Esther 8:3

KJV

¶ And Esther spake yet again before the king, and fell down at his feet, and besought him with tears to put away the mischief of Haman the Agagite, and his device that he had devised against the Jews.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Esther {H635} spake {H1696} yet again {H3254} before {H6440} the king {H4428}, and fell down {H5307} at {H6440} his feet {H7272}, and besought {H2603} him with tears {H1058} to put away {H5674} the mischief {H7451} of Haman {H2001} the Agagite {H91}, and his device {H4284} that he had devised {H2803} against the Jews {H3064}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Again Ester spoke to the king; she fell at his feet and begged him with tears to put an end to the mischief Haman the Agagi had caused by the scheme he had worked out against the Jews.

Berean Standard Bible

And once again, Esther addressed the king. She fell at his feet weeping and begged him to revoke the evil scheme of Haman the Agagite, which he had devised against the Jews.

American Standard Version

And Esther spake yet again before the king, and fell down at his feet, and besought him with tears to put away the mischief of Haman the Agagite, and his device that he had devised against the Jews.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Esther 8:3 powerfully depicts Queen Esther's renewed and desperate appeal to King Ahasuerus. Despite Haman's recent execution, his genocidal decree against the Jewish people remained legally binding throughout the vast Persian Empire, posing an imminent existential threat. This verse vividly portrays Esther's profound anguish and unwavering resolve as she prostrates herself before the king, pleading with deep emotion for the annulment of Haman's meticulously crafted evil plot, thereby underscoring the dire urgency and the continued peril facing her people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the dramatic climax of [Haman's downfall and execution](/esther/7-10 "Esther 7:10 - Haman's Execution") at Esther's first banquet. While the immediate orchestrator of the evil plot is gone, the legal mechanism for the annihilation of the Jews, sealed with the king's own ring, still stands. Persian law, as established in [Esther 1:19](/esther/1-19 "Esther 1:19 - Immutability of Persian Law") and reiterated in [Esther 8:8](/esther/8-8 "Esther 8:8 - The King's Irreversible Decrees"), dictated that a royal edict, once issued and sealed, could not be revoked. Esther's initial courageous approach to the king, risking her life to expose Haman ([Esther 4:16](/esther/4-16 "Esther 4:16 - Esther's Courageous Resolve")), successfully removed the conspirator. This second, equally perilous appeal is now directed at the *decree itself*, demonstrating that her mission was not merely to punish Haman, but to secure the complete deliverance of her people from the impending genocide.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Achaemenid Persian Empire was a vast and diverse dominion, stretching from India to Ethiopia. Its legal system, particularly the immutability of royal decrees, was a cornerstone of its governance, designed to project absolute authority and stability. The king's word, once sealed, was considered unchangeable, even by the king himself. This cultural context elevates Esther's plea from a simple request to a monumental challenge to the very foundation of Persian law. Her act of falling at the king's feet and weeping would have been a profoundly emotional and culturally significant gesture, a desperate appeal to the king's personal compassion and power, hoping he could find a legal loophole or a creative solution within the rigid system. The reference to "Haman the Agagite" also carries significant historical weight, linking him to Agag, the king of the Amalekites, Israel's ancient, sworn enemy ([1 Samuel 15:8](/1_samuel/15-8 "1 Samuel 15:8 - Saul Defeats the Amalekites")). This lineage underscores the deep-seated, almost theological, hatred behind Haman's plot.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the Book of Esther. **Persistent Advocacy** is paramount, as Esther's return to the king, even after Haman's demise, highlights her unwavering dedication to her people's salvation. It wasn't enough to remove the orchestrator; the "mischief" (the decree) had to be undone, demonstrating that true victory often requires sustained effort beyond initial success. **Compassionate Leadership** is vividly displayed through Esther's act of falling at the king's feet and beseeching him "with tears," revealing the depth of her emotional burden and the genuine distress she felt for her people. This vulnerable yet powerful plea was designed to move the king to action, showcasing leadership rooted in empathy. Furthermore, the verse emphasizes **The Gravity of the Threat**, highlighting "the mischief of Haman the Agagite, and his device that he had devised against the Jews," which underscores the premeditated evil and the comprehensive, genocidal nature of the plot to destroy an entire ethnicity, a threat that lingered despite Haman's death.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Besought (Hebrew, _chânan'_):** This primitive root means "to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior," and causatively, "to implore" or "to move to favor by petition." In this context, it conveys Esther's profound and desperate supplication, a heartfelt appeal for the king's mercy and intervention. The addition of "with tears" further amplifies the emotional intensity and sincerity of her plea, aiming to elicit compassion and a favorable response from the king.
* **Mischief (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** This word encompasses "bad" or "evil" (natural or moral), "calamity," "distress," or "wickedness." Here, it specifically refers to the destructive outcome and inherent malevolence of Haman's plan. It emphasizes the tangible, devastating evil and impending doom upon the Jews, highlighting the severe consequences that Esther seeks to nullify.
* **Device (Hebrew, _machăshâbâh'_):** Derived from the root "to think" or "to plot," this noun signifies a "contrivance," "intention," or "plan," often with a negative connotation of a "plot" or "cunning design." This term highlights the premeditated, intentional, and well-thought-out nature of Haman's scheme. It was not a rash act but a carefully conceived strategy to achieve his wicked aims, a testament to the depth of his malice.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Esther spake yet again before the king,"**: This phrase emphasizes Esther's persistent courage and unwavering commitment. Having already risked her life once to approach the king unsummoned and expose Haman, she now returns for a second, equally critical intercession. This "yet again" underscores the ongoing nature of the threat and her relentless advocacy for her people.
* **"and fell down at his feet,"**: This is a powerful gesture of humility, desperation, and submission. In the Persian court, prostration before the king was a sign of profound respect and supplication. For Esther, a queen, to do so signifies the extreme urgency and emotional weight of her plea, appealing not just to the king's authority but to his personal compassion and mercy.
* **"and besought him with tears"**: The addition of "with tears" elevates her plea from a formal request to an outpouring of raw emotion. It indicates her deep anguish, empathy for her people, and the profound distress she feels over their impending destruction. Tears are a universal sign of sorrow and desperation, designed to evoke sympathy and move the heart of the listener.
* **"to put away the mischief of Haman the Agagite,"**: Esther's specific request is to "put away" or annul the "mischief"—the evil and destructive consequences—of Haman's plot. The explicit mention of "Haman the Agagite" serves as a reminder of his identity as a descendant of Israel's ancient enemy, underscoring the deep-seated, historical animosity behind his genocidal intent.
* **"and his device that he had devised against the Jews."**: This clause specifies the target of Haman's "device" or cunning plan: "the Jews." It clearly identifies the victims and the premeditated nature of the plot. Esther is not just asking for Haman's punishment, but for the dismantling of the entire legal and operational framework he put in place to destroy her people.

