Lexical Summary maamar: Command, decree, word, saying Original Word: מַאֲמַר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance commandment, decree From 'amar; something (authoritatively) said, i.e. An edict -- commandment, decree. see HEBREW 'amar NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom amar Definition a word, command NASB Translation command (2), what (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [מַאֲמָר noun masculineEsther 9:32 word, command (late; Mishna id.) construct מַאֲמַר Esther 1:15; Esther 2:20; Esther 9:32. Topical Lexicon Scriptural Distribution and Narrative Function מַאֲמַר appears three times, all within the Book of Esther (Esther 1:15; 2:20; 9:32). In each case it denotes an authoritative spoken or written decree emanating from royal authority. The term therefore frames the drama of Esther by introducing Vashti’s crisis (1:15), underscoring Esther’s obedience to Mordecai (2:20), and sealing the institution of Purim (9:32). Royal Authority and Legal Irrevocability Persian law held that once a royal command was issued, it was unalterable (compare Daniel 6:8–15). מַאֲמַר is employed precisely where the narrator wishes to stress this finality. When Ahasuerus asks, “According to the law, what is to be done with Queen Vashti, since she has not obeyed the command of King Xerxes that the eunuchs conveyed?” (Esther 1:15), the question is not merely about domestic insubordination but about violation of a fixed edict. Later, “Esther still had not revealed her lineage or her people, just as Mordecai had instructed her. She obeyed Mordecai’s command, as she had done under his care” (Esther 2:20). Here the permanence of Mordecai’s directive mirrors the king’s edict, foreshadowing divine preservation through human obedience. Finally, “So Esther’s decree confirmed these regulations about Purim, and it was written in the book” (Esther 9:32). The festival’s survival rests on an unmistakable royal decree that could stand undisturbed throughout subsequent generations. Divine Sovereignty Behind Human Decrees The narrative uses the apparent immutability of Persian law to highlight a deeper immutability: the covenant faithfulness of God. Although the Book of Esther never explicitly names the LORD, the irreversible nature of the royal word becomes the stage on which divine providence overturns the genocidal scheme of Haman. Every human decree is ultimately overruled for the protection of God’s people, revealing that heaven’s purposes are never thwarted (Proverbs 19:21). Foreshadowing of the Gospel Just as Esther’s written word secured deliverance for her people, so the incarnate Word, Jesus Christ, secures eternal redemption (John 1:14; Hebrews 1:1-3). The irrevocable decree that instituted Purim anticipates the new covenant, ratified by Christ’s blood, that guarantees forgiveness and life (Hebrews 9:15). The permanence attached to מַאֲמַר thus prefigures the unchangeable promise of the gospel (2 Corinthians 1:20). Ministry Application 1. Reliability of Scripture: מַאֲמַר reminds believers that the written Word of God is fixed and trustworthy (Psalm 119:89). Homiletical Themes • “The Unbreakable Word: From Persian Decrees to God’s Promises.” Related Biblical Concepts Word (דָּבָר), decree (חֹק), covenant (בְּרִית), testimony (עֵדוּת), promise (ἐπαγγελία). Summary מַאֲמַר serves as a narrative linchpin in Esther, highlighting the unalterable nature of royal edicts and, by extension, the steadfastness of God’s redemptive plan. Its limited but strategic usage invites believers to trust in the finality of the divine Word and to live in joyful obedience under its authority. Forms and Transliterations וּמַאֲמַ֣ר ומאמר מַאֲמַ֤ר מַאֲמַר֙ מאמר ma’ămar ma·’ă·mar maaMar ū·ma·’ă·mar ūma’ămar umaaMarLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Esther 1:15 HEB: עָשְׂתָ֗ה אֶֽת־ מַאֲמַר֙ הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ אֲחַשְׁוֵר֔וֹשׁ NAS: she did not obey the command of King KJV: because she hath not performed the commandment of the king INT: did not obey the command of King Ahasuerus Esther 2:20 Esther 9:32 3 Occurrences |
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