“ Those who hear the warnings of this curse should not congratulate themselves, thinking,‘ I am safe, even though I am following the desires of my own stubborn heart.’ This would lead to utter ruin!
Now Herod was very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon. So they sent a delegation to make peace with him because their cities were dependent upon Herod’s country for food. The delegates won the support of Blastus, Herod’s personal assistant,and an appointment with Herod was granted. When the day arrived, Herod put on his royal robes, sat on his throne, and made a speech to them.The people gave him a great ovation, shouting,“ It’s the voice of a god, not of a man!”
I saw that one of the heads of the beast seemed wounded beyond recovery— but the fatal wound was healed! The whole world marveled at this miracle and gave allegiance to the beast.They worshiped the dragon for giving the beast such power, and they also worshiped the beast.“ Who is as great as the beast?” they exclaimed.“ Who is able to fight against him?”
All the king’s officials would bow down before Haman to show him respect whenever he passed by, for so the king had commanded. But Mordecai refused to bow down or show him respect.