Esther 5:9

9 That day Haman left full of joy and in good spirits.^[a][b]But when Haman saw Mordecai at the King's Gate, and Mordecai didn't rise or tremble in fear at his presence, Haman was filled with rage toward Mordecai.^[c]

Esther 5:9 Meaning and Commentary

Esther 5:9

Then went Haman forth that day, joyful, and with a glad heart,
&c.] From court to his own house

but when Haman saw Mordecai in the king's gate, that he stood not up,
nor moved for him;
did not show him the least degree even of civil respect; which he refused to do, partly lest it should be interpreted an adoration of him, and partly because it was well known to him he had formed a scheme for the destruction of him and all his people; and the rather he refused it to him, as Esther was about to make intercession with the king to revoke his decree, of the success of which he had no doubt; and therefore had nothing to fear from him, but treated him with the utmost contempt, as he deserved:

he was full of wrath against Mordecai;
it was a sad mortification to him, and a great allay of that joy and elation of mind on account of the favour he was in; not with the king only, but the queen also, as he imagined.

Esther 5:9 In-Context

7 Esther answered, "[This is] my petition and my request:

8 If the king approves of me and if it pleases the king to grant my petition and perform my request, may the king and Haman come to the banquet I will prepare for them. Tomorrow I will do what the king has asked."

9 That day Haman left full of joy and in good spirits.But when Haman saw Mordecai at the King's Gate, and Mordecai didn't rise or tremble in fear at his presence, Haman was filled with rage toward Mordecai.

10 Yet Haman controlled himself and went home. He sent for his friends and his wife Zeresh to join him.

11 Then Haman described for them his glorious wealth and his many sons. He told them all how the king had promoted him in rank and given him a high position over the other officials and the royal staff.

Footnotes

• [a]. Lit left rejoicing and good of heart
• [b]. 1 Kg 8:66; 2 Ch 7:10; Pr 15:15
• [c]. Est 3:2,5