Esther 3:9

KJV

If it please the king, let it be written that they may be destroyed: and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver to the hands of those that have the charge of the business, to bring [it] into the king's treasuries.

KJV (with Strong's)

If it please {H2895} the king {H4428}, let it be written {H3789} that they may be destroyed {H6}: and I will pay {H8254} ten {H6235} thousand {H505} talents {H3603} of silver {H3701} to the hands {H3027} of those that have the charge {H6213} of the business {H4399}, to bring {H935} it into the king's {H4428} treasuries {H1595}.

Complete Jewish Bible

If it please the king, have a decree written for their destruction; and I will hand over 330 tons of silver to the officials in charge of the king's affairs to deposit in the royal treasury."

Berean Standard Bible

If it pleases the king, let a decree be issued to destroy them, and I will deposit ten thousand talents of silver into the royal treasury to pay those who carry it out.”

American Standard Version

If it please the king, let it be written that they be destroyed: and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver into the hands of those that have the charge of the king’s business, to bring it into the king’s treasuries.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Esther 3:9 records the chilling proposal of Haman, the grand vizier, to King Ahasuerus: to issue a decree for the destruction of all Jews throughout the Persian Empire. This verse underscores Haman's profound malice and his cunning strategy, as he offers an astronomical sum of ten thousand talents of silver to the royal treasury, intending to remove any financial impediment to his genocidal scheme and to compensate the king for the loss of a productive segment of his population. It reveals the depth of his hatred, the extent of his wealth, and his willingness to sacrifice immense riches for the satisfaction of his vengeful pride.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a direct continuation of Haman's escalating rage and calculated malevolence. Having been elevated to a position of unparalleled authority by King Ahasuerus (see [Esther 3:1](/esther/3-1 "Esther 3:1 - Haman's Elevation")), Haman expected universal homage. Mordecai's principled refusal to bow (detailed in [Esther 3:2-5](/esther/3-2 "Esther 3:2-5 - Mordecai's Refusal and Haman's Rage")) ignited a furious and disproportionate response in Haman. Not content with merely punishing Mordecai, Haman's pride was so wounded that he sought to eradicate all of Mordecai's people, the Jews, throughout the vast Persian Empire (as seen in [Esther 3:6](/esther/3-6 "Esther 3:6 - Haman's Genocidal Plot")). After casting lots (Pur) to determine an auspicious day for this atrocity (mentioned in [Esther 3:7](/esther/3-7 "Esther 3:7 - The Casting of Pur")), Haman approached the king with a masterfully deceptive and slanderous accusation against the Jews in [Esther 3:8](/esther/3-8 "Esther 3:8 - Haman's Deceptive Accusation"), portraying them as disloyal and their laws as contrary to the king's. Verse 9 then serves as Haman's follow-up, sealing his treacherous offer with an immense financial incentive designed to make the king's decision easier and to legitimize the horrific act in economic terms.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Esther unfold during the reign of Ahasuerus (likely Xerxes I, 486-465 BC) over the vast Persian Empire, which stretched "from India even unto Ethiopia, over an hundred and seven and twenty provinces" ([Esther 1:1](/esther/1-1 "Esther 1:1 - The Extent of Ahasuerus's Empire")). In this autocratic empire, the king's word was absolute law, and his vizier, like Haman, wielded immense power, second only to the monarch. The cultural context reveals a society where personal honor and public displays of deference were paramount, explaining Haman's extreme reaction to Mordecai's refusal to bow. Furthermore, the concept of a "talent" of silver represents a massive unit of wealth in the ancient world, typically weighing around 75 pounds (34 kg). Haman's offer of ten thousand talents was an astronomical sum, potentially equivalent to two-thirds of the entire annual revenue of the Persian Empire at the time. This highlights not only Haman's immense personal wealth but also his strategic understanding that such a colossal bribe could overcome any royal hesitation about the economic implications of destroying a productive segment of the population.

