Esther 3:7

KJV

¶ In the first month, that [is], the month Nisan, in the twelfth year of king Ahasuerus, they cast Pur, that [is], the lot, before Haman from day to day, and from month to month, [to] the twelfth [month], that [is], the month Adar.

KJV (with Strong's)

In the first {H7223} month {H2320}, that is, the month {H2320} Nisan {H5212}, in the twelfth {H8147}{H6240} year {H8141} of king {H4428} Ahasuerus {H325}, they cast {H5307} Pur {H6332}, that is, the lot {H1486}, before {H6440} Haman {H2001} from day {H3117} to day {H3117}, and from month {H2320} to month {H2320}, to the twelfth {H8147}{H6240} month, that is, the month {H2320} Adar {H143}.

Complete Jewish Bible

In the first month, the month of Nisan, in the twelfth year of Achashverosh, they began throwing pur (that is, they cast lots) before Haman every day and every month until the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar.

Berean Standard Bible

In the twelfth year of King Xerxes, in the first month, the month of Nisan, the Pur (that is, the lot) was cast before Haman to determine a day and month. And the lot fell on the twelfth month, the month of Adar.

American Standard Version

In the first month, which is the month Nisan, in the twelfth year of king Ahasuerus, they cast Pur, that is, the lot, before Haman from day to day, and from month to month, to the twelfth month, which is the month Adar.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Esther 3:7 meticulously details the initiation of Haman's nefarious plot against the Jewish people. In the first month, Nisan, of King Ahasuerus's twelfth regnal year, Haman, consumed by pride and malice, resorted to the pagan practice of casting "Pur" (the lot) to determine an "auspicious" date for their annihilation. This elaborate, day-by-day and month-by-month divination process ultimately selected the twelfth month, Adar, for the planned genocide, unknowingly setting in motion a divine delay that would prove pivotal for the Jews' eventual deliverance and the unfolding of God's providential plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Esther 3:7 is strategically positioned as the procedural pivot point following Haman's elevation and Mordecai's defiant refusal to bow to him. The preceding verses [Esther 3:1-6](/esther/3-1-6 "Esther 3:1-6 - Haman's Elevation and Mordecai's Defiance") establish Haman's immense power and his personal vendetta against Mordecai, which quickly escalates into a genocidal decree against all Jews throughout the vast Persian Empire. This verse, therefore, explains *how* Haman sought to legitimize and time his horrific plan, moving from his personal rage to a seemingly divinely sanctioned act. The seemingly random outcome of the lot, delaying the execution by nearly a year, creates the crucial time window that allows Esther and Mordecai to act, thereby driving the narrative forward and underscoring the overarching theme of divine providence and timing that permeates the book.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of the Book of Esther are set during the reign of King Ahasuerus, widely identified with Xerxes I (486-465 BC), ruler of the expansive Achaemenid Persian Empire, which stretched across 127 provinces from India to Ethiopia [Esther 1:1](/esther/1-1 "Esther 1:1 - Extent of Ahasuerus's Empire"). Casting lots was a widespread practice in the ancient Near East, employed for divination, decision-making, and determining fate, often imbued with religious or superstitious significance. Haman's reliance on "Pur" reflects the prevalent pagan beliefs of the era, where outcomes were attributed to the influence of gods or an impersonal fate. The specific mention of "Nisan" (the first month) and "Adar" (the twelfth month) highlights the adoption of Babylonian month names by the Jewish exiles, indicating their cultural integration within the Persian Empire and providing a precise chronological framework for these critical events.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully introduces and reinforces several key themes woven throughout the Book of Esther. Firstly, it vividly portrays **Haman's profound malice and deep-seated superstition**, demonstrating his reliance on pagan divination to validate his genocidal intent rather than any moral or just cause. His meticulous search for an "auspicious" day underscores his commitment to this evil. Secondly, and most significantly, the verse subtly but powerfully emphasizes the theme of **divine providence and timing**. Although God's name is conspicuously absent from the book's direct narration, His invisible hand is unmistakably at work. The "Pur" falling on the twelfth month (Adar) rather than an earlier date provides a critical delay of nearly a year. This delay is not a mere coincidence but a divinely orchestrated window of opportunity, allowing Esther to be informed, to prepare, and to intervene, ultimately leading to the miraculous deliverance of her people. This illustrates the profound biblical principle articulated in [Proverbs 16:33](/proverbs/16-33 "Proverbs 16:33 - The Lord Directs the Lot"): "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord," even when human actors are unaware of His guiding hand.