Topical Encyclopedia Amadatha is a biblical figure mentioned in the Book of Esther, specifically in Esther 3:1, 3:10, 8:5, 9:10, and 9:24. He is identified as the father of Haman, the Agagite, who is the primary antagonist in the narrative of Esther. The name "Amadatha" itself is not extensively detailed in the biblical text, but his lineage is significant due to its connection to Haman, who sought to annihilate the Jewish people during the reign of King Xerxes (Ahasuerus) of Persia.Lineage and Historical Context Amadatha is referred to as an Agagite, which suggests a possible connection to Agag, the king of the Amalekites, a people who were long-standing enemies of Israel. This connection is significant in understanding the animosity Haman held towards the Jews. The Amalekites were descendants of Esau, and their enmity with Israel is well-documented throughout the Old Testament. In 1 Samuel 15, King Saul is commanded by God to destroy the Amalekites, including their king, Agag. Saul's failure to fully obey this command led to his rejection as king. The term "Agagite" in reference to Haman and Amadatha may symbolize this historical enmity and the continuation of hostilities against the Jewish people. Role in the Book of Esther Amadatha's role is primarily as the progenitor of Haman, whose actions drive the central conflict in the Book of Esther. Haman, described as "the son of Hammedatha the Agagite" (Esther 3:1), rises to a position of power in the Persian Empire and plots to destroy all the Jews in the kingdom. This plot is famously thwarted by Queen Esther and her cousin Mordecai, leading to the Jewish festival of Purim, which celebrates their deliverance. Theological Implications The mention of Amadatha and his lineage underscores the theme of divine justice and providence in the Book of Esther. The narrative highlights the reversal of fortunes, where Haman's plot against the Jews leads to his own downfall. The historical enmity between the descendants of Esau (Amalekites) and Jacob (Israelites) is resolved through God's intervention, as seen in the preservation of the Jewish people. Cultural and Historical Significance Amadatha's mention in the Book of Esther serves as a reminder of the historical conflicts between Israel and its enemies. The account of Esther, with Amadatha's son Haman as the antagonist, is a powerful narrative of survival and faith. It illustrates the ongoing struggle between good and evil, and the belief in God's sovereignty over the affairs of nations and individuals. Biblical References · Esther 3:1 : "After these events, King Xerxes honored Haman son of Hammedatha the Agagite, elevating him and giving him a seat of honor higher than that of all the other nobles." · Esther 3:10 : "So the king took his signet ring from his finger and gave it to Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of the Jews." · Esther 8:5 : "If it pleases the king," she said, "and if he regards me with favor and thinks it the right thing to do, and if he is pleased with me, let an order be written overruling the dispatches that Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, devised and wrote to destroy the Jews in all the king’s provinces." · Esther 9:10 : "They killed the ten sons of Haman son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews. But they did not lay their hands on the plunder." · Esther 9:24 : "For Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of all the Jews, had plotted against the Jews to destroy them and had cast the Pur (that is, the lot) to ruin and destroy them." Amadatha's legacy, through his son Haman, serves as a critical element in the narrative of Esther, illustrating the themes of enmity, divine justice, and the protection of God's chosen people. Smith's Bible Dictionary Amadatha(Esther 16:10,17) and Amadathus . (Esther 12:6) [HAMMEDATHA] International Standard Bible Encyclopedia AMADATHA; AMADATHUSa-mad'-a-tha, a-mad'-a-thus (Additions to Esther 12:6). See AMAN; HAMMEDATHA. Thesaurus Amadatha... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia AMADATHA; AMADATHUS. a-mad'-a-tha, a-mad'-a-thus (Additions to Esther 12:6). See AMAN; HAMMEDATHA. ... /a/amadatha.htm - 6k Amadathus Amad (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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