(3:2-4) Mordecai Refuses to Bow - Mordecai refused to bow down before Haman. Jews did bow down to government authorities at times as a sign of respect (Genesis 23:7; 1 Samuel 24:8), but Haman's ancestors were ancient enemies of the Jews. Israel had been commanded by God to "blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven" (Deuteronomy 25:17-19; see also Exodus 1716). Mordecai was not about to kneel before wicked Haman and, by his act, acknowledge Haman as a god. Daniel's three friends had the same convictions Daniel 3). We must worship God alone and never let any person, institution, or government take his rightful place as the ultimate authority in our lives. When people demand loyalty or duties from you that do not give God first place, don't give in. It may be time to take a stand.

(3:2) Mordecai's Faith - Mordecai's determination came from his faith in God. He did not take a poll first to determine the safest or most popular course of action; he had the courage to stand alone. Doing what is right will not always make you popular. Those who do right will be in the minority, but to obey God is more important than to obey people (Acts 5:29).

(3:5-6) Haman's Quest For Power - Why did Haman want to destroy all Jews just because of one man's action? (1) Haman was an Agagite (3:1), a descendant of Agag, king of the Amalekites (1 Samuel 15:20). The Amalekites were ancient enemies of the Israelites (see Exodus 17:16; Deuteronomy 25:1719). Haman's hatred was directed not just at Mordecai but at all the Jews. (2) As second-in-command in the Persian Empire (Esther 331), Haman loved his power and authority and the reverence shown him. The Jews, however, looked to God as their final authority, not to any man. Haman realized that the only way to fulfill his self-centered desires was to kill all those who disregarded his authority. His quest for personal power and his hatred of the Jewish race consumed him.

(3:5-6) Mordecai Refuses To Bow - Haman enjoyed the power and prestige of his position, and he was enraged when Mordecai did not respond with the expected reverential bow. Haman's anger was not directed just toward Mordecai but toward what Mordecai stood for--the Jews' dedication to God as the only authority worthy of reverence. Haman's attitude was prejudiced: He hated a group of people because of differences in their beliefs, culture, and history. Prejudice grows out of personal pride- considering oneself better than others. In the end, Haman was punished for his arrogant attitude (7:9-10). God will harshly judge those who are prejudiced or whose pride causes them to look

down on others.

(3:7) Haman Casts Lots - Haman cast lots to determine the best day to carry out his decree. Little did he know that he was playing into the hands of God, for the day of death was set for almost a year away, giving Esther time to make her plea to the king. The Persian word for "lots" was purim, which became the name for the holiday celebrated by the Jews when they were delivered -not killed--on the day appointed by Haman.

(3:9) Haman's Plan Backfires - Haman must have hoped to acquire this tremendous sum of money by plundering the homes and businesses of the Jews who would be killed through his decree. A large number of Jews were living in the kingdom at this time. Little did Haman know that his scheming would backfire.

(3:10-12) Haman's Signet Ring - Officials in the ancient world used signet rings as personal signatures. A signet ring's surface had a raised imprint made of metal, wood, or bone; Ahasuerus's was probably made of silver or gold. Each individual had a personalized imprint. Letters were sealed by pressing the ring into soft wax, and official documents were certified by using this royal signet. By giving Haman his signet ring, Ahasuerus was giving him the king's personal signature and with it the authority to do whatever Haman wished. Little did the king realize that his own ring would sign the death warrant for his queen, Esther.

(3:13) Haman's Death Decree - Haman's death decree was against all Jews in the Persian Empire; thus, it would have included the land of Israel. If his decree had been carried out, all of God's chosen people could have been exterminated, and God's plan to send his Son to earth as a Jew could have been jeopardized. But God's plans cannot be stopped. Haman was doomed to fail.

 Dave Burnette's Life Application