Definition: So Haman came in. And the king said unto him, What shall be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour? Now Haman thought in his heart, To whom would the king delight to do honour more than to myself?
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Esther 6:6. It's a really unsettling and dramatic moment in the story of the Jewish people during the Babylonian exile. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: Haman is feeling incredibly proud and upset because the king has chosen to honor him, even though Haman is not worthy of that honor. He's thinking about how much more important he is than the king himself. Let’s unpack it step-by-step: “So Haman came in.” – This sets the scene – Haman is entering the royal palace. “And the king said unto him, What shall be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour? Now Haman thought in his heart, To whom would the king delight to do honour more than to myself?” – This is where it gets really intense. The king asks Haman a question that's incredibly important. Haman’s mind immediately starts plotting something terrible: he wants to make the king more happy than himself. He’s thinking about his own power and prestige. What does this all mean? This passage shows a few things: Haman's ambition: Haman is driven by a desire for power and recognition, even at the expense of others. The danger of pride: It highlights how easily pride can lead to evil thoughts. When people become arrogant and think they’re better than everyone else, it opens the door to betrayal. Manipulation: The king is setting a trap for Haman. He's deliberately trying to create a situation where Haman will act out of spite and revenge. Why is this important? This story is a warning about the dangers of: Pride: Don’t become so focused on yourself that you forget others. Manipulation: Be wary of people who try to control or exploit you. Thinking you're better than everyone else: True respect comes from recognizing and valuing others, not from trying to outshine them. In short, this verse paints a picture of a man driven by ego, setting the stage for a terrible act of revenge. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the story? Discuss the historical context? Explore the meaning of this passage in a broader biblical context?