Esther 3
The First Mention of Haman, the Enemy of the Jews, and His Success in Getting King Xerxes to Issue a Decree to Annihilate the Jewish People
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Lesson 3

background notes

doctrinal points

  1. Anti-Semitism is satanic in origin.
  2. Anti-Semitism is a sign of the end times.

Practical application

Remember, man may roll them, but God controls them.

questions

  1. Who is Haman?
  2. What started Haman’s conflict with Mordecai?
  3. How did Haman plan to gain revenge against Mordecai?
  4. Why did King Xerxes agree to Haman’s wicked plot?
  5. What is anti-Semitism? When did it begin?

answers

  1. Haman is said to be an Agagite, possibly a descendant of the Amakelites, long time enemies of the Jews. Haman was promoted to a high position in the kingdom of Persia by the king.
  2. Mordecai showed respect to Haman, but he would not show him reverence by bowing down to him. He knew that Haman was just a man, and should not be worshiped as God.
  3. When Haman learned that Mordecai was a Jew, he plotted to destroy not only Mordecai, but all the Jewish people in the Persian Empire. This evil wish became a decree when Haman gained the king’s approval.
  4. The king’s treasury had been depleted by recent battles with the Greeks. Haman’s promise of plunder from the Jewish people was enticing to the king.
  5. Anti-Semitism is hostility toward or discrimination against God’s chosen people, the Jews. It has been a problem since Pharaoh sought to kill all the Jewish baby boys in Egypt.

discuss\ consider

  1. Discuss the issue of anti-Semitism. How is it satanic in origin? Trace Satan’s attempt to destroy the Jews throughout history. As Christians, what should our reaction be to anti-Semitism?
  2. Anti-Semitism is on the rise today. Discuss the role anti-Semitism will play in the end times. When will peace come to the Middle East? When the Lord returns to reign on earth!

challenge

Haman cast lots to see what month to destroy the Jews. God controlled the outcome of the lot. See Proverbs 16:33 and Ephesians 1:11. If your circumstances and future seem to be affected by someone who desires to hurt you, remember that God is in control of the situation.

memorize

  • “When Haman saw that Mordecai did not bow or pay him homage, Haman was filled with wrath.” Esther 3:5
  • “Haman sought to destroy all the Jews who were throughout the whole kingdom.” Esther 3:6

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