#### Literary Devices
Esther 8:3 is rich in **Pathos**, as Esther's actions—falling at the king's feet and beseeching him "with tears"—are designed to evoke deep emotion and sympathy from both the king and the reader. Her vulnerability and visible distress underscore the immense gravity of the situation and her profound love for her people. The phrase "Haman the Agagite" employs **Allusion** and **Symbolism**, connecting Haman to the ancient, perpetual enemy of Israel, Amalek, thereby elevating the conflict from a personal vendetta to an archetypal struggle between good and evil, God's people and those who seek their destruction. The verse also implicitly uses **Dramatic Irony**, as the reader knows Haman is dead, yet the "mischief" he devised still threatens, highlighting the enduring power of evil systems even after their orchestrators are removed.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Esther 8:3 is a powerful testament to the necessity of persistent intercession and courageous advocacy in the face of systemic evil. Even after a significant victory (Haman's execution), Esther understood that the underlying "mischief" and "device" still posed an existential threat. This highlights a crucial theological truth: while God's providential hand is at work, human agency, marked by courage, compassion, and tireless effort, is often the means through which His deliverance is actualized. Esther's tears and prostration are not signs of weakness but of profound spiritual and emotional strength, demonstrating that true leadership often involves vulnerable, heartfelt appeals for justice and mercy. Her actions serve as a model for believers called to stand against injustice and advocate for the vulnerable, understanding that removing an individual perpetrator does not always dismantle the evil systems they established.

* [Exodus 32:11-14](/exodus/32-11 "Moses' Intercession for Israel")
* [Nehemiah 1:4-11](/nehemiah/1-4 "Nehemiah's Prayer for Jerusalem")
* [Romans 8:31](/romans/8-31 "God is For Us")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Esther 8:3 challenges believers to consider the full scope of their advocacy and the depth of their compassion. It reminds us that spiritual battles and societal injustices often have layers; removing an overt antagonist is a victory, but the "mischief" or systemic "devices" they put in place may still linger, requiring persistent, tearful, and courageous engagement. Esther's willingness to humble herself and pour out her heart for her people, even after achieving a major success, exemplifies a leadership that is not content until true deliverance is secured. This verse calls us to move beyond superficial solutions, to identify the root causes of suffering, and to engage in sustained, empathetic action, knowing that our intercession, whether in prayer or practical advocacy, is vital in God's plan for justice and redemption.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in your life or community do you see "mischief" or "devices" that continue to threaten, even after an initial victory has been won?**
* **What does Esther's act of falling at the king's feet and weeping "with tears" teach you about the nature of effective intercession or advocacy?**
* **How might you be called to persistent advocacy, even when it feels emotionally taxing or requires repeated effort?**
* **In what ways can you embody courageous and compassionate leadership in your sphere of influence, standing for what is right even when it is difficult?**

