Parmashta is a biblical figure mentioned in the Book of Esther, which is part of the Ketuvim, or Writings, in the Hebrew Bible and the Old Testament in the Christian tradition. Parmashta is one of the ten sons of Haman, the Agagite, who is a central antagonist in the narrative of Esther. The account of Haman and his sons is significant in the Jewish festival of Purim, which commemorates the deliverance of the Jewish people from a plot to annihilate them.

Biblical Reference:

Parmashta is specifically mentioned in Esther 9:7-10 , which lists the names of Haman's ten sons who were killed by the Jews in Susa, the capital of the Persian Empire, as part of their defense against Haman's decree. The passage reads:

"They struck down and killed the ten sons of Haman—Parshandatha, Dalphon, Aspatha, Poratha, Adalia, Aridatha, Parmashta, Arisai, Aridai, and Vaizatha. However, they did not lay their hands on the plunder." (Esther 9:7-10)

Historical and Cultural Context:

Haman, the father of Parmashta, was an official in the court of King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I) of Persia. Haman's animosity towards the Jews, particularly Mordecai, a Jew who refused to bow to him, led to his plot to destroy all the Jews in the empire. The narrative unfolds with Queen Esther, herself a Jew and the cousin of Mordecai, bravely intervening to reveal Haman's plot to the king. As a result, Haman is executed, and the Jews are granted the right to defend themselves against their enemies.

The death of Haman's sons, including Parmashta, is a pivotal moment in the account, symbolizing the complete downfall of Haman's lineage and the triumph of the Jewish people over their adversaries. The refusal of the Jews to take the plunder, as noted in the biblical text, underscores their moral victory and the justice of their cause.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the account of Parmashta and his brothers serves as a testament to God's providence and protection over His chosen people. The narrative illustrates the theme of divine justice, where the wicked plans of Haman are overturned, and the intended victims are delivered. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of God's faithfulness to His covenant people, as seen throughout the Scriptures.

The account of Parmashta and his brothers also highlights the importance of faith and courage in the face of persecution. Esther's role as an intercessor for her people is often seen as a foreshadowing of Christ's intercession for humanity, making the account relevant for Christian reflection on themes of salvation and redemption.

Commemoration in Jewish Tradition:

In Jewish tradition, the account of Esther, including the fate of Parmashta and his brothers, is celebrated during the festival of Purim. This festival is marked by the reading of the Megillah (the Book of Esther), feasting, and the giving of gifts to friends and the poor. The recitation of the names of Haman's sons, including Parmashta, is an integral part of the Purim liturgy, often read in a single breath to symbolize the swift downfall of Haman's house.

Overall, Parmashta's mention in the Book of Esther, though brief, is part of a larger narrative that underscores the themes of divine justice, deliverance, and the enduring faithfulness of God to His people.Parmashta

a yearling bull

Parmashta

(superior), one of the ten sons of Haman slain by the Jews in Shushan. (Esther 9:9) (B.C. 473.)

Strong-fisted, a son of Haman, slain in Shushan (Esther 9:9). PARMASHTA

par-mash'-ta (parmashta'; Septuagint Marmasima, or Marmasimna): One of the sons of Haman (Esther 9:9).

6534. Parmashta -- a son of Haman
... 6533, 6534. Parmashta. 6535 . a son of Haman. Transliteration: Parmashta
Phonetic Spelling: (par-mash-taw') Short Definition: Parmashta. ...
/hebrew/6534.htm - 5kParmashta (1 Occurrence)
...PARMASHTA. par-mash'-ta (parmashta'; Septuagint Marmasima, or Marmasimna): One
of the sons of Haman (Esther 9:9). ...Parmashta (1 Occurrence). ...
/p/parmashta.htm - 7k

Parmash'ta (1 Occurrence)
Parmash'ta. Parmashta, Parmash'ta. Parmenas . ... Parmash'ta (1 Occurrence). Esther
9:9 and Parmashta, and Arisai, and Aridai, and Vaizatha, (See RSV). ...
/p/parmash'ta.htm - 6k

Vajezatha (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Vajezatha (1 Occurrence). Esther 9:9 And Parmashta,
and Arisai, and Aridai, and Vajezatha, (KJV DBY WBS YLT). ...
/v/vajezatha.htm - 7k

Vaiza'tha (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Vaiza'tha (1 Occurrence). Esther 9:9 and Parmashta, and
Arisai, and Aridai, and Vaizatha, (See RSV). Vaizatha, Vaiza'tha. Vajezatha ...
/v/vaiza'tha.htm - 6k

Vaizatha (1 Occurrence)
... See COPTIC VERSIONS. Multi-Version Concordance Vaizatha (1 Occurrence). Esther
9:9 Parmashta, Arisai, Aridai, and Vaizatha, (WEB JPS ASV BBE NAS NIV). ...
/v/vaizatha.htm - 7k

Parlour

/p/parlour.htm - 7k

Ar'isai (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Ar'isai (1 Occurrence). Esther 9:9 Parmashta, Arisai,
Aridai, and Vaizatha, (See RSV). Arisai, Ar'isai. Arise . Reference Bible.
/a/ar'isai.htm - 6k

Arisai (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Arisai (1 Occurrence). Esther 9:9 Parmashta, Arisai,
Aridai, and Vaizatha, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/a/arisai.htm - 6k

Ar'idai (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Ar'idai (1 Occurrence). Esther 9:9 Parmashta, Arisai,
Aridai, and Vaizatha, (See RSV). Aridai, Ar'idai. Aridatha . Reference Bible
/a/ar'idai.htm - 6k

Aridai (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Aridai (1 Occurrence). Esther 9:9 Parmashta, Arisai,
Aridai, and Vaizatha, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/a/aridai.htm - 6k

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