Topical Bible: Hatred: Haman

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Haman, a central figure in the Book of Esther, is often remembered for his intense hatred and animosity towards the Jewish people, particularly Mordecai. His account is a vivid illustration of how personal vendettas and unchecked pride can lead to widespread evil and destruction.

Background and Rise to Power

Haman, identified as the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, was elevated to a position of great authority by King Ahasuerus (Xerxes) of Persia. The king promoted Haman above all the other officials, commanding that all royal servants at the king's gate bow down and pay homage to him (Esther 3:1-2). This elevation set the stage for Haman's deep-seated hatred to manifest.

Hatred Towards Mordecai and the Jews

Haman's hatred was ignited by Mordecai, a Jew who refused to bow down or pay homage to him. Mordecai's refusal was not merely an act of defiance but was rooted in his Jewish faith and identity, which prohibited such acts of reverence to anyone but God. Haman's reaction was one of fury, and he sought not only to punish Mordecai but to annihilate all Jews throughout the kingdom (Esther 3:5-6).

Haman's hatred was not limited to Mordecai alone; it extended to all Jews, whom he viewed as a threat to his power and position. He manipulated King Ahasuerus by presenting the Jews as a rebellious and dangerous people, persuading the king to issue a decree for their destruction (Esther 3:8-9).

The Plot and Its Downfall

Haman's plot involved casting lots, or "Purim," to determine the most auspicious day for the massacre of the Jews. He secured the king's approval and sent out edicts to all provinces, setting a date for the extermination (Esther 3:12-13). However, Haman's plans were thwarted by the courage and wisdom of Queen Esther, who revealed her Jewish identity to the king and exposed Haman's plot during a banquet (Esther 7:3-6).

The king, realizing the gravity of Haman's treachery, ordered that Haman be hanged on the very gallows he had prepared for Mordecai (Esther 7:9-10). This dramatic reversal highlights the biblical theme of divine justice and the downfall of the wicked.

Legacy and Significance

Haman's account serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive power of hatred and pride. His actions are a stark reminder of the potential for evil when personal grievances are allowed to fester and grow unchecked. The Jewish festival of Purim commemorates the deliverance of the Jews from Haman's plot, celebrating the triumph of good over evil and the providential care of God for His people.

Haman's hatred, rooted in personal vendetta and ethnic animosity, stands as a powerful example of how such emotions can lead to one's downfall and the importance of standing firm in faith and righteousness.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Esther 3:5,6
And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full of wrath.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Net Spread
... From Mordecai onwards it has been so, and Europe is to-day disgraced by a crusade
against them less excusable than Haman's. Hatred still masks itself under the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the net spread.htm

The Ministry of Love, the Blasphemy of Hatred, and the Mistakes of ...
... THE MINISTRY OF LOVE, THE BLASPHEMY OF HATRED, AND THE MISTAKES OF EARTHLY AFFECTION -
THE RETURN TO ... on Luke 8:3) reads in the genealogy of Haman (in Sopher. ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxii the ministry of.htm

Concerning Esther and Mordecai and Haman; and How in the Reign of ...
... slain, and that he was himself the occasion of the wrath of Haman, "Because," said ...
the utmost danger of perishing; as also that he would excite a hatred in the ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 concerning esther and.htm

Esther
... Its aggressive fanaticism and fierce hatred of all that lay outside of Judaism were ...
foster-father of Esther, who refuses to do obeisance to Haman, a powerful ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/esther.htm

The Sixth Commandment
... Because thou hast had a perpetual hatred, and hast shed the blood of the children
of Israel.' Ezekiel 35:5. Haman hated Mordecai because he would not bow to him ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 6 the sixth commandment.htm

The Net Broken
... and bade him and Esther do as they liked, as when he had given it to Haman. ... among
the lackeys at the gate, or are bearing the brunt of the hatred of powerful ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the net broken.htm

The Saint's Heritage and Watchword
... of the promise. Haman had conceived a hatred to Mordecai, and for his
sake the whole race of Jews must perish. How deep he lays ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 50 1904/the saints heritage and watchword.htm

Are You Mocked?
... into open persecution"Herod has sought the young child to destroy it; Haman has
sought to ... until we come into that state of grace there is a hatred or contempt ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/are you mocked.htm

Of Querulousness.
... are usually such as Ahab's for his neighbor's vineyard, Haman's for Mordecai's ... love
of ourselves, yet are very apt to terminate in hatred and Blasphemies ...
/.../allestree/the government of the tongue/section x of querulousness.htm

The Life of Mr. John Welch.
... when he came first to the town, the country was so wicked and the hatred of godliness ...
Not one book is to be given to Haman, suppose he were as great a courtier ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr john 5.htm