Esther 9:10

They killed these ten sons of Haman son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews, but they did not lay a hand on the plunder.

Study Bible

They killed
The phrase "they killed" indicates a decisive action taken by the Jews against their enemies. In the Hebrew text, the verb used is "הָרַג" (harag), which means to slay or kill. This action was not taken lightly but was a necessary measure for self-defense and survival. The Jews were acting under the decree that allowed them to protect themselves against those who sought their destruction. This reflects the biblical principle of justice and the right to defend one's life and community against aggression.

the ten sons of Haman
Haman's ten sons are named earlier in the chapter, and their deaths signify the complete downfall of Haman's lineage and influence. In ancient Near Eastern culture, the death of a man's sons was seen as the end of his legacy and power. Haman, who had plotted to annihilate the Jews, faced the ultimate defeat as his progeny were also destroyed. This serves as a reminder of the biblical theme that those who plot evil against God's people will ultimately face divine justice.

son of Hammedatha
The mention of Haman as the "son of Hammedatha" serves to identify him clearly and link him to his ancestry. This is significant in the biblical narrative as it emphasizes the continuation of enmity against the Jews from certain lineages. Haman is identified as an Agagite, which connects him to the Amalekites, historical enemies of Israel. This highlights the ongoing spiritual and physical battles faced by God's people throughout history.

the enemy of the Jews
Haman is explicitly labeled as "the enemy of the Jews," underscoring his role as an antagonist in the story. This phrase is crucial as it defines the nature of the conflict in the Book of Esther. The Jews were facing existential threats, and Haman's enmity was not just personal but representative of a larger spiritual battle against God's chosen people. This reflects the biblical understanding that God's people will face opposition, but God remains their protector and deliverer.

But they did not lay a hand on the plunder
This phrase is repeated multiple times in Esther 9, emphasizing the Jews' restraint and moral integrity. The Hebrew word for "plunder" is "בִּזָּה" (bizzah), which refers to the spoils of war. By not taking the plunder, the Jews demonstrated that their actions were not motivated by greed or material gain but by the necessity of self-defense and justice. This restraint aligns with biblical principles of righteousness and the importance of motives in warfare. It also serves as a testimony to their faith and trust in God's provision, rather than relying on the wealth of their enemies.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Haman
The antagonist in the Book of Esther, Haman was an Agagite and a high-ranking official in the Persian Empire who plotted to annihilate the Jews.

2. The Ten Sons of Haman
These were the offspring of Haman, who shared in his enmity against the Jews and were killed as part of the Jews' defense against their enemies.

3. The Jews
The people of God living in the Persian Empire who were targeted for destruction by Haman's decree but were saved through Esther's intervention.

4. Susa
The capital of the Persian Empire where much of the account of Esther takes place, including the events of Esther 9.

5. The Plunder
Refers to the goods and possessions of the enemies that the Jews refrained from taking, despite having the right to do so.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God’s Commands
The Jews' decision not to take the plunder reflects a commitment to God's commands and a focus on justice rather than material gain.

Divine Justice and Protection
The account illustrates God's providential care and justice for His people, encouraging believers to trust in God's timing and methods.

Restraint and Integrity
By not taking the plunder, the Jews demonstrated integrity and restraint, setting an example for believers to act righteously even when given the opportunity for personal gain.

Historical Continuity of God's Plan
The events in Esther 9 are part of a larger account of God's faithfulness to His covenant people, reminding believers of the continuity of God's redemptive plan.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the decision of the Jews not to take the plunder reveal about their priorities and values? How can this inform our own decisions when faced with ethical dilemmas?

2. How does the account of Haman and his sons connect to the broader biblical account of the conflict between Israel and the Amalekites? What lessons can we draw about the consequences of disobedience to God?

3. In what ways does the restraint shown by the Jews in Esther 9:10 reflect the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament about loving our enemies and seeking peace?

4. How can we apply the principle of leaving vengeance to God in our own lives, especially when we face injustice or persecution?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to choose between material gain and doing what was right. How did your faith influence your decision, and what was the outcome?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 15
The account of King Saul's incomplete obedience in dealing with the Amalekites, from whom Haman descended, provides a historical backdrop to the enmity between the Jews and Haman.

Exodus 17:14-16
God's command to Moses to blot out the memory of Amalek, which connects to the ongoing conflict between the Israelites and the Amalekites, represented by Haman.

Romans 12:19
The principle of leaving vengeance to God, which is exemplified by the Jews' restraint in not taking the plunder.