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Esther 3

15 verses

TL;DR

In Esther chapter 3, the king elevates Haman, who, enraged by Mordecai’s refusal to bow, devises a decree to annihilate all Jews. The decree is signed, mailed to every province, and the city of Shushan is left in distress.

Summary

King Ahasuerus appoints Haman to a high rank, setting him above the princes, while all court officials bow to him. Mordecai refuses to do so, prompting the king’s servants to question him; Mordecai’s silence angers Haman, who learns he is Jewish and decides to strike down the Jews of the kingdom. Haman petitions the king to issue a decree against the Jews, promising ten thousand talents of silver for the cost of the plan. The king accepts, gives Haman the ring, and the decree is written and sealed. The royal scribes send letters to all provinces, ordering the destruction of Jews on a single day in Adar. The people prepare for the decree, and Shushan’s citizens become perplexed as the city waits for the king’s orders.

Outline
  1. Haman is promoted and receives the king’s favor; Mordecai’s defiance creates conflict
  2. Haman’s wrath turns to a genocidal plot and he petitions the king
  3. The king signs the decree, dispatches letters, and the city of Shushan reacts in fear
Themes
Power and its abuseLoyalty versus oppressionProphecy of persecution and divine sovereignty
Keywords
HamanMordecaiAhasuerusJewdecreepurAdarten thousand talentsking’s ring
People
HamanMordecaiAhasuerusKing’s servants
Places
ShushanKing’s gateProvinces of the kingdom
Things
the lot (pur)ten thousand talents of silverking’s ringdecreeletters
Key Verses
  • Esther 3:5: Shows Haman’s wrath and intent to destroy the Jews
  • Esther 3:8: Haman’s formal petition to the king
  • Esther 3:12: The decree is written and sealed by the king’s ring
  • Esther 3:15: The city of Shushan is left in perplexed anticipation
Questions
  • Why did Mordecai refuse to bow, and how does that act set the plot in motion?
  • What does the decree’s sealed form reveal about royal authority in the Persian Empire?
  • In what ways does this chapter foreshadow the later deliverance of the Jews?
  • How does the reaction of Shushan’s citizens reflect the psychological impact of political oppression?
Sentiment

negative
depicts wrath, persecution, fear, and impending disaster