MARCH 25

Esther 7:7-10

HAMAN’S SWIFT END

King Ahasuerus was very angry at Haman. Perhaps he was also angry with himself for signing such a decree and thought he may have been tricked into it by Haman. Without saying a word, he rose up from the banquet and went to the palace garden. This concerned Haman, the Prime Minister he trusted! What would he do to him?The king was so angry and shocked; he needed time to think alone in his garden. When he left the table, Haman saw that the end could be near. Fearing for his life, he pleaded with Esther. But as he begged for the queen’s mercy, God would have it that he slipped and fell on the couch that Esther was seated. And right at this moment, the king returned and saw him in that questionable position!

This only fanned the king’s fury even more! Was Haman trying to take advantage of the queen while he was away? erefore, the king’s chamberlains covered Haman’s face and led him away. One of them, Harbonah, told the king about the gallows that Haman had built in his house for Mordecai.The king gave the instruction to hang Haman on it. us, was Haman hung in his very own house, on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai.

What a twist to the tale, and a bitter end to Haman’s life. He found security in his status before the king, and prided himself on riches and achievements. But all these things could not save him.The judgment was swift. He deserved to be hanged for his evil plot to destroy the Jews, simply because he hated Mordecai for not bowing down to him.

Let Haman’s life be a stern warning to us who may pride ourselves on riches, possessions,position, or achievements. Dear reader,pride starts in our hearts. We must confess it to the Lord and ask Him to humble us. If not, it will cause us to fall. For Haman, his pride led to anger and hatred; and caused him to sin presumptuously. When things didn’t go his way, instead of reflecting and repenting, Haman only felt sorry for himself. Eventually, he only had himself to blame, for it was his pride that led to his death.

All humans have pride. It is a question of how they manage and control it. If they don’t, pride will control them. How about you? How do you control your pride? Submit to God and ask Him to help you do so!

Thought: Pride cometh before a fall.
Prayer: Father in Heaven, Haman’s life is a warning to me not to become proud or let anger and hatred fester in my life. Humble me to always acknowledge that You have given all to me, without any of my credit Make my heart pure, that I may be used for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.