Haman returns home seething, but carefully assembling those closest to him in order to nurture and justify the plan he is soon to hatch.
Then Haman controlled himself, however, and went to his house and sent for his friends and his wife Zeresh. (v.10)
Haman, a high-ranking official under King Xerxes (also known as Ahasuerus, who reigned from 486 BC to 465 BC), leaves the palace in a state of anger and frustration. Although furious that Mordecai refused to bow before him, he manages to contain his rage long enough to return home. Susa, the capital city where these events take place, was located in what is now southwestern Iran, historically called the province of Elam. It was the same city where King Xerxes presided over official royal matters, as seen elsewhere in Scripture.Upon arriving home, Haman gathers close confidants, including his wife Zeresh. By inviting them, he seeks validation and support for the intolerable situation brewing in his mind. His pride, already wounded by Mordecai’s slight, drives him to plot evil schemes. Haman’s attitude mirrors the danger of letting bitterness and self-importance override compassion and humility. This theme of pride versus humility appears throughout the Bible, with Jesus teaching that those who exalt themselves will be humbled, while those who humble themselves will be exalted.
One reason this account is so crucial is that it sets the stage for the larger deliverance of the Jews in Persia. Throughout history, God has repeatedly rescued His people from dangerous plots, including Haman’s malevolent plan in the Book of Esther.Haman’s initial self-control in this verse highlights how resentment, if nurtured, can lead to catastrophic decisions—in this case, an attempt at the annihilation of an entire people group.
Set to dark mode
Esther 5:10 meaning
Then Haman controlled himself, however, and went to his house and sent for his friends and his wife Zeresh. (v.10)
Haman, a high-ranking official under King Xerxes (also known as Ahasuerus, who reigned from 486 BC to 465 BC), leaves the palace in a state of anger and frustration. Although furious that Mordecai refused to bow before him, he manages to contain his rage long enough to return home. Susa, the capital city where these events take place, was located in what is now southwestern Iran, historically called the province of Elam. It was the same city where King Xerxes presided over official royal matters, as seen elsewhere in Scripture.Upon arriving home, Haman gathers close confidants, including his wife Zeresh. By inviting them, he seeks validation and support for the intolerable situation brewing in his mind. His pride, already wounded by Mordecai’s slight, drives him to plot evil schemes. Haman’s attitude mirrors the danger of letting bitterness and self-importance override compassion and humility. This theme of pride versus humility appears throughout the Bible, with Jesus teaching that those who exalt themselves will be humbled, while those who humble themselves will be exalted.
One reason this account is so crucial is that it sets the stage for the larger deliverance of the Jews in Persia. Throughout history, God has repeatedly rescued His people from dangerous plots, including Haman’s malevolent plan in the Book of Esther.Haman’s initial self-control in this verse highlights how resentment, if nurtured, can lead to catastrophic decisions—in this case, an attempt at the annihilation of an entire people group.