Haman, a prominent figure in the Book of Esther, serves as a quintessential example of the fleeting and deceptive happiness of 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 temporary prosperity and power can lead to downfall when rooted in malice and pride.

Rise to Power and Initial Happiness

Haman's ascent to power is marked by significant favor from King Xerxes, who elevates him above all other officials (Esther 3:1). This elevation brings Haman immense satisfaction and happiness, as he relishes the honor and authority bestowed upon him. His joy 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). Haman's happiness, however, is superficial, rooted in external validation and the subjugation of others.

The Source of Haman's Discontent

Despite his high status, Haman's happiness is marred by the refusal of Mordecai, a Jew, to bow down or pay him homage (Esther 3:5). This singular act of defiance becomes an obsession for Haman, revealing the fragility of his contentment. His inability to tolerate Mordecai's disobedience exposes the insecurity and pride underlying his happiness. Haman's reaction is not merely personal but extends to a genocidal plot against all Jews in the kingdom, demonstrating how his happiness is intertwined with malice and hatred (Esther 3:6).

The Illusion of Security

Haman's happiness reaches its peak when he secures the king's approval to annihilate the Jews, casting lots (Purim) to determine the date of their destruction (Esther 3:7-11). He is further emboldened by the king's trust, symbolized by the giving of the king's signet ring, which grants him the authority to issue decrees in the king's name. Haman's sense of security and triumph is, however, an illusion, as it is built on the foundation of wickedness and injustice.

The Downfall of Haman

The turning point in Haman's account occurs when Queen Esther, herself a Jew, reveals his plot to King Xerxes during a banquet (Esther 7:1-6). Haman's happiness quickly unravels as the king's wrath is kindled against him. The very gallows Haman had constructed for Mordecai becomes the instrument of his own execution (Esther 7:9-10). This dramatic reversal underscores the biblical principle that the happiness of the wicked is temporary and ultimately leads to destruction.

Biblical Reflections on the Happiness of the Wicked

Haman's account is a powerful reminder of the biblical truth articulated in Proverbs: "The LORD's curse is on the house of the wicked, but He blesses the home of the righteous" (Proverbs 3:33). The fleeting nature of Haman's happiness serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride, hatred, and the pursuit of power at the expense of righteousness. His life exemplifies the Psalmist's observation: "For the arms of the wicked will be broken, but the LORD upholds the righteous" (Psalm 37:17).

In the narrative of Haman, the Bible provides a profound lesson on the ultimate futility of wickedness and the transient nature of the happiness it brings.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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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

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