Study of the Book of Esther – Est 3:1-15 Haman Plots Against the Jews

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Est 3:1-15 – Haman Plots Against the Jews

[Study Posted July 11, 2020]

Est 3:1  After these things did king Ahasuerus promote Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, and advanced him, and set his seat above all the princes that were with him. 
Est 3:2  And all the king’s servants, that were in the king’s gate, bowed, and reverenced Haman: for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence. 
Est 3:3  Then the king’s servants, which were in the king’s gate, said unto Mordecai, Why transgressest thou the king’s commandment? 
Est 3:4  Now it came to pass, when they spake daily unto him, and he hearkened not unto them, that they told Haman, to see whether Mordecai’s matters would stand: for he had told them that he was a Jew. 
Est 3:5  And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full of wrath. 
Est 3:6  And he thought scorn to lay hands on Mordecai alone; for they had shewed him the people of Mordecai: wherefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews that were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, even the people of Mordecai. 
Est 3:7  In the first month, that is, the month Nisan, in the twelfth year of king Ahasuerus, they cast Pur, that is, the lot, before Haman from day to day, and from month to month, to the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar. 
Est 3:8  And 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. 
Est 3:9  If it please the king, let it be written that they may be destroyed: and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver to the hands of those that have the charge of the business, to bring it into the king’s treasuries. 
Est 3:10  And the king took his ring from his hand, and gave it unto Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the Jews’ enemy. 
Est 3:11  And the king said unto Haman, The silver is given to thee, the people also, to do with them as it seemeth good to thee. 
Est 3:12  Then were the king’s scribes called on the thirteenth day of the first month, and there was written according to all that Haman had commanded unto the king’s lieutenants, and to the governors that were over every province, and to the rulers of every people of every province according to the writing thereof, and to every people after their language; in the name of king Ahasuerus was it written, and sealed with the king’s ring. 
Est 3:13  And the letters were sent by posts into all the king’s provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day, even upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, and to take the spoil of them for a prey. 
Est 3:14  The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published unto all people, that they should be ready against that day. 
Est 3:15  The posts went out, being hastened by the king’s commandment, and the decree was given in Shushan the palace. And the king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city Shushan was perplexed. 

After seeing the end the Lord intended for our lives as portrayed in Esther’s coronation, we are now ready to endure the cross even as our Lord Jesus Christ, because of the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross. Chapter 3 of Esther which we are reviewing can be summarized as the raising of the storm (the seven plagues) by God using Haman to plan for the extermination of the Jews. This raising of the storm in our lives is what brings us to our wits’ end and that is what qualifies us to become overcomers.

Jas 5:11  Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.

Heb 12:2  Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Psa 107:25  For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof.
Psa 107:26  They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble.
Psa 107:27  They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits’ end.
Psa 107:28  Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses.
Psa 107:29  He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.
Psa 107:30  Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.

The details of the raising of the storm are as follows:

Est 3:1  After these things did king Ahasuerus promote Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, and advanced him, and set his seat above all the princes that were with him. 

One of the revelations we have received when our heavens started opening is that everything that happens in our lives and in the world is in accordance with the counsel of God’s will. Chapter 3 starts with King Ahasuerus promoting Haman above all the princes that were with him. The advancing of Haman is the strengthening of the beast within each of us who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshipped; so that he as God sits in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. The question is how does God strengthen the beast within? When we sin, the beast’s control of our lives is strengthened. Since God is the author of every action, including sin we commit, we can say that God is strengthening or promoting the beast (Haman) within.  Outwardly, God has raised Satan (Haman), who influences the beast within as the prince of the power of the air and is also called the god of this world.

Eph 1:11  In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

2Th 2:4  Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

Eph 2:2  Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

2Co 4:4  In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

Est 3:2  And all the king’s servants, that were in the king’s gate, bowed, and reverenced Haman: for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence. 
Est 3:3  Then the king’s servants, which were in the king’s gate, said unto Mordecai, Why transgressest thou the king’s commandment? 
Est 3:4  Now it came to pass, when they spake daily unto him, and he hearkened not unto them, that they told Haman, to see whether Mordecai’s matters would stand: for he had told them that he was a Jew. 

