Adalia is one of the ten sons of Haman, the Agagite, who is prominently featured in the Book of Esther in the Old Testament. Haman, a high-ranking official in the Persian Empire under King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I), is infamously known for his plot to annihilate the Jewish people throughout the empire. The narrative of Haman and his family is a critical component of the Jewish festival of Purim, which commemorates the deliverance of the Jews from this planned genocide.

Biblical Reference:
Adalia is specifically mentioned in Esther 9:8 as one of the sons of Haman. The Berean Standard Bible states: "Parshandatha, Dalphon, Aspatha, Poratha, Adalia, Aridatha, Parmashta, Arisai, Aridai, and Vaizatha." These names are listed in the context of the Jews' victory over their enemies, which included the execution of Haman's ten sons.

Historical and Cultural Context:
The account of Haman and his sons unfolds during the reign of King Ahasuerus, who ruled over a vast empire stretching from India to Cush. Haman, identified as an Agagite, is believed to be a descendant of Agag, the king of the Amalekites, a people who were long-standing enemies of Israel. This historical enmity adds a layer of depth to the narrative, as the Amalekites were divinely condemned in earlier biblical texts (see Exodus 17:14-16 and 1 Samuel 15).

The Fate of Adalia and His Brothers:
In the dramatic reversal of fortune that characterizes the Book of Esther, Haman's plot is foiled by Queen Esther and her cousin Mordecai. Esther, a Jewess who had become queen, bravely reveals Haman's scheme to the king, leading to Haman's execution on the very gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. Subsequently, the king grants the Jews the right to defend themselves against their enemies.

On the thirteenth day of the month of Adar, the Jews successfully defend themselves, and the ten sons of Haman, including Adalia, are killed. Esther 9:13-14 records that at Esther's request, the bodies of Haman's sons were hanged on gallows, a public display of their defeat and a symbol of divine justice.

Theological Significance:
The account of Adalia and his brothers serves as a testament to God's providential care and protection of His people. The account underscores the theme of divine justice and the reversal of evil plans against the righteous. It also highlights the importance of faith and courage in the face of persecution, as exemplified by Esther and Mordecai.

The narrative of Haman and his sons, including Adalia, is a powerful reminder of the biblical principle that those who plot evil against God's people ultimately face divine retribution. This theme resonates throughout Scripture, affirming the belief in God's sovereignty and justice.Esther 9:8
And Poratha, and Adalia, and Aridatha,
Nave's Topical Index

118. Adalya -- the fifth son of Haman
... Word Usage Adalia (1). Adalia. Of Persian derivation; Adalja, a son of Haman --
Adalia. 117, 118. Adalya. 119 . Strong's Numbers.
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