Character Study Of Haman Series

CHARACTER STUDY OF HAMAN – WICKED OFFICIAL WHO PLOTTED AGAINST THE JEWS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Esther 3:8

"Then Haman said unto King Ahasuerus, There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of thy kingdom; and their laws are diverse from all people; neither keep they the king’s laws: therefore it is not for the king’s profit to suffer them." –

Supporting Texts:

Esther 3:1-15, Esther 5:9-14, Esther 6:4-13, Esther 7:1-10

INTRODUCTION

Haman was a high-ranking official in the Persian Empire during the reign of King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I). He was an Amalekite, an enemy of the Jews, and became the chief antagonist in the Book of Esther.

Haman's hatred for the Jews, particularly for Mordecai, drove him to plot their destruction. His story highlights the dangers of pride, hatred, and seeking personal revenge.

Though Haman appeared powerful, his wickedness led to his downfall, showing that no evil plot against God's people will succeed.

1. HAMAN'S RISE TO POWER

a) Haman was promoted by King Ahasuerus (Esther 3:1)

He was elevated above all the other princes in the Persian kingdom, becoming the king’s second-in-command. This position gave him immense power and influence over the affairs of the empire.

b) The king commanded everyone to honour Haman (Esther 3:2)

The officials and subjects of Persia were ordered to bow before Haman as a sign of respect. This shows that Haman was highly favoured by the king.

c) His position led to arrogance (Esther 3:5)

Instead of using his influence wisely, he allowed pride and arrogance to take control of him. He expected absolute obedience from all people, considering himself untouchable.

d) His authority made him dangerous (Esther 3:10)

The king trusted him so much that he gave him his signet ring, allowing him to make royal decrees in the king’s name. This power enabled Haman to plan evil without opposition.

e) Biblical Example: Pharaoh also misused his power to oppress the Israelites (Exodus 1:8-14).

2. HAMAN'S HATRED FOR MORDECAI AND THE JEWS

a) Mordecai refused to bow to Haman (Esther 3:2)

Unlike others, Mordecai, a devout Jew, did not bow to Haman. This act of defiance deeply offended Haman, as he saw it as an insult to his status.

b) Haman sought revenge against all Jews (Esther 3:6)

Instead of punishing only Mordecai, Haman plotted to destroy the entire Jewish race in Persia. His hatred was not just personal but extended to all of Mordecai’s people.

c) He deceived the king to issue a decree against the Jews (Esther 3:8-10)

Haman falsely accused the Jews of disobedience and rebellion, convincing the king to authorise their extermination.

d) He set a date for their destruction (Esther 3:13)

He planned the massacre months in advance and ensured it was announced across the empire, showing his deep-seated cruelty.

e) Biblical Example: King Herod also sought to destroy the Jews by killing baby boys in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:16).

3. HAMAN’S PLOT AGAINST MORDECAI

a) Haman’s anger against Mordecai increased (Esther 5:9)

Even after securing a decree to destroy the Jews, Haman remained bitter because Mordecai still refused to bow to him.

b) He planned to hang Mordecai on a gallows (Esther 5:14)

Encouraged by his wife and friends, he built a gallows 50 cubits high (about 75 feet) to execute Mordecai publicly.

c) His plan backfired (Esther 6:6-11)

When Haman went to seek the king’s permission to execute Mordecai, he was instead forced to honour him by leading him in a royal parade.

d) He did not realise that God was working behind the scenes (Esther 6:13)

His wife and friends warned him that if Mordecai was a Jew, his downfall was inevitable.

e) Biblical Example: The enemies of Daniel also plotted against him but were later destroyed (Daniel 6:24).

4. HAMAN’S DOWNFALL AND DEATH

a) Queen Esther exposed Haman’s plot (Esther 7:3-6)

She revealed that Haman was the enemy who planned to destroy her people.

b) The king became angry and condemned Haman (Esther 7:7)

Ahasuerus realised he had been deceived and turned against Haman.

c) Haman’s pleading led to further disgrace (Esther 7:8)

He fell on Esther’s couch to beg for his life, but it was misinterpreted as an assault.

d) He was hanged on the same gallows he built for Mordecai (Esther 7:9-10)

His own wickedness led to his swift and humiliating death.

e) Biblical Example: Goliath was also destroyed by the very people he sought to oppress (1 Samuel 17:49-51).

5. STRENGTHS OF HAMAN

a) He was ambitious and determined (Esther 3:1)

He worked his way up in the Persian empire, gaining the king’s trust and securing a powerful position.

b) He was influential in the king’s court (Esther 3:10)

He had direct access to the king and could influence decisions at the highest level.