After these things King Ahasuerus promoted Haman the Agagite, the son of Hammedatha, and advanced him and set his throne above all the officials who were with him. And all the king’s servants who were at the king’s gate bowed down and paid homage to Haman, for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai did not bow down or pay homage. Then the king’s servants who were at the king’s gate said to Mordecai, “Why do you transgress the king’s command?” And when they spoke to him day after day and he would not listen to them, they told Haman, in order to see whether Mordecai’s words would stand, for he had told them that he was a Jew. And when Haman saw that Mordecai did not bow down or pay homage to him, Haman was filled with fury. But he disdained to lay hands on Mordecai alone. So, as they had made known to him the people of Mordecai, Haman sought to destroy all the Jews, the people of Mordecai, throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus.
Comment: ‘After these things‘ seems to tie what follows with what precedes. Maybe Haman was in charge of dealing with the planned coup against the king and this was his reward. For whatever reason, Haman, elevated to a position, everyone had to bow and acknowledge his position and power, almost as if he were a deity. To Mordecai, a Jew, this was anathema! Questioned by those who wanted to see Haman honoured, and by those who feared for his future. Mordecai stated his reason. It is not permitted for him to worship anyone apart from Jehovah God. (Interestingly the word ‘God’ isn’t mentioned anywhere in this book!).
Haman, made aware of Mordecai’s failure to ‘worship’ him, and hearing that Mordecai was a Jew, and probably realizing that all committed Jews would do the same, decided to tackle the bigger issue – exterminate the Jews!!
Prayer: May I not shirk, because of fear, from standing up as Your follower Lord Jesus. Being Yours is my highest honour.
As I read it! 