As indicated in our study of Esther Chapter 2, those at the King’s gate are the porters in the company of Levites. So those at the King’s gate include the elect and the Levites. The Levites (Christendom) are those who are joined to us but cannot enter the temple to worship. They serve the tabernacle but have no right to eat at our altar. The reason they cannot eat at our altar is that they have been carried about with divers and strange doctrines. The objectives of these divers and strange doctrines is to bow down to reverence Haman, typifying the beast within. The Levite’s teachings appeal to the lustful desires of the flesh, and we have all in our appointed times imbibed these teachings. When we are carried about by the dictates of the flesh, we are bowing down to Haman. Verse 2 says that the King has commanded all to bow down to Haman. Another way of saying this is that God has created every human being in such a way that we all naturally fulfill the desires of the flesh. This was what God was showing Jeremiah when He took him to the potter’s house to show him the Potter’s work on the wheels.

At our appointed times, we will no longer bow down to these fleshly desires even as Mordecai (representing the elect) refused to bow down to Haman. Mordecai’s refusal to bow down is because he is a Jew (Verse 4).  As we know, a true Jew is not one that is a physical descendant of Abraham but one whose foreskin has been removed spiritually – One whose flesh has been subdued. The servants who were at the King’s gate could not understand why Mordecai would not bow to Haman (verse 3). That was what Peter was talking about when he said that those who bow think it strange that we do not join them in the same excess of riot, and so they speak evil of us (1Pe 4:4).

1Ch 9:18  Who hitherto waited in the king’s gate eastward: they were porters in the companies of the children of Levi.

Heb 13:9  Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.
Heb 13:10  We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle.

2Pe 2:17  These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.
2Pe 2:18  For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.
2Pe 2:19  While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.
2Pe 2:20  For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
2Pe 2:21  For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.
2Pe 2:22  But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

Rev 13:16  And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:

Jer 18:1  The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying,
Jer 18:2  Arise, and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words.
Jer 18:3  Then I went down to the potter’s house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels.
Jer 18:4  And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it.

1Pe 4:1  Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;
1Pe 4:2  That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.
1Pe 4:3  For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:
1Pe 4:4  Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:

Est 3:5  And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full of wrath. 
Est 3:6  And he thought scorn to lay hands on Mordecai alone; for they had shewed him the people of Mordecai: wherefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews that were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, even the people of Mordecai. 

Haman’s rage when Mordecai did not bow is similar to the wrath of Nebuchnezzer when the three young Hebrew men (Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego) refused to bow to the golden image. What we need to understand is that the wrath of the world/church against those (the elect) who do not conform to the standards of this world is worked by God to bring to death the old man. But to us this wrath is what brings us to our wits’ end!! It is not an easy experience to go through!! As Peter said, we should not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which tries us, as though some strange thing happened unto us. Rather we should rejoice, inasmuch as we are partakers of Christ’s suffering.

Outwardly, Haman targeting the extermination of the Jews is an example of racism. In recent times, racism has been brought to the fore and most parts of the world are calling for solutions. Xenophobia did not start yesterday. It is part of the manifestations of the beast within each of us. In the scriptures, Egyptians racially abused the Israelites. Haman wanted to exterminate the Jews and Hitler’s rise to power was at the back of his propaganda which calls for the extermination of the Jews. The Samaritans were racially abused by the Israelites. Blacks are target of racism in most parts of the world.  Within Africa itself, some tribes racially abuse other tribes. For example, the genocide in Rwanda in Africa about a decade ago was due to racism. All these are part of the heating up of the world, including the Covid 19 pandemic. All these are part of the four sore judgments of God as people shall be oppressed, everyone by another, and every one by his neighbor (Isa 3:5) with the view of ultimately ushering in the kingdom of God.

As those being prepared by Christ as his bride, we should know that the world does not have the solution to curb or eradicate racism. Promulgating laws will only be superficial resolutions. Solutions to racism can only be addressed by the elect during the thousand year reign.  That is why creation is waiting for the manifestation of the sons of God!!

Psa 2:1  Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?
Psa 2:2  The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying,
Psa 2:3  Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.
Psa 2:4  He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.
Psa 2:5  Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.

