And all the king’s servants, that were in the king’s gate, bowed, and reverenced Haman: for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence.
All the king's officials at the palace gate bowed down and showed respect to Haman, because the king had ordered them to do this. But Mordecai refused to bow down or show him respect.
This verse shows Mordecai courageously refusing to bow down to Haman despite the king's command, setting up the central conflict of the story.
📚 Historical Context
In the ancient Persian Empire under King Ahasuerus, it was customary for officials and servants to show deep respect and bow to high-ranking figures as a sign of loyalty and hierarchy. Haman had been elevated to a prominent position by the king, who issued a command for everyone at the royal gate to bow before him, reflecting the absolute authority of the monarch. Mordecai, a Jewish exile serving in the king's court, refused to bow, likely because his faith forbade worshiping or revering anyone other than God, setting the stage for conflict in the story of Esther.
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