Radio Broadcast:
Keep Your Focus
June 5, 2012 - 5:00 am“But all this gives me no satisfaction as long as I see that Jew Mordecai sitting at the king’s gate.” — Esther 5:13
Haman had it all. He knew it too. In front of his closest family and friends, he enumerated his many blessings. He had many sons, plenty of wealth, and power second only to the king. And that’s not all. Haman had been invited to an exclusive, private party given by the Queen for just the king and himself.
It doesn’t get much better than that! But – and that’s the key word – it all meant nothing to him when he saw Mordecai the Jew. Mordecai was the only person in the entire kingdom who refused to bow down to Haman, and that drove Haman crazy.
The Talmud asks a question: where is Haman hinted at in the Scriptures? The answer: “Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?” (Genesis 3:11). The Hebrew word that begins this sentence has exactly the same spelling as “Haman,” and the theme of this phrase has much in common with the kind of person that Haman was.
This question is asked by God to Adam and Eve after they had eaten from the one tree in the Garden of Eden that had been banned to them. God had created a whole orchard of trees for humanity to enjoy. Adam and Eve would never go hungry! But – and there’s that word again – there was just one tree that was off limits. And of course, as we know, that’s the fruit Adam and Eve went after.
Haman, Adam, and Eve all have one thing in common. They focused on what they didn’t have and missed the beauty of what they did have. Even worse, their sad perspective is what leads to their ultimate downfall.
I recently received an email with the following quote written across a picture of an adorable toddler holding a camera and trying to take a picture of herself: “Life is like a camera. Just focus on what’s important. Capture the GOOD TIMES! Develop from the negatives. And if things don’t work out – just take another shot.”
Too bad Haman didn’t have email. What a different life he might have led had he learned to focus on all of the blessings in his life. Imagine the difference it can make for you!
Esther was married to Ahasuerus the king of Iran, the king Ahasuerus is not a Jew and not worship “the god of Jews”. Esther died and she buried with the king Ahasuerus in Iran and she did not bury with its people in her country in Israel.
Terrible pride was what killed Hamman, and anyone who touches Israel sticks his finger in the apple of God’s eye!!
Thank you. Todays devotional touch my heart. I am going through a divorce at present, not my choosing, and this article reminds me that even when life gets tough, look for the blessings because God has been, still is and always will be a Good God, faithful and true is He.
Donna
Thank you again Rabbi for anoyher insightful and interesting commentry.Shalom and God bless.
Yes! Haman he curse Him self. same 2Day Enemy who point the vinger to Isarail is cursesing Him self. Coz God says I will bless those who bless you,And whoever ever ever Curses you I will Curse;And all people on Earth will be blessed Through you Genesis 12:3. Amen and Amen
Have you ever heard about Jewish Voice For Peace? That organization base in Berkley California and, they are far left. They oppose the Israel’s right to exist and undermine it’s security and existance. I called the JVFP is a Jewish Voice Pro-War and Pro-distraction of the State Of Israel. We Jews, must love Israel because, it’s the only Land we have. Israel is only democracy state of the Middle East. Where else in the Middle East the Arab women can vote? So-called Palestinians are invented people. To call them the Arabs would be right name for them. They occupaid Israel since 1800. We Jews, have a full rights to live there. This is our land. Long and happy life to you, State Of Israel! Arabs, get out from my land.