Esther 9:10

KJV

The ten sons of Haman the son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews, slew they; but on the spoil laid they not their hand.

KJV (with Strong's)

The ten {H6235} sons {H1121} of Haman {H2001} the son {H1121} of Hammedatha {H4099}, the enemy {H6887} of the Jews {H3064}, slew {H2026} they; but on the spoil {H961} laid {H7971} they not their hand {H3027}.

Berean Standard Bible

They killed these ten sons of Haman son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews, but they did not lay a hand on the plunder.

American Standard Version

the ten sons of Haman the son of Hammedatha, the Jews’ enemy, slew they; but on the spoil they laid not their hand.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Esther 9:10 provides a concise yet profoundly significant account of the Jewish people's actions following their authorized self-defense against those who sought their destruction. It specifically details the execution of Haman's ten sons, thereby completing the eradication of their chief adversary's lineage, while simultaneously highlighting a remarkable act of integrity: the Jews' deliberate refusal to take any plunder from their defeated enemies. This verse underscores the divine justice at play and the purity of the Jewish community's motives, distinguishing their defensive victory from typical ancient warfare driven by conquest and material gain.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Esther 9:10 is situated within the climactic events of the book of Esther, specifically following the day of self-defense granted to the Jews by King Ahasuerus's counter-decree. Chapters 8 and 9 detail the reversal of Haman's genocidal plot, culminating in the Jews' victory over their adversaries on the 13th day of Adar. Verse 10 specifically follows the general account of the Jews striking down their enemies (Esther 9:1-6) and precedes Queen Esther's further request for the public hanging of Haman's sons' bodies and an additional day of defense in Susa (Esther 9:13-15). This verse acts as a crucial bridge, emphasizing the thoroughness of the victory against Haman's direct lineage and introducing the unique ethical stance of the Jews regarding plunder, which is reiterated in Esther 9:15 and 9:16.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Esther unfold during the Persian Empire's reign, likely under Xerxes I (Ahasuerus), around the 5th century BCE. In ancient Near Eastern warfare, it was customary and expected for victors to take spoil (plunder, loot, captives) from the vanquished. This practice was a significant component of military success, providing economic benefit and demonstrating dominance. Haman's plot was not merely about political power but aimed at the complete annihilation of the Jewish people, a genocidal intent. The king's decree allowed the Jews to "destroy, slay, and annihilate" those who attacked them and to "plunder their possessions" ([Esther 8:11](/esther/8-11 "Esther 8:11 - The Counter-Decree")). Therefore, the Jews' refusal to take spoil, as stated in Esther 9:10, was a deliberate and counter-cultural act, setting them apart from typical military engagements of the time and demonstrating a higher moral purpose.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Esther. It exemplifies **Divine Justice and Reversal**, where the wicked schemes of Haman are turned back upon his own head and family, fulfilling the principle of "measure for measure" ([Esther 7:10](/esther/7-10 "Esther 7:10 - Haman Hanged on His Own Gallows")). The mention of Haman's sons being slain underscores the **Completeness of Deliverance**, ensuring that the threat from Haman's lineage is entirely neutralized. Most significantly, the refusal to take spoil highlights the theme of **Moral Integrity and Pure Motives**. Despite being granted permission to plunder by the king's decree, the Jews chose not to, demonstrating that their actions were driven by self-preservation and justice, not by avarice or personal gain. This ethical stance elevates their victory beyond mere survival to a testament of their character and, implicitly, the character of their God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Haman (Hebrew, _Hāmān'_):** The antagonist of the book of Esther, described here as "the son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews." His specific identification underscores the personal and familial nature of the retribution. The slaying of his ten sons represents the complete eradication of his lineage, ensuring that his evil seed would not continue to pose a threat. This act is not simply a military victory but a fulfillment of divine justice against the one who sought to annihilate God's people.
* **Spoil (Hebrew, _baz'_):** Refers to the plunder, loot, or booty taken from a defeated enemy in warfare. The king's decree explicitly granted the Jews permission to seize the spoil of those who attacked them ([Esther 8:11](/esther/8-11 "Esther 8:11 - The Counter-Decree")). The explicit statement that the Jews "laid they not their hand" on it (לֹא־שָׁלְחוּ אֶת־יָדָם בַּבִּזָּה֙) is a powerful negation, highlighting their deliberate choice to forgo material gain. This decision distinguishes their actions as purely defensive and just, rather than opportunistic or greedy, elevating the moral character of their victory.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The ten sons of Haman the son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews, slew they;":** This clause emphasizes the specific targets of the Jewish defense: the direct offspring of Haman, the primary architect of the genocidal plot. The number "ten" signifies a complete unit, indicating the thoroughness of the retribution against Haman's household. The repeated identification of Haman as "the enemy of the Jews" reinforces the justice of their actions, framing the killing of his sons as a direct consequence of his malicious intent against God's chosen people. This act ensures the complete downfall of the family line that threatened their very existence.
* **"but on the spoil laid they not their hand.":** This contrasting clause introduces a crucial ethical dimension to the Jewish victory. Despite being legally entitled by the king's decree to take spoil from their enemies, the Jewish people deliberately chose not to. The phrase "laid they not their hand" (לֹא־שָׁלְחוּ אֶת־יָדָם בַּבִּזָּה֙) is a strong negation, signifying a principled and intentional refusal. This decision underscores that their actions were motivated by self-preservation and the pursuit of justice, not by avarice or the desire for material gain. It sets their defensive war apart from typical ancient conflicts, showcasing their integrity and adherence to a higher moral standard.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Contrast** as a primary literary device, sharply juxtaposing the violent act of slaying Haman's sons with the disciplined refusal to take spoil. This contrast highlights the purity of the Jewish people's motives, distinguishing their defensive actions from opportunistic warfare. The phrase "the enemy of the Jews" functions as a **Labeling** device, consistently identifying Haman not just as an individual but as the embodiment of opposition to God's people, thereby justifying the severity of the retribution. Furthermore, the **Repetition** of the phrase "laid they not their hand on the spoil" (found also in Esther 9:15 and 9:16) serves to emphasize this unique and significant aspect of their victory, reinforcing its importance as a moral statement within the narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Esther 9:10 profoundly illustrates the principle of divine justice, where the wicked's schemes are ultimately turned back upon their own heads. Haman's meticulously planned destruction of the Jews results in the annihilation of his own lineage, demonstrating God's sovereign hand in reversing evil and protecting His people. The Jews' refusal to take spoil, despite explicit permission, is a powerful testament to their integrity and pure motives, underscoring that their victory was for justice and survival, not for material gain. This act distinguishes them as a people set apart, whose actions, even in warfare, reflect a higher ethical standard. It speaks to a deeper trust in God's provision rather than relying on earthly spoils.