* **Key Themes:** Esther 3:9 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Esther and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Malice and Greed**, showcasing Haman's boundless hatred for the Jewish people, which is so profound that he is willing to expend an astronomical sum to finance their annihilation. This immense bribe underscores his personal vendetta and his calculated attempt to remove any financial hesitation the king might have. Closely related is the **Abuse of Power**, as Haman, the king's highest official, leverages his authority and influence to pursue a personal agenda of hatred and destruction, demonstrating the grave dangers of unchecked power within a tyrannical system. The verse also starkly illustrates the **Devaluation of Human Life**, as Haman treats the lives of an entire people group as a commodity, valuing them less than his own vengeful satisfaction. Finally, while seemingly a moment of triumph for Haman's evil scheme, this verse subtly sets the stage for the overarching theme of **Divine Providence and Hidden Deliverance**. Although God is never explicitly mentioned in the book of Esther, this pivotal moment of extreme danger highlights the need for divine intervention, foreshadowing the dramatic events to follow where God's unseen hand will work through Queen Esther and Mordecai to deliver His people, turning Haman's plot back upon himself (as seen later in [Esther 7](/esther/7 "Esther 7 - Haman's Downfall")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Destroyed (Hebrew, _ʾăḇaḏ_):** This verb, derived from the root אָבַד (_ʾābad_), signifies utter ruin, perishing, or annihilation. In this context, it carries the chilling weight of genocide, indicating Haman's intention for the complete extermination of the Jewish people. It is not merely about punishment or subjugation but about absolute obliteration, leaving no survivors.
* **Ten thousand talents (Hebrew, כִּכָּר, _kikkār_):** The word "talent" (_kikkār_) refers to a large unit of weight, typically of silver or gold. A single talent of silver was an immense sum, representing approximately 75 pounds (34 kilograms) of silver. Therefore, "ten thousand talents" (equivalent to about 375 tons of silver) was an astronomical, almost unimaginable, amount of wealth. This figure highlights Haman's extraordinary personal fortune, his willingness to sacrifice it for his hatred, and his calculated attempt to make the genocidal project economically appealing to the king.
* **Pay (Hebrew, נָתַן, _nāṯan_):** This verb means "to give," "to place," or "to pay." Here, it emphasizes Haman's active initiative and his readiness to personally finance the destruction. It transforms the king's potential loss of tax revenue from the Jewish population into a massive financial gain, making the evil proposition seem like a shrewd business deal rather than a moral abomination.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If it please the king, let it be written that they may be destroyed:"** Haman begins with a deferential, seemingly humble plea ("If it please the king"), a common courtly phrase designed to secure royal favor and permission. However, the substance of his request is horrifying: a decree for the utter destruction of a people group. The passive "let it be written" implies the king's absolute authority to formalize this command into an irrevocable law, highlighting the immense power vested in the Persian monarchy.
* **"and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver to the hands of those that have the charge of the business,"** This clause reveals Haman's strategic financial incentive. He offers to personally fund the operation, indicating his deep commitment to the genocidal plan and his desire to remove any financial burden or hesitation from the king. The phrase "to the hands of those that have the charge of the business" suggests that this money would cover the administrative costs, logistical expenses, or even serve as a bounty for those who would carry out the massacre, ensuring its swift and effective execution.
* **"to bring [it] into the king's treasuries."** This final phrase specifies the destination of the colossal sum: the royal treasuries. This not only legitimizes the payment but also transforms Haman's personal vendetta into a lucrative transaction for the crown. It presents the destruction of the Jews not as a loss of subjects and tax revenue, but as a direct infusion of immense wealth, making the king a direct beneficiary of the proposed atrocity.

#### Literary Devices
Esther 3:9 is rich in **Irony**, particularly **Dramatic Irony**. Haman's offer of an immense sum for the destruction of the Jews is intended to secure his triumph, yet this very act sets in motion the events that will lead to his own downfall and the deliverance of the Jewish people. The "ten thousand talents" is an example of **Hyperbole**, an exaggeration used to emphasize the extraordinary nature of Haman's wealth and his willingness to sacrifice it for his hatred. This hyperbole also serves to underscore the immense value he places on his vengeance over human life. There is a stark **Contrast** between Haman's immense material wealth and his spiritual poverty and moral depravity. His willingness to pay such a sum for destruction stands in stark opposition to any concept of valuing human life. Furthermore, the verse functions as a powerful moment of **Foreshadowing**, as Haman's seemingly successful manipulation of the king and his grand offer for destruction paradoxically set the stage for the dramatic reversal of fortune that will culminate in Haman's own execution on the gallows he prepared for Mordecai.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Esther 3:9 serves as a stark biblical portrayal of human depravity, unchecked pride, and the insidious nature of evil. Haman's willingness to sacrifice an astronomical fortune for the annihilation of an entire people group vividly illustrates the destructive power of hatred and prejudice when combined with immense power and influence. Theologically, this passage underscores the reality of spiritual warfare, where forces of darkness seek to destroy God's chosen people, even when God's name is not explicitly mentioned. Yet, within this seemingly bleak scenario, the narrative implicitly points to God's unseen, sovereign hand. Despite the king's absolute power and Haman's cunning, the very extravagance of Haman's offer and the scale of his evil plan set the stage for a dramatic divine intervention that will ultimately turn the tables on the oppressor, demonstrating that no human scheme, however well-funded or meticulously planned, can thwart God's ultimate purposes for His people.

