Haman went out that day happy and in high spirits. But when he saw Mordecai at the king’s gate and observed that he neither rose nor showed fear in his presence, he was filled with rage against Mordecai. Nevertheless, Haman restrained himself and went home. Calling together his friends and Zeresh, his wife, Haman boasted to them about his vast wealth, his many sons, and all the ways the king had honored him and how he had elevated him above the other nobles and officials. “And that’s not all,” Haman added. “I’m the only person Queen Esther invited to accompany the king to the banquet she gave. And she has invited me along with the king tomorrow. But all this gives me no satisfaction as long as I see that Jew Mordecai sitting at the king’s gate.”
His wife Zeresh and all his friends said to him, “Have a pole set up, reaching to a height of fifty cubits, and ask the king in the morning to have Mordecai impaled on it. Then go with the king to the banquet and enjoy yourself.” This suggestion delighted Haman, and he had the pole set up.

God’s timing is always perfect. We would have not found out about Haman’s “more evil” plan to impale Mordecai on a 50-foot pole unless Esther had waited and invited him to another banquet. What incredible patience Esther exhibited here!

What areas is God asking me to be patient in and to wait for his timing today?

Haman was evil, but he was also emboldened. The Bible talks about this type of arrogance here: “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Better to be lowly in spirit along with the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud.” (‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭16‬:‭18‬-‭19‬)

Proud men have less godly character and more insecurity about their own lives. This results in lives lived in an effort, many times, to show how important they are by the power or things they have. We see this here with Haman, who brags about his wealth, many sons, his favor with the king above all the other nobles, and his favor with Queen Esther.

I must remember that God has plans that I don’t see or comprehend. He is already working in the background of my challenges to work for his glory! And he will take care of me as he does the sparrows and the lillies.

Am I willing to be patient and let evil people seemingly prosper, while I trust God? Do I trust him that he will merit out justice in the end?

Lord, thank you for this clear example of how you allow evil people to thrive for a season to set up a big fall. Haman, in his arrogance, thought himself God-worthy, this is why he wanted everyone to bow down to him. He also wanted to boast as much as possible about his privilege and wealth. But you teach us a different path. You search out the earth for those who are faithful and true. “For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” (‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭16‬:‭9‬a). Thank you for calling me to yourself. Strengthen me to be patient for your timing!