Matthew Henry Commentary Esther 3:1-6

"After these things did king Ahasuerus promote Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, and advanced him, and set his seat above all the princes that were with him. And all the king`s servants, that were in the king`s gate, bowed down, and did reverence to Haman; for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai bowed not down, nor did him reverence. Then the king`s servants, that were in the king`s gate, said unto Mordecai, Why transgressest thou the king`s commandment? Now it came to pass, when they spake daily unto him, and he hearkened not unto them, that they told Haman, to see whether Mordecai`s matters would stand: for he had told them that he was a Jew. And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not down, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full of wrath. But he thought scorn to lay hands on Mordecai alone; for they had made known to him the people of Mordecai: wherefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews that were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, even the people of Mordecai." — Esther 3:1-6 (ASV)

Mordecai refused to reverence Haman. The religion of a Jew forbade him to give honors to any mortal man that smacked of idolatry, especially to such a wicked man as Haman.

By nature, all are idolaters; self is our favorite idol, and we are pleased to be treated as if everything were at our disposal. Though religion by no means destroys good manners but teaches us to render honor to whom honor is due, yet by a citizen of Zion, not only in his heart, but in his eyes, such a vile person as Haman was is contemned (Psalms 15:4).

The true believer cannot obey edicts or conform to fashions that break the law of God. He must obey God rather than man and leave the consequences to Him.

Haman was full of wrath. His scheme was inspired by that wicked spirit who has been a murderer from the beginning; whose enmity to Christ and His church governs all his children.