* [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - The Lord Directs Our Steps")
* [Psalm 7:15-16](/psalm/7-15 "Psalm 7:15-16 - The Wicked Fall into Their Own Pit")
* [Deuteronomy 25:17-19](/deuteronomy/25-17 "Deuteronomy 25:17-19 - Remember Amalek")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Esther 3:9 remains a potent warning against the destructive forces of unchecked hatred, prejudice, and the abuse of power. Haman's willingness to pay an exorbitant sum to satisfy his vengeful pride serves as a stark reminder of how deeply rooted malice can corrupt the human heart and lead to horrific acts. In our own lives and societies, we are called to be vigilant against the insidious nature of discrimination and the temptation to dehumanize others, whether based on ethnicity, religion, or any other difference. This verse challenges us to examine our own hearts for any seeds of prejudice and to actively stand against injustice, even when it seems overwhelming or when powerful figures are complicit. It also prompts us to consider the value we place on human life versus material wealth, contrasting Haman's willingness to sacrifice immense riches for destruction with the biblical call to use resources for life, flourishing, and justice. Ultimately, while the immediate scene is one of grave danger, the broader narrative of Esther encourages us to trust in God's sovereign providence, knowing that even in the face of seemingly insurmountable evil, His purposes for His people will prevail, often through unexpected means.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do we identify and resist the subtle forms of prejudice and hatred in our own contexts, before they escalate into destructive actions?**
* **What responsibilities do we have as individuals and communities when witnessing the abuse of power, whether in personal, corporate, or governmental spheres?**
* **How does Haman's willingness to sacrifice immense wealth for destruction challenge our own values regarding money and human life, and how might we align our resources with life-affirming purposes?**

### FAQ
**What was the actual value of "ten thousand talents of silver" in ancient terms?**

Answer: "Ten thousand talents of silver" was an astronomical sum, representing an almost unfathomable amount of wealth in the ancient world. A talent was a large unit of weight, typically around 75 pounds (approximately 34 kilograms) of silver. Therefore, 10,000 talents would equate to roughly 750,000 pounds, or 375 tons, of silver. To put this into perspective, some historical estimates suggest that the entire annual revenue of the vast Persian Empire during that period was around 14,000 talents. Haman's offer of 10,000 talents thus represented approximately two-thirds of the empire's annual income. This was not merely a symbolic gesture but a substantial financial inducement intended to demonstrate Haman's seriousness, to compensate the royal treasury for the loss of a productive segment of the population (the Jews), and perhaps to fund the logistics of the genocide itself. It highlights Haman's immense personal wealth and his willingness to sacrifice it for his hatred, making the king a direct financial beneficiary of the proposed atrocity, as seen in [Esther 3:9](/esther/3-9 "Esther 3:9 - Haman's Financial Offer").

**Why was Haman so intent on destroying all the Jews, rather than just Mordecai?**

Answer: Haman's genocidal intent against all Jews, as outlined in [Esther 3:6](/esther/3-6 "Esther 3:6 - Haman's Rage Against All Jews"), stemmed from a combination of wounded pride, deep-seated prejudice, and possibly ancient ethnic animosity. His initial rage was directed at Mordecai, who refused to bow down to him, an act Haman perceived as a profound insult to his elevated status (see [Esther 3:5](/esther/3-5 "Esther 3:5 - Mordecai's Refusal")). However, upon learning that Mordecai was a Jew, Haman's personal vendetta broadened into a sweeping hatred for his entire people. This escalation reflects a common pattern of prejudice where an individual's perceived offense is generalized to an entire group. Furthermore, Haman is identified as an Agagite (see [Esther 3:1](/esther/3-1 "Esther 3:1 - Haman the Agagite")), a descendant of Agag, the king of the Amalekites. The Amalekites were ancient enemies of Israel, against whom God had commanded perpetual warfare (see [Deuteronomy 25:17-19](/deuteronomy/25-17 "Deuteronomy 25:17-19 - Remember Amalek") and [1 Samuel 15](/1_samuel/15 "1 Samuel 15 - Saul and the Amalekites")). This historical and theological backdrop suggests that Haman's hatred was not merely personal but rooted in an inherited, deeply ingrained animosity, making his desire for total annihilation a culmination of centuries of conflict.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Esther 3:9, with Haman's chilling proposal to destroy God's people at an immense cost, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the ultimate battle between good and evil, and the ultimate price paid for deliverance. Haman's scheme to annihilate the Jews, the lineage through whom the Messiah would come, foreshadows Satan's ongoing attempts to thwart God's redemptive plan throughout history. Just as Haman sought to pay a fortune for destruction, humanity, enslaved by sin, was destined for spiritual destruction, a debt we could never pay. Yet, Christ, the true King, did not offer silver for destruction but offered Himself for salvation. He is the ultimate [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose precious blood was the immeasurable price paid not to destroy, but to redeem (as seen in [1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by Christ's Blood")). The hidden hand of God in Esther, orchestrating deliverance through seemingly ordinary events and individuals, points to the sovereign rule of Christ, who upholds all things by the word of His power (as declared in [Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ's Supremacy")). Haman's plot, designed for evil, was ultimately turned back on his own head, culminating in his demise on the very gallows he prepared (as depicted in [Esther 7:9-10](/esther/7-9 "Esther 7:9-10 - Haman's Execution")). This serves as a powerful type of Christ's definitive victory over sin, death, and the devil, where the enemy's schemes are ultimately defeated by God's perfect plan, and the cross, intended for destruction, became the means of ultimate triumph and salvation (as celebrated in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")).

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

Genesis 23:16

¶ And Abraham hearkened unto Ephron; and Abraham weighed to Ephron the silver, which he had named in the audience of the sons of Heth, four hundred shekels of silver, current [money] with the merchant.

Matthew 18:24

And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.