Esther 9:9

And Parmashta, and Arisai, and Aridai, and Vajezatha,

Esther 9:9 (KJV)

Context

The book of Esther is set during the Jews’ exile in Persia. Esther, a Jewish woman, became queen after winning a beauty contest. Haman, an Agagite and high official, plotted to destroy all Jews in the kingdom. Through God’s providential intervention, Esther and her uncle Mordecai thwarted Haman’s plan.

In Esther 9:9 we see the outcome of the Jews’ victory. King Ahasuerus gave a decree allowing Jews in Shushan to defend themselves. As a result, they triumphed over their enemies, and the ten sons of Haman were killed. The same outcome is recorded in Esther 9:14, where the king commanded the decree be carried out and the hanging of Haman’s ten sons took place.

Meaning

This verse names Parmashta, Arisai, Aridai, and Vajezatha, the last four of Haman’s ten sons. These names are Persian, reflecting the historical setting of the Persian Empire during Ahasuerus’s reign. The list of Haman’s sons is given in Esther 9:7-10. The verse immediately following, Esther 9:10, states that the Jews “laid not their hands on the prey,” indicating they did not take plunder. This shows their motive was self-defense, not greed.

The names have no symbolic or allegorical meaning in the text; they are historical records of the enemies of the Jews who were destroyed. The complete defeat of Haman’s house is clear, as all ten sons are killed, fulfilling the judgment Haman sought to bring upon the Jews.

Biblical connections

The hanging of Haman’s ten sons highlights divine justice. Haman was an enemy of the Jews and had plotted their destruction, yet God turned the tables on him and his family. This event demonstrates that God is just and does not allow the wicked to go unpunished. Proverbs 11:21 (KJV) says, “Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.“

The fate of Haman’s sons serves as a reminder of the consequences of evil actions. Haman’s plot to annihilate the Jews resulted in his own downfall and the demise of his entire family. This underscores the principle found in Galatians 6:7 (KJV), “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.“

Application

Esther 9:9 reminds us to trust in God’s sovereignty, even in adversity. It also teaches that God will bring justice and deliverance to His people. As believers, we can take comfort in knowing that God is with us in our struggles, and He has the power to turn things around for our good.

Throughout the book of Esther we see God’s providential care and protection over His people. Despite dire circumstances, God intervened to save the Jews from destruction. The hanging of Haman’s sons is a testament to God’s faithfulness and His ability to turn the plans of the enemy against themselves.

Reflection

This account reveals the execution of divine justice and the consequences of evil actions. It serves as a reminder of God’s protection and faithfulness to His people, encouraging us to trust in His sovereignty and find hope in His ability to bring justice and deliverance in our lives.