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pur (Persian, _Pûwr'_):** This word is explicitly defined in the verse as "the lot." According to H6332, it refers to a lot, "as by means of a broken piece." It signifies a small object (like a pebble or die) cast to make a decision or determine an outcome, often with a superstitious or divinatory purpose. Its significance extends beyond this verse, as it gives its name to the Feast of Purim, commemorating the deliverance of the Jews from Haman's plot [Esther 9:26](/esther/9-26 "Esther 9:26 - The Feast of Purim"). The casting of "Pur" here is Haman's attempt to find an "auspicious" day for his evil scheme, believing he is consulting fate or pagan deities.
* **Nisan (Babylonian, _Nîyçân'_):** This term (H5212) identifies the first month of the Jewish sacred year, corresponding roughly to March/April. Its mention establishes the precise beginning of Haman's planning process, indicating that his malicious intent was conceived early in the year, immediately after Mordecai's defiance.
* **Adar (Babylonian, _ʼĂdâr'_):** This term (H143) refers to the twelfth and final month of the Babylonian calendar, corresponding roughly to February/March of the following year. The lot falling on Adar signifies a significant delay from the initial planning in Nisan, providing a crucial time window for the Jews to prepare and for Esther to intercede, a delay that proves critical for their salvation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In the first month, that [is], the month Nisan, in the twelfth year of king Ahasuerus":** This clause precisely dates the commencement of Haman's genocidal scheme. The "first month, Nisan," places the beginning of his actions in the early spring, a time of new beginnings, ironically for a plot of mass destruction. "The twelfth year of King Ahasuerus" firmly anchors the event within the historical timeline of the Persian Empire, emphasizing the methodical and deliberate nature of Haman's plotting and the long duration of the impending threat.
* **"they cast Pur, that [is], the lot, before Haman from day to day, and from month to month":** This describes the method Haman employed to determine the "best" day for his genocidal decree. The phrase "from day to day, and from month to month" indicates a prolonged and meticulous process of divination. This suggests Haman's desperate desire to ensure the success of his evil plan by consulting what he believed to be fate or divine will, leaving nothing to chance from his perspective. The casting of the "Pur" (lot) was a common pagan practice, highlighting Haman's superstitious nature and his reliance on non-Yahwistic methods of discernment.
* **"[to] the twelfth [month], that [is], the month Adar.":** This final clause reveals the outcome of the lot-casting: the chosen month for the annihilation was Adar, the last month of the year. This seemingly random result, which gave the Jewish people nearly a full year to prepare for the impending decree, is presented as a crucial element of the narrative. From a theological perspective, this delay is consistently interpreted as a subtle, yet powerful, demonstration of God's providential hand at work, turning Haman's meticulous evil planning into an unforeseen opportunity for His people's deliverance.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices that enrich its meaning. **Irony** is profoundly present, as Haman's meticulous use of lots to secure an "auspicious" day for his evil ultimately backfires, leading to his own downfall and the salvation of the Jews. What he intended for precision in destruction becomes the very instrument of delay and deliverance. There is also strong **foreshadowing** in the long interval between Nisan and Adar; this significant delay subtly hints that events will unfold that will thwart Haman's plan, providing the necessary time for Esther's intervention and the subsequent reversal of fortunes. Furthermore, the very act of casting the **lot** serves as a powerful **symbolism**. While Haman sees it as a means to consult fate, the narrative implicitly presents it as a demonstration of divine sovereignty, where even seemingly random events are under God's control, subtly guiding the outcome for His purposes, even in a book where His name is never explicitly mentioned.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Esther 3:7 profoundly illustrates the often-hidden yet always active hand of divine providence. While Haman meticulously employs pagan divination to determine the "right" time for his wicked plot, the outcome, a significant delay, is clearly orchestrated by God to provide a crucial window for His people's deliverance. This demonstrates that even in circumstances where God's name is not invoked, and human evil seems to be in full control, His sovereign will prevails over the schemes of wicked men. The verse reminds us that God is not bound by human plans or pagan rituals; rather, He can use them, or their outcomes, to accomplish His redemptive purposes, turning what was intended for evil into good.

