Haman’s Sinister Scheme Series

Haman’s Sinister Scheme

Esther 3: 8-15

While Esther, Mordecai, and the Jews within Persia may have rejoiced in Esther being crowned as queen, they would soon find themselves dealing with an executive order from Ahasuerus that would strike fear in their hearts. The hatred Haman had for Mordecai had driven him to desperate measures. Although he had no idea that God was sovereignly preserving the Jews, he sought to rid the empire of them.

You and I can look at this passage with a measure of confidence. We have read the story, and we know how it will end. However, the average Jew in Persia at that time was living this story in real time. No doubt they were filled with unimaginable horror at what they perceived as their eventual death at the hands of evil men. We too know that God is sovereign in our lives. We know that we are secure in the hand of Christ, and yet we allow the struggles of life to create terror and worry in our lives. Regardless of what we face in life, we must continue to rest in the Lord, knowing He is more than able to sustain us throughout life.

I want to examine the elements of this evil plan as we discuss: Haman’s Sinister Scheme.

I. A Heinous Plot (8-11) – Here we discover the heinous plot that Haman sought to fulfill. Consider:

A. The Agenda (8) – We must bear in mind that this all came about due to Haman’s hatred of Mordecai and his prejudice toward the Jews. He was a descendant of Amalek, possessing a hatred for the people of Israel. Mordecai had refused to submit to Haman’s authority. Once Haman discovered Mordecai was a Jew, he reasoned the Jews needed to be eradicated. Haman approached the king and portrayed the Jews as a people who refused to obey the laws of the land, promoting rebellion among the Persians. He urged the king to respond to this threat. Haman felt as if the king could no longer tolerate the Jews within the land.

Satan has sought to hinder and destroy the people of God since the first of creation. Throughout the Bible we see his hand being raised against those who sought to serve the Lord. He even tried to kill Jesus as a baby, seeking to hinder Him from fulfilling God’s plan of redemption. He continues to work against the church today, seeking to hinder and destroy all he can. We must be wise to the evil schemes of the enemy.

B. The Appeal (9) – Haman sought favor before Ahasuerus. He presented his evil plan and desired the approval of the king. He was careful not to be perceived as one who sought to usurp the authority of the king. His hatred for the Jews was so intense, he was willing to pay 10,000 talents of silver, from his own money, in order to eliminate them.

Those who seek to prevent the plans and purposes of God seldom act alone. Haman knew he needed the support of the king if his evil plan was to be successful. Satan seeks to unite humanity against the church, striving to hinder the divine purposes of God. He continues to portray the church and those who follow Christ as the problem within society. He wants the world to believe they would be in a better position if the church ceased to exist.

Many spend their lives and much of their possessions in an effort to silence and defeat the church. Little do they know that their efforts are futile. They are unaware of the severing hand of God that preserves the church. We may endure persecution and physical affliction, but the church will never face destruction! We belong to the Lord and He is coming again for His church!

C. The Approval (10) – Ahasuerus offered his ring to Haman in order to seal the decree with his approval. This gave Haman the support he needed to fulfill his sinister plan. Although his accusations were without merit, he had gained the approval of the king.

Having read the book of Esther, we know Ahasuerus had no idea the implications this would have for his new queen. Without any investigation or consideration, he readily approved of Haman’s scheme. Prov.18:13 – "He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him." Our world continues to be influenced by those who promote Satan’s agenda. They have no basis or facts for their hatred of the church, but they readily oppose the Lord’s agenda because others around them encourage such behavior. Sadly, ignorance will be no excuse when men stand before the Lord in judgment. Apart from a relationship with Christ in salvation, they will stand condemned before the holy and righteous Judge.