Esther 3

  1. An eventful occasion arose for the empire when a man was elevated from his position of responsibility to a position that was the equivalent of Joseph’s (cf. Genesis 41:41ff). The position required due deference to any who came in contact with him (Haman). Mordecai, however, was not willing to bow before the man; no reason is given, but Mordecai had a conscientious objection to it. Haman was not going to let that stand (if you will); in fact, he appealed to the king that all the Jews who were in the empire be eradicated. This perplexed the people greatly.
  2. Application: The chapter does not make the king look good at all, but it makes him appear as a stooge – one who is led around by those serving under him. Of course, this is not accurate, as we will come to learn, but it does give one the impression. Moreover, what is to be said about Haman, but that he was insecure and radical in his “solution” to the problem of one failing to give due deference. The opportunity to have an amicable solution was put to a blustery wind and blown away.
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