* [Proverbs 16:33](/proverbs/16-33 "Proverbs 16:33 - The Lord Directs the Lot")
* [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Genesis 50:20 - God Intends Good for Evil")
* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalm/33-10-11 "Psalm 33:10-11 - The Lord's Counsel Stands")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Esther 3:7 offers a powerful lesson in trusting God's unseen hand amidst seemingly chaotic or malevolent circumstances. Haman's meticulous planning, rooted in deep hatred and superstition, appears formidable and unstoppable. Yet, the "random" outcome of the lot, delaying the execution of his decree for nearly a year, reveals a divine counter-strategy at play. This teaches us that even when evil schemes are meticulously crafted and appear to gain momentum, God's sovereign timing can intervene and turn the tables. We are called to trust that God is always working, often behind the scenes, to accomplish His purposes and protect His people, even when we cannot perceive His direct involvement. This verse encourages patient endurance and faithful action, knowing that the Lord can use delays, obstacles, and even the wicked intentions of others to bring about His ultimate good. It also serves as a stark warning against the insidious nature of prejudice and the dangers of seeking to destroy entire groups of people, urging vigilance against such malice in our own hearts and societies.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the "randomness" of the lot in Esther 3:7 challenge or affirm your understanding of God's sovereignty in everyday life?**
* **Can you recall a time in your life when a delay or an unexpected turn of events, which initially seemed negative, ultimately proved to be a divine blessing?**
* **What does Haman's reliance on "Pur" reveal about the dangers of superstition or seeking guidance apart from God's revealed will?**
* **How does this verse encourage you to trust God's timing, even when faced with seemingly overwhelming opposition or uncertainty?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "Pur" falling on the twelfth month (Adar)?**

Answer: The significance of the "Pur" (lot) falling on Adar, the twelfth month, is profoundly theological and narrative. It created a crucial delay of nearly a full year between Haman's initial plot in Nisan (the first month) and the planned execution of his genocidal decree. This extended timeline provided the essential window for Mordecai to learn of the plot, for Esther to be informed, to fast and pray, and to strategically approach King Ahasuerus to intercede for her people [Esther 4](/esther/4 "Esther 4 - Mordecai's Plea to Esther"). Without this delay, the Jewish people would have had no time to prepare or for Esther to act, making their deliverance impossible. It is widely interpreted as a clear demonstration of God's providential hand, subtly orchestrating events to save His people, even though His name is not explicitly mentioned in the book.

**Why is God not explicitly mentioned in the Book of Esther, yet His hand is so clearly seen in verses like Esther 3:7?**

Answer: The absence of God's explicit mention in the Book of Esther is one of its most unique features, yet His providential activity is a central theme. In Esther 3:7, the "random" outcome of the lot, which provides a crucial delay, is a prime example of this "hidden hand" of God. Scholars suggest several reasons for this literary choice: it may reflect the experience of the Jewish exiles who felt God's presence less overtly in a foreign land, or it could be a deliberate literary device to emphasize that God works even through ordinary, seemingly coincidental events, without overt miracles or direct speech. It teaches us that God's sovereignty is not limited to dramatic interventions but extends to the subtle orchestration of human affairs, demonstrating that "The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will" [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The Lord Directs the King's Heart").

