Topical Bible: Ag'agite

◄ Ag'agite ►

Jump to: Concordance • Thesaurus • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The term "Ag'agite" is primarily associated with Haman, a central antagonist in the Book of Esther. The designation "Ag'agite" is used to describe Haman's lineage and is mentioned several times in the narrative (Esther 3:1, 3:10, 8:3, 8:5, 9:24). The Berean Standard Bible refers to Haman as "Haman the Agagite," which has significant implications for understanding his role and motivations within the biblical text.

Historical and Biblical Context

The term "Ag'agite" is believed to be derived from Agag, a king of the Amalekites, an ancient people who were long-standing enemies of Israel. The Amalekites first appear in the biblical narrative during the Exodus, where they attacked the Israelites at Rephidim (Exodus 17:8-16). God commanded Moses to record this event and declared that He would "utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven" (Exodus 17:14). This enmity continued through the generations, with King Saul being commanded to destroy the Amalekites completely (1 Samuel 15:1-3). Saul's failure to fully obey this command, sparing King Agag, led to his rejection as king by God (1 Samuel 15:9-23).

Significance in the Book of Esther

In the Book of Esther, Haman's identification as an Agagite is not merely a genealogical note but serves to highlight the historical animosity between the Israelites and the Amalekites. Haman's plot to annihilate the Jews (Esther 3:6) can be seen as a continuation of this ancient hostility. His position as a high-ranking official in the Persian Empire and his deep-seated hatred for Mordecai and the Jewish people echo the longstanding conflict between the descendants of Esau (Amalekites) and Jacob (Israelites).

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the narrative of Haman the Agagite underscores the theme of divine justice and the fulfillment of God's promises. The eventual downfall of Haman, who is hanged on the gallows he prepared for Mordecai (Esther 7:10), serves as a dramatic reversal and a testament to God's providential care for His people. The Jews' deliverance from Haman's plot is celebrated annually in the festival of Purim, which commemorates their survival and God's intervention.

Symbolic Representation

Haman the Agagite is often symbolically interpreted as a representation of evil and opposition to God's covenant people. His actions and ultimate defeat serve as a reminder of the perpetual struggle between good and evil, and the assurance of God's sovereignty and protection over His chosen people. The narrative encourages believers to trust in God's justice and His ability to turn the schemes of the wicked to fulfill His divine purposes.

Concordance

Ag'agite (5 Occurrences)

Esther 3:1
After these things King Ahasuerus promoted Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, and advanced him, and set his seat above all the princes who were with him.
(See RSV)

Esther 3:10
The king took his ring from his hand, and gave it to Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the Jews' enemy.
(See RSV)

Esther 8:3
Esther spoke yet again before the king, and fell down at his feet, and begged him with tears to put away the mischief of Haman the Agagite, and his device that he had devised against the Jews.
(See RSV)

Esther 8:5
She said, "If it pleases the king, and if I have found favor in his sight, and the thing seem right to the king, and I am pleasing in his eyes, let it be written to reverse the letters devised by Haman, the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, which he wrote to destroy the Jews who are in all the king's provinces.
(See RSV)

Esther 9:24
because Haman the son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of all the Jews, had plotted against the Jews to destroy them, and had cast "Pur," that is the lot, to consume them, and to destroy them;
(See RSV)

Thesaurus

Ag'agite (5 Occurrences)
Ag'agite. Agagite, Ag'agite. Again . Multi-Version Concordance Ag'agite
(5 Occurrences). Esther 3:1 After these things King Ahasuerus ...
/a/ag'agite.htm - 7k