Haman

Overview

• Testament: Old
• Role: Agagite official who plotted the destruction of the Jews
• Family: Husband of Zeresh; called son of Hammedatha
• Key Books: Esther

Biography

Haman rose to high office under Ahasuerus and demanded public honor. When Mordecai refused to bow, Haman’s rage expanded into a genocidal plot against all Jews in the Persian empire.

His story is marked by reversal. He built gallows for Mordecai, was forced to honor Mordecai publicly, and was finally hanged on the gallows he had prepared.

Key Events

• Haman’s Rise - Haman is promoted and demands honor
• Genocide Decree - He secures the decree against the Jews
• Mordecai Honored - He is humiliated by honoring Mordecai
• Second Feast - Esther exposes him

Relationships

• Mordecai - Enemy
• Esther - Exposes his plot
• Ahasuerus - King whose authority he manipulates

Important Verses

• Esther 3:1-6
• Esther 7:6-10

Cross-References

• Mentioned in: Esther

Notes

Haman is called an Agagite, connecting his hostility to Israel’s older conflict with Amalek and sharpening Esther’s theme of providential reversal.