic turn when Queen Esther, herself a Jew, intervenes. Through a series of divinely orchestrated events, Esther reveals Haman's plot to the king, pleading for the salvation of her people (Esther 7:3-6). The king, enraged by Haman's treachery, orders his execution on the very gallows Haman had prepared for Mordecai (Esther 7:9-10).

Haman's account serves as a stark reminder of the transient nature of the happiness of the wicked. His initial joy and satisfaction, derived from power and malicious intent, quickly dissolve into despair and destruction. The Book of Esther highlights the biblical principle that the prosperity of the wicked is temporary and ultimately leads to their ruin, as seen in Proverbs 11:5, "The righteousness of the blameless directs their path, but the wicked fall by their own wickedness" .

Legacy and Lessons

Haman's legacy is one of infamy and serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride, hatred, and the pursuit of happiness through unrighteous means. His account underscores the biblical truth that true happiness and fulfillment are found not in the fleeting pleasures of wickedness but in righteousness and obedience to God.

Nave's Topical Index

Esther 5:9-11
Then went Haman forth that day joyful and with a glad heart: but when Haman saw Mordecai in the king's gate, that he stood not up, nor moved for him, he was full of indignation against Mordecai.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Important Question
... I ask, What can make a wicked man happy? ... So that whoever seeks happiness in applause
will infallibly be ... Then said Haman, Yet "all this profiteth me nothing ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 84 the important question.htm

Letter xvi. Charity.
... are strikingly illustrated in the story of Haman, which I ... or interest to promote
the welfare or happiness of others ... the law of God; while the wicked "rejoice to ...
/.../a practical directory for young christian females/letter xvi charity.htm

Women as Well as Men Capable of Perfection.
... tyrant's decree; him indeed she appeased, Haman she restrained ... to be her associate
in what is conducive to happiness. ... to make his own house wicked and licentious ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chap xix women as well as.htm

All the Day Long
... in your wish deprive the ungodly of their transient happiness. ... sooner than feast
with the king with Haman. ... be disturbed by seeing the prosperity of the wicked. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/all the day long.htm

A Few Sighs from Hell;
... lose this Christ, this food, this pleasure, this heaven, this happiness, for a ... Like
wicked Haman, that dreamed of greater honour, but behold a gallows; or our ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a few sighs from hell.htm

The Antiquities of the Jews
... Brethren, When Certain Dreams Had Foreshown His Future Happiness. ... He Did For The
Punishment Of The Wicked. ... 6. Concerning Esther And Mordecai And Haman; And How ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/

Walking with God
... I mean a enmity of man's desperately wicked and deceitful ... it will be one part of
our happiness in heaven ... It seems Haman thought it so when he boasted, Esther 5 ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/walking with god.htm

The Sixth Commandment
... the children of Israel.' Ezekiel 35:5. Haman hated Mordecai ... murdered when it is deprived
of its happiness, and is ... them, Drink ye wine;' so the wicked set pots ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 6 the sixth commandment.htm

Are You Mocked?
... a difference between the righteous and the wicked as there ... sought the young child
to destroy it; Haman has sought ... came in her eyes"all the happiness he will ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/are you mocked.htm

The Influence of the King James Version on English Literature
... wrote that "The genius of human happiness must tear ... Scott dismisses him with the
phrase: "The wicked man, saith ... Peppercull should hang as high as Haman ever did ...
/.../mcafee/study of the king james bible/lecture iv the influence of.htm