| << Previous | Esther Chapter 3 |
Next >> |
Viewing the Standard King James Version (Pure Cambridge). Click to switch to 1611 King James Version of Esther Chapter 3
5 And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full of wrath.
| << Esther Chapter 2 |
Share Esther Chapter 3: 
|
Matthew Henry's Esther Chapter 3 Bible commentary...
Haman seeks to destroy the Jews. (1-6) He obtains a decree against the Jews. (7-15)
1-6 Mordecai refused to reverence Haman. The religion of a Jew forbade him to give honours to any mortal man which savoured of idolatry, especially to so wicked a man as Haman. By nature all are idolaters; self is our favourite idol, we are pleased to be treated as if every thing were at our disposal. Though religion by no means destroys good manners, but teaches us to render honour to whom honour is due, yet by a citizen of Zion, not only in his heart, but in his eyes, such a vile person as Haman was, is contemned, #Ps 15:4|. The true believer cannot obey edicts, or conform to fashions, which break the law of God. He must obey God rather than man, and leave the consequences to him. Haman was full of wrath. His device was inspired by that wicked spirit, who has been a murderer from the beginning; whose enmity to Christ and his church, governs all his children.
7-15 Without some acquaintance with the human heart, and the history of mankind, we should not think that any prince could consent to a dreadful proposal, so hurtful to himself. Let us be thankful for mild and just government. Haman inquires, according to his own superstitions, how to find a lucky day for the designed massacre! God's wisdom serves its own purposes by men's folly. Haman has appealed to the lot, and the lot, by delaying the execution, gives judgment against him. The event explains the doctrine of a particular providence over all the affairs of men, and the care of God over his church. Haman was afraid lest the king's conscience should smite him for what he had done; to prevent which, he kept him drinking. This cursed method many often take to drown convictions, and to harden their own hearts, and the hearts of others, in sin. All appeared in a favourable train to accomplish the project. But though sinners are permitted to proceed to the point they aim at, an unseen but almighty Power turns them back. How vain and contemptible are the strongest assaults against Jehovah! Had Haman obtained his wish, and the Jewish nation perished, what must have become of all the promises? How could the prophecies concerning the great Redeemer of the world have been fulfilled? Thus the everlasting covenant itself must have failed, before this diabolical project could take place.
Recent Comments for Esther Chapter 3...
Ellen's Esther Chapter 3 comment on 6/17/2013, 8:27am...
Amazing indeed, how people grovel at the feet of mortal human beings! In my short lifetime, I have seen people (rich and poor, educated and otherwise, nobles, aristocrats, politicians, leaders etc) bow down to, kiss the feet/hands, ... mere creatures walking the top side of this earth. Why in the world they do this is a mystery to me in this day and age of enlightenment, historical record, etc.
May the Lord help me to remain steadfast and only bend my knees to the King of kings, Lord of lords, the Son of the Most High, no matter what happens - be it threat/hunger/want of anything.
Daniel's Esther Chapter 3 comment about verse 7 on 1/23/2013, 4:23am...
Even Haman was aware that we are not fighting against flesh.
Roger Savage's Esther Chapter 3 comment on 1/20/2013, 8:07pm...
Does the bible tell us to reverence no man; If it does where is it?
Uneduks's Esther Chapter 3 comment on 12/14/2012, 5:46am...
In the book of Esther, I see the Divine arrangement of God for His people. The King, his counselors, queen Vashti, Mordecai, Esther and everyone never knew what Satan was planning. But known unto God are all His works. He pre arranged everything and positioned everyone according to his eternal plans and purposes, to give the world a Saviour so that anyone who believes and calls for mercy would be saved. In all that we pass through in this life, supposing God is arranging and positioning things and people and situations to work out His eternal plans and purposes for you. May He open your eyes to see His hand in everything around you in Jesus’ name. Amen. To you who do not believe in God, if at the end of life you meet Him, what would you say? You would have everything to lose then and it would be too late. But to you who believe, you would have everything to gain, so continue to live rightly as Esther did.
Clint's Esther Chapter 3 comment on 12/11/2012, 11:05am...
@Solon,
God was in charge just as He was when Joseph was sold to the Egyptians. God set Joseph up to save the Jews and likewise He set up Esther to save Jews! This book is about God and His providence in the nation of Israel! So please, Stop teaching hate and start preaching truth! This is not a political book about prostituting Esther, but a book about God’s care and providence over His people!
Solon's Esther Chapter 3 comment on 5/04/2012, 3:38pm...
Walter, in this tale you will notice that the only falsity in evidence was on the part of Mordecai and Esther. Mordecai concealed his true identity and required that Esther do likewise; Mordecai acted as a spy and by means of subterfuge; Mordecai urged Esther to -- let's call it what it is: prostitute herself. Vashti, the Persian queen, had the character to turn away from position and wealth to protect her virtue, but Esther prostituted herself to gain power and riches.
Furthermore, the Persians had liberated Jews and Persian 'taxpayers' were called upon to offer up their treasure to sustain Jews as they rebuilt Jerusalem. Where was Mordecai and Esther's gratitude for this major and ongoing generosity?
That gives rise to another question: Why were Esther and Mordecai in Persia and not in Jerusalem? Aren't we told that the entire quest of Jewish people is for the "land of zion," to return to Jerusalem? Why was Esther in Persia?
Finally, you'll notice that god is not mentioned in the entire book of Esther. The book is not a spiritual tract, it is political.
Inasmuch as Benj. Netanyahu closed an important speech with emphasis on Esther, and that Jewish people who celebrate no other element of Jewish religion or culture nevertheless celebrate Purim, the feast of the slaughter of 75,000 Persians, it becomes important for Christians everywhere to completely rethink the intentions of Jewish people in other lands.
Walter's Esther Chapter 3 comment on 2/25/2012, 8:28am...
As faithfull mordacai shows us dont bow down to the enemy of all people doe he will exalt him self ii thes 2,Isa 14,isa 28,ezek 31. and as Daniel,mashek and abendigo did not bow so likewise we shall not bow to the false one.
View More Comments for Esther Chapter 3...
What Do You Think of Esther 3?
Share your own thoughts or commentary here...
Test Your Knowledge of Esther Chapter 3
| << Esther Chapter 2 |