The Jews’ Enemy (Esther 3:8-11)

2022-06-02

And Haman said unto king Ahasuerus, There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of thy kingdom; and their laws are diverse from all people; neither keep they the king’s laws: therefore it is not for the king’s profit to suffer them. If it please the king, let it be written that they may be destroyed: and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver to the hands of those that have the charge of the business, to bring it into the king’s treasuries. And the king took his ring from his hand, and gave it unto Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the Jews’ enemy. And the king said unto Haman, The silver is given to thee, the people also, to do with them as it seemeth good to thee. (Esther 3:8-11)

Haman was called “the Jews’ enemy.” He was willing to destroy a nation of people because one man did not worship him. He went to the king, holding back the nation’s identity to push his agenda through. The cavalier king handed over his signet ring, like a blank check, without inquiring more, and knowing that the law would be permanent. Haman could then destroy countless lives of the Lord’s people.

We live in times without any regard for human life. It is not only antisemitism, either. The spirit of Haman is alive and well in every person who is willing to kill at the slightest offense. In a generation of hate and anger, be a beacon for the Lord’s grace and mercy.