Haman's Death Decree April 474

When Haman is promoted by the king, everyone bows to him, except Mordecai. In view of the fact that the Hebrew people prostrated themselves not only before kings (1 Sam. 24:8) but before superiors in general, or those whom they wished to honor as such (Gen. 23:7 27:29 33:3 etc.), Mordecai's motive in refusing to bow to Haman is not entirely clear. Haman was, to be sure, a Gentile but Abraham bowed to Gentiles (Gen. 23:7).

Mordecai did refuse Haman reverence that belongs only to God. The persistent attempt made to secure Mordecai's compliance with the edict to bow before Haman implies that his fellow officials esteemed him highly. They sought to give him a fair opportunity before reporting the matter. From their point of view it was a serious precedent—if one royal decree could thus be flouted, how about others?

Mordecai probably explained that his religion made it impossible to worship any man. Apparently, Mordecai's race had not been suspected. In appearance and language he and Esther both seem to have passed as Persians. Mordecai's disrespect apparently came to Haman's attention only through the "king's servants." Mordecai's attitude and explanation meant that Jews everywhere stood opposed to Haman. Mordecai's apparent defiance, boldly displayed at the very gate of the palace, could mean but one thing to Haman—conspiracy! At least, Haman was pleased to interpret it so. And if Mordecai justified his course on a religious basis, all who held that religion must therefore be involved also.

If Haman had simply informed Xerxes that one of the minor court officials was insulting him and thereby disobeying a royal edict, Ahasuerus would certainly have ordered Mordecai put to death. But Mordecai, as a Jew, had insulted him, and therefore the Jews as a nation should be punished. If the Jews and their religion stood in the way of Haman's pride and security, both must be sacrificed.