Adaliah is a figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Esther. He is one of the sons of Haman, the Agagite, who is a prominent antagonist in the narrative of Esther. Haman is known for his plot to annihilate the Jewish people throughout the Persian Empire during the reign of King Xerxes (Ahasuerus).

Biblical Reference:
Adaliah is listed among the ten sons of Haman in Esther 9:7-10. The Berean Standard Bible states:

"They struck down and killed five hundred men in the citadel of Susa. They also killed Parshandatha, Dalphon, Aspatha, Poratha, Adalia, Aridatha, Parmashta, Arisai, Aridai, and Vaizatha, the ten sons of Haman son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews. But they did not lay a hand on the plunder." (Esther 9:6-10)

Historical and Cultural Context:
Adaliah lived during the time of the Persian Empire, under the rule of King Xerxes I. His father, Haman, held the position of vizier, a high-ranking political advisor, and was a man of considerable influence and power. Haman's animosity towards the Jews, particularly Mordecai, a Jew who refused to bow to him, led to his devising a plan to destroy all Jews in the empire. This plan was foiled by Queen Esther, herself a Jew, and her cousin Mordecai.

The narrative of Esther highlights the providence of God in protecting His people, the Jews, from annihilation. The downfall of Haman and his sons, including Adaliah, is seen as a divine act of justice. The Jewish festival of Purim commemorates this deliverance.

Theological Significance:
Adaliah, as one of Haman's sons, represents the opposition to God's chosen people. The execution of Haman's sons, including Adaliah, is a fulfillment of the retributive justice that is a recurring theme in the Old Testament. It underscores the biblical principle that those who plot against God's people ultimately face divine judgment.

The account of Esther, including the fate of Adaliah, serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and His ability to protect and preserve His people against seemingly insurmountable odds. It also illustrates the theme of reversal, where the plans of the wicked are turned against them, and the righteous are vindicated.

Name Meaning:
The name Adaliah is of uncertain origin, but it is often thought to be of Persian or possibly Hebrew derivation. Some suggest it means "noble" or "one drawn by God," though the exact meaning remains unclear.

Legacy:
Adaliah's legacy is tied to the broader narrative of Esther, where he is remembered as part of the opposition to the Jewish people. His death, along with his brothers, marks the triumph of God's justice and the deliverance of His people, a theme that resonates throughout the biblical text.Adaliah

one that draws water; poverty; cloud; death

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