Bible Study

*Just for your thoughts.*

*The Book of Esther—*Bible Study 11*
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Who Was Haman? What Was His Cruel Act? How Did Satan Use Him?

Who Was Haman?
There are two major views among Bible scholars regarding the identity of Haman. In Esther 3:1, Haman is called an “Agagite.” Agag was the name of the king of the Amalekites (1 Samuel 15). Therefore, some scholars believe that Haman was a descendant of the Amalekites.
However, other scholars suggest that “Agag” may have been the name of a region in Media that later became part of the Persian Empire. The well-known Bible commentator Thomas Constable notes that there is no conclusive evidence that Haman was actually an Amalekite. According to him, the term “Agagite” may refer to a geographical or some other form of identification.
Haman was undoubtedly a very wealthy man. We can infer this from Esther 3:9, where he offered to pay 10,000 talents of silver into the royal treasury in exchange for permission to destroy the Jews.
The Greek historian Herodotus records that the annual revenue of the Persian Empire was approximately 15,000 talents of silver. If this estimate is correct, Haman was willing to contribute an amount equivalent to a large portion of the empire’s yearly income. This demonstrates the enormous wealth and influence he possessed.
Haman held one of the highest positions in the Persian government. Yet he could not tolerate the fact that Mordecai, a relatively insignificant royal official, refused to give him the honor he believed he deserved. As a result, Haman became consumed with hatred toward Mordecai.
Whether Mordecai was right or wrong in refusing to bow before Haman is not the primary issue here. From Mordecai’s perspective, his actions may have been consistent with his conscience and faith. However, Haman chose not to view it merely as a personal insult. Instead, he turned it into an ethnic and religious conflict.
Although Haman’s anger began with one man, he expanded it into a plot against an entire people group. His desire to destroy the whole Jewish nation because of one individual reveals the depth of his cruelty. Using both his wealth and political influence, he persuaded the king to authorize this genocide.
By seeking to destroy a people specially chosen by God, Haman became a picture of Satan’s opposition to God's purposes. Since the promised Redeemer would come through the line of Judah, many Bible scholars see Haman as an instrument through whom Satan attempted to oppose God’s redemptive plan.
Those Who Tried to Destroy the Jewish People
Throughout biblical and world history, many individuals and nations have attempted to destroy the Jewish people. Let us briefly consider some of them.
1. Pharaoh (Exodus 1)
Pharaoh commanded that all Hebrew male infants be killed. His goal was to suppress and ultimately eliminate the nation of Israel.
2. The Amalekites
The Amalekites were Israel’s first enemies after the Exodus (Exodus 17:8–16). They attacked the weak and vulnerable among the Israelites (Deuteronomy 25:17–19). Because of their hostility, God declared that He would blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven.
Later, God commanded Saul to completely destroy the Amalekites (1 Samuel 15). Saul’s failure to obey fully allowed their influence to continue. Some scholars believe that this ancient hostility resurfaced generations later through Haman.
3. Balak and Balaam (Numbers 22–25)
Balak, king of Moab, realized that he could not defeat Israel militarily. Therefore, he sought to weaken and destroy them through spiritual means by hiring Balaam to curse them.
4. Athaliah (2 Kings 11)
Athaliah attempted to destroy the royal descendants of David. This was not merely a political act; it threatened the very lineage through which the Messiah would come.
During the Intertestamental Period

5. Antiochus IV Epiphanes (175–164 BC)
Antiochus sought to eradicate Jewish religious identity. He desecrated the Temple in Jerusalem and imposed severe penalties on those who remained faithful to the Law. His actions eventually sparked the Maccabean Revolt.
6. Titus and the Romans (AD 70)
The Romans besieged Jerusalem and destroyed the Temple. Vast numbers of Jews were killed, and many more were scattered throughout the empire.
7. Adolf Hitler (1933–1945)
The Holocaust remains one of the most systematic genocides in history. Approximately six million Jews were murdered. Like Haman’s plan, it was an organized attempt to eliminate an entire people group.
8. Gamal Abdel Nasser (1952–1970)
Nasser was among the leaders who openly opposed the existence of the State of Israel and pursued aggressive political and military policies against it.
God’s Preservation and His Covenant Promises
Throughout history, many enemies have risen against the Jewish people. They have experienced persecution, exile, dispersion, and suffering. Yet God has never allowed them to be completely destroyed.
Among the nations of the world, the Jewish people are unique in having maintained their national and religious identity despite centuries of displacement and oppression.
God’s promises to Abraham have not failed. Though generations have passed, God continues to fulfill His word. He remains faithful to His covenant and continues to accomplish His purposes in history.
Haman falsely accused the Jews and sought to annihilate them. Yet in the end, he himself fell. Likewise, many who have attempted to destroy the Jewish people have disappeared into history, while the Jewish nation continues to exist.
Many have tried to oppose God’s purposes, but none have succeeded in overturning them.
In this context, the words of Haman’s wife are remarkable:
“If Mordecai, before whom your downfall has begun, is of Jewish origin, you cannot stand against him; you will surely come to ruin” (Esther 6:13).
Those words proved true in Haman’s life.
Likewise, the Lord Jesus Christ said concerning His Church:
“The gates of Hades shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18).
No matter how many “Hamans” arise against the Church, no one can ultimately destroy what Christ purchased with His own blood. Until the end of the age, the Lord will preserve His Church. His purposes will stand, and His promises will never fail.
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