### FAQ

**Why was the decree still valid even after Haman was executed?**

Answer: According to Persian law, as explicitly stated in [Esther 1:19](/esther/1-19 "Esther 1:19 - Immutability of Persian Law") and reiterated in [Esther 8:8](/esther/8-8 "Esther 8:8 - The King's Irreversible Decrees"), a royal decree, once issued and sealed with the king's signet ring, was irreversible. It could not be revoked or annulled, not even by the king himself. Haman's execution removed the conspirator, but the legal instrument he had set in motion remained in effect, posing an ongoing existential threat to the Jews throughout the empire. This legal rigidity necessitated a creative solution, not a direct revocation, which is precisely what Esther and Mordecai pursue in the subsequent verses.

**What is the significance of Haman being called "the Agagite"?**

Answer: The title "Agagite" connects Haman to Agag, the king of the Amalekites, who were a perennial enemy of Israel from the time of the Exodus ([Exodus 17:8-16](/exodus/17-8-16 "Exodus 17:8-16 - Amalek Attacks Israel")). God had commanded Israel to utterly blot out the memory of Amalek ([Deuteronomy 25:17-19](/deuteronomy/25-17-19 "Deuteronomy 25:17-19 - Remember Amalek")). Saul, Israel's first king, failed to fully obey this command by sparing Agag ([1 Samuel 15:8-9](/1_samuel/15-8-9 "1 Samuel 15:8-9 - Saul Spares Agag")), a failure that led to his rejection as king. By identifying Haman as "the Agagite," the narrative elevates his personal hatred into a continuation of this ancient, divinely condemned enmity, underscoring the deep theological significance of his genocidal plot against the Jewish people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Esther's tearful, prostrate intercession to annul a death decree against her people powerfully foreshadows the ultimate intercession of Jesus Christ. Humanity, by its sin, was under a death sentence, a "device" of spiritual destruction that no human effort could revoke ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin")). Just as Esther, at great personal risk, pleaded for her people, so Christ, the perfect Intercessor, humbled Himself, taking on human flesh and pouring out His life, not with tears of supplication for a king, but with His very blood on the cross ([Hebrews 5:7](/hebrews/5-7 "Hebrews 5:7 - Christ's Prayers and Tears"); [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")). Through His sacrifice, He did not merely "put away" the mischief of sin, but utterly disarmed and triumphed over the spiritual powers that held humanity captive ([Colossians 2:14-15](/colossians/2-14-15 "Colossians 2:14-15 - Christ's Triumph Over Sin")). While Esther secured a counter-decree allowing the Jews to defend themselves, Christ established a new covenant, offering eternal life and true freedom from sin's dominion to all who believe, effectively canceling the "record of debt" against us ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A Superior Covenant"); [Colossians 2:14](/colossians/2-14 "Colossians 2:14 - Cancellation of the Record of Debt")). He is our High Priest, who ever lives to make intercession for us ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ Our Intercessor")), ensuring that no "device" of the enemy can ultimately prevail against those who are in Him ([Romans 8:31-39](/romans/8-31-39 "Romans 8:31-39 - God's Unfailing Love")).

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

Hosea 12:4

Yea, he had power over the angel, and prevailed: he wept, and made supplication unto him: he found him [in] Bethel, and there he spake with us;

Esther 7:4

For we are sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be slain, and to perish. But if we had been sold for bondmen and bondwomen, I had held my tongue, although the enemy could not countervail the king's damage.

Hebrews 5:7

Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;

2 Kings 4:27

And when she came to the man of God to the hill, she caught him by the feet: but Gehazi came near to thrust her away. And the man of God said, Let her alone; for her soul [is] vexed within her: and the LORD hath hid [it] from me, and hath not told me.

Isaiah 38:2

Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed unto the LORD,

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.

Esther 3:15

The posts went out, being hastened by the king's commandment, and the decree was given in Shushan the palace. And the king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city Shushan was perplexed.