about seventy-five feet. Some think this impossible, but this is not merely an exaggeration. When we consider the rage of Haman, his revenge to disgrace his enemy is exhibited in the height of the gallows. Mordecai must be a public spectacle. The grasp of pride has completely "snuffed out" any sympathy in Haman's soul.
Pride and folly walk hand in hand. Soon after the spike's construction, Haman comes into the court to seek the king's permission to eliminate Mordecai immediately. Abruptly, the king vocalizes the need to honor someone and asks advice from Haman. (Because of sleeplessness, the king reads in past documents that someone rescued him from assassination. This one the king desires to honor.) Haman immediately assumes the king is referring to him. Therefore, the details that Haman discusses to implement are exclusively limited to the ultimate man in authority and involve the highest marks of honor. The king commands Haman to carry out his suggestions toward Mordecai.
What must have been the expression on Haman's face when the king said that name? "Pride cometh, then cometh shame" (Proverbs 11:2)! Imagine Mordecai's reaction to the whole ordeal. Although Haman is second in command, he must obey the king. Providentially, the sleeplessness of the king, the opening of that particular book and the "good deed" of Mordecai all play against the pride of Haman.
Next, the proceedings that follow quickly lead to the downfall of Haman. Although Haman was exalted in spirit when he heard that the queen had invited him to a banquet, the events that transpired would not allow Haman any rescue from abasement. "A man's pride shall bring him low" (Proverbs 29:23).
The humility and courage of Esther help to procure protection against the evil plot of Haman. "A man reaps what he sows" (Galatians 6:7)! The fasting and prayers of Mordecai and the people ascend to heaven. Pride will not go unpunished. God will resist "the proud" and give grace to "the humble" (James 4:6). The ten sons of Haman likewise needed not only to "be executed" but also shown as a public example thus exhibiting disapproval of their involvement. The actions of the father must never be tried again (Deuteronomy 5:9).
Clearly, we see the seed of pride planted in the heart of Haman just as it sprouted in the life of Satan. When pride comes to full course, it seeks to destroy all that will not bow to its "whims" and "wishes." When pride has taken its course, it eats like leprosy and leaves the victim in debilitating despair and destruction (Proverbs 16:18). Let us learn from the life of Haman and flee from the devastating dangers of pride!
Rob Zapotoski,
SMS Acting Director
