Let’s look at Haman’s reputation and his character. His reputation was based on his job, association with the king, wealth, and authority. All of these things could be taken from him. People bowed before him only because the king had said to. Haman regularly made sure everyone knew his reputation.
Esther 5:11 and (Haman) boasted to them about his great wealth and his many children. He bragged about the honors the king had given him and how he had been promoted over all the other nobles and officials. [1]
Haman’s Character
Mordecai’s lack of respect angered Haman, so he lied and manipulated the king to get a decree to kill all Jews (Esther 3). Even though Mordecai was scheduled to be killed with the rest of the Jews, Haman wanted him dead immediately. And Mordecai’s death wasn’t to be private; no, Haman wanted him impaled on a post seventy-five feet high. Most likely, a post would have been situated at the top of a building or wall to be this high. It was to be in a place where the city could see it and know and fear the power of Haman.
Haman was second in command and had the power of the king’s signet ring. Still, he wanted more recognition and honor from the people. What would it be like to be treated like a king for a few hours? There would be hundreds of people bowing before him. Thus, Haman gave ideas to the king to honor a man.
Humiliation
Haman must have been stunned when he had to honor Mordecai. But one didn’t show emotion before a Persian king. Haman had practiced duplicity to get where he was and used that skill to obey.
Ironically, Haman was forced to ask the public to bow before the one who refused to bow to him. Before Haman had boasted of his greatness, now he bowed his head in shame. The public would have been laughing at him behind his back. Having to give honor to a Jew totally demoralized Haman.
Character Counts
John Wooden has a great quote: “Be more concerned with character than reputation. Character is what you are; reputation is what people think you are.”[2] We may fool other people, but we can’t fool God. He sees who we are, our thoughts, and our motives. 1 Samuel 16: 7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”[3]
We can see that it is better to prioritize Godly character on our faith journey. Wealth, power, and earthly honor are temporary. But a faithful heart for God endures for eternity. To learn more about reputation and character, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/mordecai-honored
[1.3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.