Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled,

and whoever humbles himself will be exalted (Luke 14:11)

Haman was in a very good mood because he alone was invited

to two banquets with King Ahasuerus and Queen Esther.

He boasted to his wife, Zeresh, and his friends about his wealth,

his many children, and the high position the king had given him above all others.

Yet, despite all this, Haman was not satisfied as long as he saw

the Jew Mordecai sitting at the king's gate

(Esther 5:9-13).

Haman seemed to be extremely angry

because Mordecai did not acknowledge his high position,

nor did he bow down or pay homage to him.

It appears that Haman wanted everyone to recognize the high position he held,

which he was very proud of.

However, there was just one person, Mordecai the Jew,

who did not acknowledge his high status.

This greatly dissatisfied Haman.

His wife Zeresh and all his friends advised him

to set up a gallows about 23 meters high

and to ask the king the next morning to have Mordecai hanged on it.

After that, he could go to the second banquet with Queen Esther in high spirits.

This suggestion pleased Haman, and he ordered the gallows to be built (v. 14).

Haman wanted to hang Mordecai on the high gallows

because Mordecai did not acknowledge his high position.

When I meditate on this passage, I am reminded of Jesus,

who, despite having the highest position equal with God,

came to this lowly and humble earth (Ref.: Philippians 2:6-8)

and was crucified on a high cross (Ref.: John 3:14),

the tree of curse (Deuteronomy 21:23; Galatians 3:13).

Jesus said, "For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled,

and those who humble themselves will be exalted"

(Luke 14:11).