Afterwards, Mordecai returned to his duties at the palace gate, and Haman hurried home, hiding his face in shame. Haman told his wife and friends what had happened. Then his wife and his advisors said, "If Mordecai is a Jew, this is just the beginning of your troubles! You will end up a ruined man." They were still talking, when the king's servants came and quickly took Haman to the dinner that Esther had prepared.
(Esther 6:12-14, CEV)
Today’s verses show yet another stark contrast between Mordecai and Haman.
Mordecai has just been honored by the king. He’s been clothed in the king’s own robe and has ridden the king’s own horse. He’s been led by Haman with the proclamation, “This is how the king honors a man!”
And what does he do when it’s all over? He goes back to work. He doesn’t throw a party for himself. He doesn’t brag throughout the neighborhood. He doesn’t preen and tell everyone how amazing and wonderful he is.
He just goes back to doing what he usually does.
Can you imagine what Haman would have done had he been similarly honored? He would have kept the robe and worn it constantly—probably would have even slept in it. Had FaceBook been around, he would have posted his status and sent a message to all his friends. And photos of him on the horse would have filled his online album.
Instead, he slinks back home, utterly humiliated … just in time for the second dinner party with the royal couple. And hoping for some vindication—after all Mordecai isn’t dining with King Xerxes and Queen Esther—he quickly joins the party.
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