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All the king`s servants, who were in the king`s gate, bowed down, and did reverence to Haman; for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai didn`t bow down, nor did him reverence.
Verse Takeaways
1
More Than a Simple Bow
All commentators agree that the reverence demanded by the king for Haman was more than simple civil respect. They explain that it was likely a form of prostration that bordered on divine worship, a practice sometimes afforded to Persian kings and their favorites. Mordecai's refusal was not out of pride, but a principled stand against idolatry.
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4
18th Century
Presbyterian
Mordecai probably refused the required prostration, usual though it was, on religious grounds. Therefore, his opposition led to his confession that…
19th Century
Anglican
Bowed not. —Perhaps, rather, did not prostrate himself, for this was the ordinary Eastern practice (see Herodotus iii. 86…
17th Century
Reformed Baptist
And the king's servants that were in the king's gate Or court, all his courtiers; for it cannot be thought they were…
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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 suc…
