The school bell has rung, class is now in session.
Haman the Agagite, was a very important man in his day. He was an official of the Royal King of Persia, Ahasuerus (or Xerxes I). His position was called the Grand Vizier, Second in Command, the King’s most “Trusted Advisor.”
The interesting thing about this “trusted advisor” is that his true intent was to manipulate the King, in order to pursue his own personal agenda.
It was around 473 BC, when Haman’s devious plot began. It all hatched in his mind one day when Mordecai refrained from bowing to him in public. He was appalled by this action because most people bowed when he arrived and exited a room. Haman made a great effort to research Mordecai, and found out that it was against Mordecai’s Religious belief to honor Haman like he would honor God. Haman decided that Mordecai along with those who believed like him, had to be annihilated.
Let us look at 7 truth nuggets that will assist in dealing with this personality type.
- Be watchful of those who get deeply offended when things do not go their way – Let me preface this by saying it does not apply to everyone. It is perfectly normal to feel a little disappointed when someone does not agree with you. I am talking about a person whose entire demeanor and behavior pattern changes when you chose to do something other than what was suggested. Haman was used to everyone doing things his way, and when Mordecai did the opposite; he was deeply offended. Deep offense left unchecked generally creates a vindictive person.
- Be watchful of those who are quick to befriend and/or fish for information – If you cannot tell the difference between someone who is genuinely trying to get to know you, for you; versus someone who is fishing for information, pray for discernment. Knowing the difference can save you from future headaches, heartaches and pain. Queen Esther and her uncle Mordecai, discerned that Haman did not have good intentions for their people, but did not react straight away; they waited and watched him until God gave further instructions.
- Be careful sharing personal business with “The Hamans” in your life – Haman had a nasty habit of listening between the lines, and sharing his interpretation. This is still problematic today. We all can think of someone who will take what is said, twist it and share their own interpretation of it to others. It is for this reason that you do not form judgements about someone you barely know based on another person’s second hand information. King Ahasuerus had a bad habit of listening to Haman without checking his words against the facts. This habit almost costed Mordecai and his entire people their lives.
- Be weary of people who are social climbers – Haman was a bonafide social climber. He could always be seen slithering about, like the snake he was, to royals, high ranking officers and political officials. He did this because he knew that if he won the favor of these people, he could manipulate them to push his own political agenda, which was destroying Mordecai and his people. Do not let these people slide under your radar, their aim is to control leadership in order to push their own agenda. Their only concern is for themselves and what they want, instead of what is good for everyone.
- Be alerted by people who are consistently negative – Haman had a pretty deceit life, a beautiful family, wife and ten children, was an advisor to the king, had powerful associates and friends, but this was still not enough. He chose to focus on the negative instead of the good things he had. Steer clear of people with a similar disposition. Misery really does love company.
- Be watchful of people who always want praise for themselves – There was a part in the story when Haman staged an opportunity to make himself look good, and wanted public recognition for it. Somehow it backfired and the recognition went to Mordecai. Haman was furious. It is human nature to desire a pat on the back occasionally, in order to feel appreciated, but when a person starts doing things only to receive praise, they need to check the “why” behind their actions.
- Refrain from revenge – Spoiler Alert – Haman ended up having some of the workers in the castle build a large gallow, so that he could hang Mordecai. The king found out that Haman manipulated him into creating a royal edict to annihilate Mordecai’s people, which also included his queen. The king could not believe he had been so blinded by Haman! He thought Haman was his friend. Haman was a friend as long as he was getting what he wanted. That is also how people with the spirit of Haman operates. They will be ok with a person, as long as things are going their way. As soon as it does not, mark my words, the backbiting, slandering and scheming will began.
Conclusion
Haman ended up being ordered to hang from the very gallows he intended for Mordecai. Mordecai did not have to vindicate himself, God ended up handling everything for him behind the scenes. If you remain faithful as Mordecai and Queen Esther did, He will also do the same for you.
The school bell has rung, class dismissed.
Kamina A. Fitzgerald Ed.D. 