Haman had risen to power, being promoted by King Ahasuerus to what appears to be second only to the king. And it was commanded by the king that when Haman passed by that everyone was to bow and pay homage. Now, despite of all those around Mordecai urging him to give in and pay and bow to Haman, he refused. And after Haman saw it, he was furious. Thus, in his hatred, he began to plot to eliminate not only Mordecai, but all the Jews living throughout the provinces.