Dan 3:13  Then Nebuchadnezzar in his rage and fury commanded to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Then they brought these men before the king.
Dan 3:14  Nebuchadnezzar spake and said unto them, Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, do not ye serve my gods, nor worship the golden image which I have set up?
Dan 3:15  Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; well: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?
Dan 3:16  Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter.
Dan 3:17  If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.
Dan 3:18  But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.
Dan 3:19  Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: therefore he spake, and commanded that they should heat the furnace one seven times more than it was wont to be heated.

1Pe 4:12  Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
1Pe 4:13  But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

Isa 3:5  And the people shall be oppressed, every one by another, and every one by his neighbour: the child shall behave himself proudly against the ancient, and the base against the honourable.

Eze 14:21  For thus saith the Lord GOD; How much more when I send my four sore judgments upon Jerusalem, the sword, and the famine, and the noisome beast, and the pestilence, to cut off from it man and beast?

Rom 8:19  For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.

Est 3:7  In the first month, that is, the month Nisan, in the twelfth year of king Ahasuerus, they cast Pur, that is, the lot, before Haman from day to day, and from month to month, to the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar. 

As part of Haman’s plan, a lot was cast to determine when the plan to exterminate the Jews will be carried out, and it fell on the twelve month.  Assuming that the lot fell on the first month, that would have been disastrous for the Jews. There wouldn’t have been enough time for Mordecai and Esther to react, as we will see later. The truth is that God is in control of every situation. The word of God says that a lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord (Pro 16:33). Our timings are not in our hands but in the hands of God. The twelve month chosen by lot here is significant as the number twelve is the number of Christ. Thus, the twelve month chosen for the extermination of the Jews applies to us this way – the death of our flesh as Jews is the birth of the new man in us who is after the image of Christ.

Pro 16:33  The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.

Est 3:8  And 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.

Haman’s description of the Jews to the King in verse 8 is interesting. It tells us of the characteristics of the elect (Spiritual Jews). These characteristics are as follows:

  • Haman said that they are scattered abroad and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of thy kingdom. Indeed, the elect are scattered all over the world. Both James and Peter’s letters were addressed to the twelve tribes who are scattered abroad. 

Jas 1:1 – James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.

1Pe 1:1  Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia.

  • Haman said that the Jews’ laws were diverse from the people. Yes!! We are operating under the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus that has made us free from the law of sin and death. No wonder our laws are diverse from all other laws. Carnally minded people cannot understand our law. 

Rom 8:2  For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

  • Haman said that the Jews do not keep the King’s laws. The question is which of the King’s laws are we not keeping? Remember that in verse 2, the King commanded all to bow to Haman.  As indicated, Haman represents the beast within which according to God’s design (law), all human beings bow down to. That is the law of sin and death. But as we begin to die daily to our flesh through the agency of his judgments, we no longer obey (set free from) this law of sin and death. 

Rev 13:16  And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:
Rev 13:17  And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.

Rom 8:2  For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

  • Haman said that the Jews must not be tolerated by the King. From the perspective of the world including Christendom, we are not to be tolerated. That is why in this world we are hated!! Jesus said that we shall be hated of all men but he that endures to the end shall be saved (Matthew 10:22).

Est 3:9  If it please the king, let it be written that they may be destroyed: and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver to the hands of those that have the charge of the business, to bring it into the king’s treasuries. 
Est 3:10  And the king took his ring from his hand, and gave it unto Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the Jews’ enemy. 
Est 3:11  And the king said unto Haman, The silver is given to thee, the people also, to do with them as it seemeth good to thee. 

What these passages are telling us relates to the fact that the beast within and its influence in our lives is all part of God’s plan as we had been given over to the old man (Haman) to do what seems good to him at our appointed times. These passages are another rendition of the story of how God gave over Job to be buffeted by Satan with the view of bringing him to his desired haven. Everything that is happening to us and the world, both good and evil, are all part of the counsel of God’s will. Another way of saying this is that it adds to the king’s treasuries. However, who has ever given to God that God should repay back (Rom 11:35)? That was why the King refused Haman’s offer. What is significant is that Haman wanted to add 10,000 silver to the King’s treasuries. The number 10,000 is equivalent to multiples of 10 (10,000 = 10x10x10x10). The number 10 talks about the fullness of the flesh (refer to The Spiritual Significance of the Number Ten).

