Esther 3:1-3

New Century Version

Haman Plans to Destroy the Jewish People

3 After these things happened, King Xerxes honored Haman son of Hammedatha the Agagite. He gave him a new rank that was higher than all the important men. ² All the royal officers at the king’s gate would bow down and kneel before Haman, as the king had ordered. But Mordecai would not bow down or show him honor.

³ Then the royal officers at the king’s gate asked Mordecai, “Why don’t you obey the king’s command?”