Esther 3

“And when Haman saw that Mordecai did not bow down or pay homage to him, Haman was filled with fury” (v5). Just like Queen Vashti in chapter 1, Mordecai refused to obey what he believed was an inappropriate command; Haman, like the King, was furious. Haman “disdained” to only punish Mordecai; he decided to send a stronger message and punish all Mordecai’s people, the Jews. Haman and King agreed to the genocide of this unimportant, problematic group of foreigners.

“Do with them as it seems good to you” (v11). The earthly power of bullies like Haman is never the end of the story. God is the defender of the fatherless, widows, and foreigners (Deut 10:18), and His justice will prevail.