The Story of Mordecai and Haman

Lessons from the Story of Mordecai and Haman

In the vast Persian Empire ruled by King Ahasuerus, lived a Jewish man named Mordecai, from the tribe of Benjamin. He had been carried into exile from Jerusalem and now lived in Shushan, the capital. Mordecai cared for his young cousin Esther, an orphan he raised as his own daughter.

When Queen Vashti was removed from her position for disobeying the king, a search was made for a new queen. By God’s unseen hand (Providence), Esther was chosen and crowned queen.
Lesson: God positions His people where they need to be before the crisis comes. (Esther 4:14)

One day, Mordecai overheard two officers plotting to assassinate the king. He told Esther, who reported it in his name. The plot was investigated, the conspirators executed, and the event recorded in the royal chroniclesthough no reward came at the time.
Lesson: Faithfulness and integrity are never wasted; God remembers even when men forget. (Galatians 6:9)

Later, the king promoted Haman the Agagite, commanding all officials to bow to him. Mordecai refused, declaring his loyalty to God. Enraged, Haman not only plotted to kill Mordecai but also sought to destroy all Jews in the empire. Casting lots (Pur), he fixed a date for their annihilation and convinced the king to sign the decree.
Lesson: The enemy’s hatred is often against God’s people as a whole, not just the individual who stands for righteousness. (John 15:19)

When Mordecai learned of the decree, he tore his clothes, wore sackcloth and ashes, and cried out in the city. Across the empire, Jews fasted and wept. Mordecai urged Esther to plead with the king, warning her not to think she would be safe in the palace. “Who knows,” he said, “if you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Esther called for a three-day fast before approaching the king, risking her life.
Lesson: Great spiritual battles must be approached with prayer and fasting, and courage often means moving forward despite fear. (2 Timothy 1:7)

On the third day, Esther stood before the king, who extended the golden sceptre to her. She invited him and Haman to a banquet, and then to a second banquet. Meanwhile, Haman, furious at Mordecai’s refusal to bow, built a gallows to hang him.
Lesson: Pride blinds the heart and leads to self-destruction. (Proverbs 16:18)

That night, the king could not sleep. Reading the royal chronicles, he discovered Mordecai’s unrewarded act of loyalty. At that very moment, Haman entered to request Mordecai’s execution. Instead, the king asked Haman how to honour someone he delighted in. Thinking it was himself, Haman described a grand public honourand was ordered to bestow it on Mordecai.
Lesson: God can turn situations in a single night, lifting the righteous and humbling the proud. (Psalm 75:6–7)

At Esther’s second banquet, she revealed her true identity and Haman’s plot: “We are sold, I and my people, to be destroyed.” The enraged king asked who would do such a thing. Esther replied, “The adversary and enemy is this wicked Haman.” Haman was hanged on the gallows he had built for Mordecai.
Lesson: God causes the enemy to fall into the very trap he set for the righteous. (Psalm 7:15–16)

The king gave Haman’s estate to Esther and promoted Mordecai to his position. A new decree was issued allowing the Jews to defend themselves. On the appointed day, they defeated their enemies. What began as a day of planned destruction became a day of joy and victory, celebrated annually as the Feast of Purim.
Lesson: God can turn mourning into dancing and fear into celebration. (Psalm 30:11)

Final Reflections

• God’s Providence is silent but certain His name is not mentioned in the book of Esther, but His fingerprints are everywhere.
• Your position has purpose Just like Esther, you may be placed “for such a time as this.”
• Pride leads to downfall Haman’s end was a warning to all who exalt themselves against God’s people.
• Faith and fasting prepare the way for divine intervention Breakthrough often follows spiritual discipline.
• God’s justice is sure The righteous will be lifted, and the plans of the wicked will be overturned.