The Ten Sons of Haman are figures mentioned in the Book of Esther, a narrative found in the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament. They are the offspring of Haman the Agagite, who served as a high-ranking official in the Persian Empire under King Ahasuerus (commonly identified as Xerxes I). Haman is infamously known for his plot to annihilate the Jewish people throughout the empire, a plan that was ultimately thwarted by Queen Esther and her cousin Mordecai.

Biblical Account:

The account of Haman's sons is primarily found in Esther 9:7-10. After Haman's execution on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai, the Jews were granted the right to defend themselves against their enemies. On the day that was originally set for their destruction, the Jews struck down their adversaries, including the ten sons of Haman. The Berean Standard Bible records their names as follows:

"In the citadel of Susa, the Jews killed and destroyed five hundred men, including Parshandatha, Dalphon, Aspatha, Poratha, Adalia, Aridatha, Parmashta, Arisai, Aridai, and Vaizatha. They killed these 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 Theological Context:

Haman's lineage is significant, as he is described as an Agagite, which may suggest a connection to Agag, the king of the Amalekites, a longstanding enemy of Israel. This enmity is rooted in the command given to King Saul to utterly destroy the Amalekites (1 Samuel 15), a task he failed to complete. The narrative of Esther, therefore, is seen by some as a continuation of this ancient conflict, with Haman representing the persistent threat of Amalekite hostility toward the Jewish people.

The execution of Haman's sons is a pivotal moment in the account, symbolizing the complete downfall of Haman's house and the deliverance of the Jewish people from their enemies. The text emphasizes that the Jews did not take the plunder, highlighting their focus on survival and justice rather than material gain.

Cultural and Liturgical Significance:

The account of Esther, including the fate of Haman's sons, is commemorated annually during the Jewish festival of Purim. This celebration involves the public reading of the Megillah (the Book of Esther), during which the names of Haman's sons are read aloud in a single breath, symbolizing their simultaneous demise. The festival is marked by feasting, giving gifts, and acts of charity, reflecting the themes of reversal and divine providence present in the narrative.

Interpretation and Legacy:

From a theological perspective, the account of Haman and his sons serves as a testament to God's providential care and protection of His people. It underscores the theme of divine justice, where the wicked plans of the enemy are turned against them, and the faithful are vindicated. The account of Esther, including the demise of Haman's sons, continues to be a source of inspiration and reflection on the sovereignty of God and the resilience of His people in the face of adversity.