Lexical Summary Aspatha: Aspatha Original Word: אַסְפָּתָא NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof foreign origin Definition a son of Haman NASB Translation Aspatha (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs אַסְמָּ֑תָא proper name, masculine 3rd son of Haman Esther 9:7 (Persian aspadâta, ab equo sacre datus according to Thes Add71, after Pott & Benfey). Topical Lexicon Name and Occurrence Aspatha appears once in Scripture, as the third of Haman’s ten sons listed in Esther 9:7. His life and death are recorded only in connection with the divinely-orchestrated reversal that rescued the Jews of the Persian Empire. Historical Background The book of Esther takes place during the reign of King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I, 486–465 B.C.). Haman the Agagite rose to the highest civil post in Persia and devised a decree to exterminate the Jewish people (Esther 3:1–15). After Esther’s courageous intercession, the king authorized a counter-decree that allowed the Jews to defend themselves (Esther 8:5–14). Haman’s designation “Agagite” ties him to the Amalekite line, traditional enemies of Israel (Exodus 17:14–16; Deuteronomy 25:17–19; 1 Samuel 15:2–33). That heritage frames the execution of his sons as part of the larger, covenantal conflict between the seed of the woman and the seed of the serpent (Genesis 3:15). The Fate of Haman’s Sons On the thirteenth day of Adar, the Jews in Susa struck down “Parshandatha, Dalphon, Aspatha” and the remaining seven brothers (Esther 9:7–10). Their bodies were later displayed on the gallows Haman had prepared for Mordecai (Esther 9:13). This public display: • Confirmed the complete defeat of Haman’s household. Notably, the text twice states that the Jews “did not lay their hands on the plunder” (Esther 9:10, 15). Their restraint highlights the episode as an act of judicial retribution, not personal gain. Theological and Ministry Insights 1. Divine Reversal Aspatha’s fall illustrates the pattern of God overturning plots against His covenant people (Proverbs 26:27; Psalm 7:15–16). What Haman planned for Israel recoiled upon his own family, showcasing providence that operates even when God’s name is unmentioned. 2. Generational Consequences of Sin Haman’s hatred was not isolated; it sprang from Amalekite antagonism spanning centuries. While every individual is accountable for personal sin (Ezekiel 18:20), the narrative warns that entrenched hostility to God’s purposes can reverberate through family lines (Numbers 14:18). 3. Purim as Memorial The death of Aspatha and his brothers became part of the foundation for the Feast of Purim (Esther 9:26–28). Their mention in the Megillah (Scroll of Esther) reminds worshipers annually of God’s faithfulness to preserve His people. Reading the ten names in one breath, a traditional practice, underscores the swift eradication of the threat. 4. Christological Trajectory Aspatha’s end prefigures the ultimate defeat of every power that seeks the destruction of God’s elect. The cross disarmed rulers and authorities (Colossians 2:15), and the final judgment will consummate the victory first tasted in Persia (Revelation 19:19–21). Believers can therefore face opposition with assurance that God’s deliverance is certain. Implications for Worship and Teaching • Proclaim God’s sovereignty: Even in diaspora, with no prophet or direct miracle recorded, the Lord governed events for His glory. See Also Parshandatha (Esther 9:7) Haman (Esther 3–7) Agag, King of the Amalekites (1 Samuel 15) Purim (Esther 9:20–32) Divine Reversal (Genesis 50:20; Acts 2:23–24) Forms and Transliterations אַסְפָּֽתָא׃ אספתא׃ ’as·pā·ṯā ’aspāṯā asPataLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Esther 9:7 HEB: דַּֽלְפ֖וֹן וְאֵ֥ת ׀ אַסְפָּֽתָא׃ NAS: and Parshandatha, Dalphon, Aspatha, KJV: and Dalphon, and Aspatha, INT: and Parshandatha Dalphon Aspatha 1 Occurrence |
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