The refusal of the King to accept the silver offered by Haman means that once the beast within (Haman) is in control of our lives, everything we do to please God will be in the strength of the flesh, which cannot add to the King’s treasuries or please God. That is the same as the offering of strange fires before the Lord by Nadab and Abihu, sons of Aaron. It is also the same as the offering of Cain, which was not acceptable to God. Let us pray to God that He will put to death the raging beast within so our works will add to the King’s treasuries and not be refused as that of Haman.

Eph 2:3  Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
Eph 2:4  But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
Eph 2:5  Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

Job 1:12  And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.

Job 2:6  And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life.

Lev 10:1  And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not.
Lev 10:2  And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD.

Gen 4:3  And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD.
Gen 4:5  But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.

Heb 11:4  By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.

Mat 7:22  Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
Mat 7:23  And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Est 3:12  Then were the king’s scribes called on the thirteenth day of the first month, and there was written according to all that Haman had commanded unto the king’s lieutenants, and to the governors that were over every province, and to the rulers of every people of every province according to the writing thereof, and to every people after their language; in the name of king Ahasuerus was it written, and sealed with the king’s ring. 
Est 3:13  And the letters were sent by posts into all the king’s provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day, even upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, and to take the spoil of them for a prey.
Est 3:14  The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published unto all people, that they should be ready against that day. 

Yes, the letters (His words) have gone out clearly to us (Jews) who are in the King’s province that our old man must be destroyed or put to death. That is not good news which carnally-minded people want to hear. However, to us this is the good news that has to be taught to the nations within us according to Matthew 28:19-20. Verse 20 says that we need to be taught to observe all things God has commanded us. Then we will be assured of the Lord’s presence even to the end of the world (when the day of destruction of our world comes), just as the three Hebrew Jews were with Christ in the fire.  The day of slaughter of the Jews being the thirteenth day of the twelve month is no coincidence. It has spiritual significance. What that date means is that our rebellion (the number thirteen means rebellion) will bring about the destruction of our old man but this will result in us bearing the image of Christ (Remember 12 is the number of Christ).

Verse 14 tells us that the people should be ready for that day. How do we get ourselves ready? Let’s hear God’s answer.

Heb 10:25 – Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. So through fellowshipping, we get exhorted and strengthened so that we will be ready for that day. 

Mat 28:19  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Mat 28:20  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Est 3:15  The posts went out, being hastened by the king’s commandment, and the decree was given in Shushan the palace. And the king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city Shushan was perplexed. 

Hearing from God’s words about the death of the old man in our lives makes us all perplexed even as the city of Shushan became perplexed when they heard the news of the Jews’ destruction. We all love our lives. The love of our flesh is portrayed by the mourning of David when Saul and Jonathan died in battle. Also, when David and his men returned from battle and realized that all their possessions were gone, including their wives and children, David and his men (representing the elect) all wept until they had no strength in them. To become a son, we need first to lose our lives (the old man destroyed).  That is the only way we can gain our lives!! However, that is not something our flesh wants to hear!!

The raging of the beast (Haman) within us makes us all confused/perplexed but what it means is that its death is near. We have this saying in our local language that when one is just about to give up the ghost (die), he/she struggles. So the struggles we are going through concerning the deeds of the flesh in our lives means that its death is near. That is the good news!! We should keep our heads up instead getting perplexed and frustrated!! Where sin abounds, the chastising grace abounds more.  Our salvation (the defeat of the flesh) is nearer now than when we believed!! Remember, blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled!! Do you believe His words that you will be filled when you hunger and thirst for his righteousness?

2Sa 1:11  Then David took hold on his clothes, and rent them; and likewise all the men that were with him:
2Sa 1:12  And they mourned, and wept, and fasted until even, for Saul, and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of the LORD, and for the house of Israel; because they were fallen by the sword.

1Sa 30:3  So David and his men came to the city, and, behold, it was burned with fire; and their wives, and their sons, and their daughters, were taken captives.
1Sa 30:4  Then David and the people that were with him lifted up their voice and wept, until they had no more power to weep.

Mat 16:25  For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.

Rom 13:11  And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.

Mat 5:6  Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

[Click here to go to part four in this series of Esther.]

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