5 And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full of wrath.
5 When Haman saw that Mordecai would not kneel down or pay him honor, he was enraged.
5 And when Haman saw that Mordecai did not bow down or pay homage to him, Haman was filled with fury.
5 When Haman saw for himself that Mordecai didn't bow down and kneel before him, he was outraged.
5 When Haman saw that Mordecai did not bow or pay him homage, Haman was filled with wrath.
5 When Haman saw that Mordecai would not bow down or show him respect, he was filled with rage.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Esther 3:5
Commentary on Esther 3:1-6
(Read Esther 3:1-6)
Mordecai refused to reverence Haman. The religion of a Jew forbade him to give honours to any mortal man which savoured of idolatry, especially to so wicked a man as Haman. By nature all are idolaters; self is our favourite idol, we are pleased to be treated as if every thing were at our disposal. Though religion by no means destroys good manners, but teaches us to render honour to whom honour 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, Psalm 15:4. The true believer cannot obey edicts, or conform to fashions, which break the law of God. He must obey God rather than man, and leave the consequences to him. Haman was full of wrath. His device 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.