Esther 3:7

"But he scorned the thought of laying hands on Mordecai alone, for they had made known to him Mordecai’s people. Therefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews who were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, even Mordecai’s people."

Key Reflection

Haman's decision to target all Jews instead of just Mordecai underscores his willingness to escalate injustice and violence. This choice reflects not only his anger but also a desire for comprehensive control and annihilation, symbolizing the depths to which hatred can drive one's actions.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

In the first month ... -i. e. in March or April of 474 B.C. “Pur” is supposed to be an old Persian word etymologically connected with the Latin “pars”, and signifying “part” or “lot.” The practice of casting lots to obtain a lucky day still obtains in the East, and is probably extremely ancient. A lot seems to have been cast, or a throw of some kind made, for each day of the month and each month of the year. The day and month which obtained the best throws were then selected. Assyrian calendars note lucky and unlucky days as early as the eighth century B.C. Lots were in use both among the Oriental and the Classical nations from a remote antiquity.

More from Esther 3

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

Go deeper with Bible.talk - your AI Bible study companion