Bible Figure
Haman
Biblical figure (Book of Esther)
Haman was the high Persian official in Esther who plotted to destroy the Jews and was ultimately executed on the structure he had prepared for Mordecai.
Biography
Esther identifies Haman the Agagite as a powerful official promoted by King Ahasuerus. Enraged because Mordecai would not bow to him, Haman sought not merely Mordecai's death but destruction of all Jews throughout the empire. He cast the pur, or lot, to choose the date and obtained royal authority for the decree. Queen Esther exposed Haman's plot at a banquet, and the king ordered Haman hanged or impaled on the structure he had prepared for Mordecai. Mordecai received Haman's position, and a counter-decree enabled the Jews to defend themselves.
Biblical Significance
Haman embodies genocidal hostility toward God's covenant people in Esther. His reversal and defeat stand at the heart of the providential deliverance commemorated in Purim.