The Minister Of Mayhem Series

The Minister of Mayhem

Esther 5: 9-14

Our text today follows Esther’s entrance before the king. She was received of Ahasuerus and promised that her request would be granted. She had invited Ahasuerus and Haman to a small banquet that served as an invitation to a larger banquet the following day – where she would reveal her petition to the king.

The passage before us focuses upon Haman. We have already considered the hatred he has for the Jews and the devious plot he presented unto the king. Having obtained promotion to second highest rank in the kingdom, and securing his desire for the annihilation of the Jews, Haman is feeling pretty good about himself and his efforts. He is convinced his efforts to rid the kingdom of the Jews, and Mordecai in particular, are going according to plan. Haman is on top of the world at this moment, and yet he has failed to recognize, or consider, the sovereign hand of God in the lives and well-being of the Jews.

As we move through our text, keep in mind that Haman stands as a picture of Satan, the enemy of the body of Christ. Although Satan is aware of the sovereignty of God, he continues to work against believers in an effort to defeat us and hinder our work for the Lord. In fact, he knows his time is limited and he appears to be working with more fervency as he anticipates the return of Christ. The church deals with the opposition of Satan, and those whom he has deceived, who are working to promote his agenda. As we consider the diabolical characteristics of Haman, I want to discuss: The Minister of Mayhem.

I. The Disposition of Haman (9-11) – These verses reveal the sinful, arrogant disposition of Haman, and how his disposition influenced his behavior. Consider:

A. His Assumption (9a) – Then went Haman forth that day joyful and with a glad heart. Haman has just left the initial banquet with Esther and Ahasuerus. He had already been promoted to second in command, and now he has been invited to a private meeting the following day. Haman feels as if he is on top of the world. His stature and influence within the kingdom continue to grow. Apart from Ahasuerus, he feels he is the most influential and powerful man in the Persian Empire. It appears Haman believed there were no limits to his success and prosperity.

This is the defining characteristic of Satan himself. He was a beautiful angel, created of God, and yet pride consumed him. He desired the worship that God received and desired to possess the position God held. His pride and rebellion were the reasons he was cast out of heaven. Those whom Satan influences are often filled with great pride and arrogance. He deceives them to believe there is no limit to their sinful ambitions. He often lifts them up within their circles of influence to encourage their arrogance and resolve to his agenda.

B. His Anger (9b) – 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. The great jubilation Haman felt following his meeting with the king and queen was short lived. As he left the palace, he encountered Mordecai. As usual, Mordecai refused to bow before Haman or show him any honor. His joy quickly turned to indignation – a burning rage and anger toward Mordecai. Sadly, his hatred for Mordecai and the Jews held greater influence over Haman than the positions of influence he had acquired within the kingdom. His hatred was so strong that it consumed his being, becoming the driving force in his life. Prov.16:18 – Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

Unfortunately this is often the case when the love of Christ is absent in the heart of an individual. While one’s life is consumed and dictated by sin, godly characteristics such as love and compassion are rarely seen. Those who are bound by Satan, and influenced by his evil ways, often can’t enjoy what they possess because their lives are consumed with jealousy, anger, or hatred toward another. Being set free from the bondage of sin through salvation in Christ is the only solution for such behavior. He alone can cleanse from sin and replace hatred with love.

C. His Assessment (10a) – Nevertheless Haman refrained himself. Haman was extremely wicked, but he was not foolish. He refrained from acting in haste during this moment of rage. He knew the decree had been signed, and I am sure he felt as if Mordecai’s day of reckoning would eventually come. He also didn’t want to be guilty of acting independently, apart from the approval of the king. Mordecai was seated within the king’s gate, where he was usually found. Persian law protected those who sat within the king’s gate. An assault on someone sitting in the king’s gate was viewed as an attack on the king. Haman chose to ignore Mordecai for now, but his hatred would motivate another plan to rid the kingdom of this man he viewed with disdain.