Esther 3:8

And Haman said unto king Ahasuerus, There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of thy kingdom; and their laws [are] diverse from all people; neither keep they the king's laws: therefore it [is] not for the king's profit to suffer them.

And Haman {H2001} said {H559} unto king {H4428} Ahasuerus {H325}, There is {H3426} a certain {H259} people {H5971} scattered abroad {H6340} and dispersed {H6504} among the people {H5971} in all the provinces {H4082} of thy kingdom {H4438}; and their laws {H1881} are diverse {H8138} from all people {H5971}; neither keep {H6213} they the king's {H4428} laws {H1881}: therefore it is not for the king's {H4428} profit {H7737} to suffer {H3240} them.

Then Haman said to Achashverosh, "There is a particular people scattered and dispersed among the peoples in all the provinces of your kingdom. Their laws are different from those of every other people; moreover, they don't observe the king's laws. It doesn't befit the king to tolerate them.

Then Haman informed King Xerxes, “There is a certain people scattered and dispersed among the peoples of every province of your kingdom. Their laws are different from everyone else’s, and they do not obey the king’s laws. So it is not in the king’s best interest to tolerate them.

And Haman said unto king Ahasuerus, There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the peoples in all the provinces of thy kingdom; and their laws are diverse from those of every people; neither keep they the king’s laws: therefore it is not for the king’s profit to suffer them.

Esther 3:8 records Haman's insidious accusation against the Jewish people, presented to King Ahasuerus as a rationale for their destruction. This verse is pivotal, laying the groundwork for the dramatic conflict that defines the Book of Esther.

Historical and Cultural Context

The events of Esther unfold in the vast Persian Empire during the reign of King Ahasuerus ( Xerxes I, 486-465 BC), whose dominion stretched "from India even unto Ethiopia" (Esther 1:1). At this time, many Jews, descendants of those exiled from Judah, were living in various provinces of the empire. Haman, a high-ranking official, harbored a deep-seated animosity toward Mordecai, a Jew who refused to bow to him. This personal offense escalated into a genocidal plot against an entire ethnic and religious group.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Prejudice and Xenophobia: Haman's words are a classic example of prejudice, targeting a group based on their distinct identity. He labels them as "scattered abroad and dispersed," implying they are a rootless, potentially subversive element within the kingdom.
  • Religious and Cultural Distinctiveness: The core of Haman's accusation is that the Jews' "laws are diverse from all people." This refers to their adherence to the Mosaic Law, which governed their diet, worship, social customs, and moral code, setting them apart from the polytheistic and culturally homogeneous Persian society. This adherence to divine law was perceived as a challenge to the king's absolute authority, even though it did not necessarily imply disloyalty.
  • Accusation of Disloyalty: Haman escalates his argument by claiming they "neither keep they the king's laws." This is a direct charge of insubordination and treason, designed to provoke the king's anger and justify harsh measures. It's a common tactic used by oppressors to demonize a group by portraying them as a threat to the state.
  • Self-Interest and Manipulation: Haman shrewdly appeals to King Ahasuerus's self-interest, asserting "it is not for the king's profit to suffer them." By framing the issue as a matter of royal advantage rather than truth or justice, Haman seeks to manipulate the king into authorizing his destructive plan.

Related Scriptures

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of prejudice and the ease with which fear and misinformation can be used to incite hatred against minority groups. It highlights the importance of discerning manipulative rhetoric and recognizing that cultural or religious distinctiveness does not equate to disloyalty or threat. For believers, it underscores the reality that faithfulness to God's "laws" may sometimes set them apart from prevailing societal norms, potentially inviting misunderstanding or opposition, yet God remains sovereign over all circumstances.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Acts 16:20

    And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city,

  • Acts 16:21

    And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans.

  • Ezra 4:12

    Be it known unto the king, that the Jews which came up from thee to us are come unto Jerusalem, building the rebellious and the bad city, and have set up the walls [thereof], and joined the foundations.

  • Ezra 4:15

    That search may be made in the book of the records of thy fathers: so shalt thou find in the book of the records, and know that this city [is] a rebellious city, and hurtful unto kings and provinces, and that they have moved sedition within the same of old time: for which cause was this city destroyed.

  • Leviticus 26:33

    And I will scatter you among the heathen, and will draw out a sword after you: and your land shall be desolate, and your cities waste.

  • Deuteronomy 4:27

    And the LORD shall scatter you among the nations, and ye shall be left few in number among the heathen, whither the LORD shall lead you.

  • Jeremiah 50:17

    Israel [is] a scattered sheep; the lions have driven [him] away: first the king of Assyria hath devoured him; and last this Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon hath broken his bones.

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