**How does Haman's casting of lots contrast with biblical practices of lot-casting?**

Answer: Haman's casting of "Pur" in Esther 3:7 is a pagan act of divination, driven by malice and superstition, aimed at finding an "auspicious" day for genocide. This contrasts sharply with the biblical use of lots by God's people. In the Old Testament, lots were sometimes cast as a legitimate means of discerning God's will or making decisions, but always within the context of seeking divine guidance from the one true God and often for just purposes (e.g., dividing land in [Numbers 26:55](/numbers/26-55 "Numbers 26:55 - Dividing the Land by Lot"), identifying a culprit in [Joshua 7:14](/joshua/7-14 "Joshua 7:14 - Achan Identified by Lot"), or selecting individuals for service in [1 Samuel 10:20-21](/1_samuel/10-20-21 "1 Samuel 10:20-21 - Saul Chosen by Lot")). The key distinction lies in the intent, the object of consultation (pagan fate vs. the sovereign God of Israel), and the ultimate outcome (genocide vs. righteous discernment). Haman's "Pur" was an attempt to manipulate fate for evil, whereas biblical lot-casting, though eventually superseded by the Holy Spirit's guidance in the New Covenant, was done in submission to God's will.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Esther 3:7, with its depiction of Haman's meticulously planned but ultimately thwarted genocide, serves as a powerful foreshadowing of the ultimate cosmic battle between good and evil, and the triumph of God's redemptive plan through Christ. Haman, driven by pride and hatred, embodies the spirit of Satan, who schemes to destroy God's people and frustrate His purposes, seeking to devour them like a "roaring lion" [1 Peter 5:8](/1_peter/5-8 "1 Peter 5:8 - The Devil, a Roaring Lion"). Just as the seemingly random casting of the "Pur" resulted in a crucial delay that allowed for the deliverance of the Jews, so too did God orchestrate history, including the timing of Christ's advent, to ensure the ultimate salvation of humanity. The long centuries of waiting, the prophecies, and the seemingly circuitous paths of history all led to the fullness of time when "God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law" [Galatians 4:4-5](/galatians/4-4-5 "Galatians 4:4-5 - The Fullness of Time"). Haman's plot, intended for death, was turned by divine providence into the celebration of Purim, a feast of life and deliverance. Similarly, the cross, intended by evil forces for the ultimate defeat of God's Son, became the very means of victory over sin and death, a triumph celebrated by all who believe in the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). The "hidden hand" of God in Esther finds its ultimate revelation in Christ, through whom God's sovereign plan for salvation is fully unveiled and perfectly executed, securing eternal deliverance for all who trust in Him [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ezra 6:15

And this house was finished on the third day of the month Adar, which was in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king.

Ezekiel 21:21

For the king of Babylon stood at the parting of the way, at the head of the two ways, to use divination: he made [his] arrows bright, he consulted with images, he looked in the liver.

Ezekiel 21:22

At his right hand was the divination for Jerusalem, to appoint captains, to open the mouth in the slaughter, to lift up the voice with shouting, to appoint [battering] rams against the gates, to cast a mount, [and] to build a fort.

Proverbs 16:33

¶ The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof [is] of the LORD.

Esther 9:24

Because Haman the son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of all the Jews, had devised against the Jews to destroy them, and had cast Pur, that [is], the lot, to consume them, and to destroy them;

Esther 9:26

Wherefore they called these days Purim after the name of Pur. Therefore for all the words of this letter, and [of that] which they had seen concerning this matter, and which had come unto them,

Esther 9:17

On the thirteenth day of the month Adar; and on the fourteenth day of the same rested they, and made it a day of feasting and gladness.