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.
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.
3 Then the king's servants, which were in the king's gate, said unto Mordecai, Why transgressest thou the king's commandment?
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.
5 And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full of wrath.
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.
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.
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.
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.
10 And the king took his ring from his hand, and gave it unto Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the Jews' enemy.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The third chapter of the Book of Esther in the King James Version (KJV) of the Holy Bible continues the story of Esther, a young Jewish woman who becomes queen of Persia. The chapter begins with the introduction of Haman, a high-ranking official in the Persian court who becomes the main antagonist of the story. Haman is described as an Agagite, a descendant of the Amalekites, who were enemies of the Israelites. He is also referred to as the son of Hammedatha, which may indicate that he was not of noble birth but rose to power through his own cunning and ambition.
The main theme of this chapter is the rise of Haman and his plot to destroy the Jewish people. This theme is intertwined with the themes of power, pride, and prejudice. Haman's rise to power is fueled by his pride and desire for recognition, while his prejudice against the Jews leads him to seek their destruction. The chapter also highlights the contrast between Haman's actions and the actions of Esther and Mordecai, who are guided by their faith and trust in God.
The chapter begins with King Ahasuerus promoting Haman to the position of chief advisor, second only to the king himself. The king commands all his servants to bow down and pay homage to Haman, but Mordecai, Esther's cousin, refuses to do so. This angers Haman, and he seeks revenge not only against Mordecai but against all the Jews. He convinces the king to issue a decree that all Jews in the kingdom should be killed on a specific day, the thirteenth day of the twelfth month.
Haman's rise to power is a result of his cunning and manipulation. He uses flattery and deceit to gain the king's favor and secure his position. This is a stark contrast to the humble and honest actions of Esther and Mordecai, who do not seek power or recognition but are chosen by God to fulfill His plan.
Haman's pride is evident in his reaction to Mordecai's refusal to bow down to him. He becomes consumed with anger and seeks to destroy not only Mordecai but all the Jews. This pride is also seen in his desire for recognition and honor, as he asks the king to issue a decree that all should bow down and pay homage to him. Haman's pride blinds him to the consequences of his actions and leads him to make decisions based on his own selfish desires.
Furthermore, Haman's prejudice against the Jews is a result of his pride and his belief in his own superiority. He sees the Jews as a threat to his power and status and seeks to eliminate them. This prejudice is also evident in his treatment of Mordecai, who is a Jew. Haman's actions are driven by his own biases and prejudices, rather than by reason or justice.
While Haman is driven by his pride and prejudice, Esther and Mordecai are guided by their faith in God. When Mordecai learns of Haman's plot, he turns to Esther, who has become queen, and urges her to use her position to intervene on behalf of the Jews. Esther is initially hesitant, as she knows that approaching the king without being summoned could result in her death. However, Mordecai reminds her that she was placed in her position by God for a reason and that she must trust in Him.
Esther and Mordecai's faith is a stark contrast to Haman's actions. They do not seek power or recognition, but they trust in God's plan and are willing to risk their lives to save their people. Their faith and trust in God ultimately lead to the salvation of the Jews.
The third chapter of the Book of Esther serves as a reminder of the dangers of pride and prejudice. Haman's actions are driven by his pride and his belief in his own superiority, which leads him to seek the destruction of an entire group of people. This chapter also highlights the importance of faith and trust in God. Esther and Mordecai's actions are guided by their faith, and they are ultimately able to overcome the threat of Haman's plot through God's intervention.
Furthermore, this chapter also emphasizes the power of God's providence. Despite the seemingly dire situation, God is working behind the scenes to bring about His plan for the salvation of the Jewish people. Esther's position as queen and her relationship with the king are not mere coincidences, but part of God's plan to use her to save her people. This serves as a reminder that God is always in control, even in the midst of difficult and challenging circumstances.
The third chapter of the Book of Esther also serves as a warning against the dangers of blindly following those in positions of power. The king's decree to kill the Jews is a result of Haman's manipulation and deceit, and it is only through Esther's intervention that the truth is revealed. This chapter reminds us to question the motives and actions of those in positions of authority and to stand up against injustice and prejudice.
The third chapter of the Book of Esther in the KJV Holy Bible is a continuation of the story of Esther, highlighting the rise of Haman and his plot to destroy the Jewish people. The main themes of this chapter include the dangers of pride and prejudice, the power of faith and trust in God, and the providence of God's plan. This chapter serves as a reminder to be cautious of our own pride and prejudices and to trust in God's plan, even in the face of difficult circumstances. It also reminds us to question those in positions of power and to stand up against injustice. Ultimately, the third chapter of Esther teaches us the importance of faith and trust in God and the power of His providence in our lives.
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