Read ESTHER 3:5–11
Muhammad Ali was known for being a winning boxer with tremendous self- confidence. Before a fight, he would boast about his skill, declaring, “I am the greatest.” But eventually the greatest was humbled. In 1970, Ali met his match in Joe Frazier during the “Fight of the Century,” suffering his first loss after 31 consecutive wins.
Haman’s self-regard moved past confidence into full-fledged vanity. He enjoyed lording his elevated position over everyone, requiring people to bow down before him and kiss his ring. Haman was also cruel and fueled by hatred for God’s people. Haman’s rage against Mordecai escalated when he learned that Mordecai was Jewish (v. 6). Rather than focusing on destroying one man, Haman became bent on eliminating all of God’s people.
Haman asked the king’s fortunetellers to pick a lucky time for him to carry out his evil act (v. 7). Next, he had to figure out how to manipulate the king in order to get approval for his plot. Notice how Scripture subtly reveals where the real power and authority lie—not with Xerxes, who, although he is supposed to be the most powerful person on earth, is manipulated by others throughout this story.
Haman gained Xerxes’ approval for his plan by exaggerating the perceived threat. He said that the Jews dispersed throughout the empire, and their customs and manners were different from the rest (v. 8). Haman preyed on Xerxes’ fear of instability to convince him to authorize the massacre.
Haman’s trickery and flattery were so successful that Xerxes agreed to fund the plot to destroy the Jews. The king would not stop this evil man. Would evil finally triumph over good? Would God’s people be destroyed?
APPLY THE WORD
Are you facing opposition because you have taken a stand for God? Perhaps you’ve resisted joining in the neighborhood gossip, or you won’t cut corners at the office. Trusting God doesn’t free us from opposition, but it does remind us who has the true power and who will be victorious. Ask the Lord to give you courage and grace to stand firm.
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