* [Psalm 7:16](/psalms/7-16 "Psalm 7:16 - The Wicked's Own Trap")
* [Proverbs 11:18](/proverbs/11-18 "Proverbs 11:18 - The Reward of Righteousness")
* [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Esther 9:10 challenges us to consider the purity of our motives, even when we are in the right or have legitimate opportunities for gain. The Jewish people, granted permission to enrich themselves, chose integrity over avarice, demonstrating that true victory is not measured by material acquisition but by adherence to justice and righteousness. This calls believers to evaluate their own pursuits: are we driven by self-interest, or by a commitment to God's will and the good of others? In a world often driven by greed and accumulation, the refusal to take spoil stands as a powerful counter-cultural example. It reminds us that our actions, even in defense or triumph, should reflect the character of God, prioritizing moral uprightness and selfless purpose over personal enrichment. We are called to pursue justice and defend truth, but always with hearts free from covetousness, trusting that God is our ultimate provider and reward.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to pursue personal gain, even when it might compromise my integrity or the purity of my motives?**
* **How can I ensure that my actions, even when justified, are driven by a desire for righteousness rather than selfish ambition?**
* **What does the Jewish people's refusal to take spoil teach me about trusting God's provision over worldly acquisition?**

### FAQ
**Why were the bodies of Haman's sons hanged after they were slain?**

Answer: Esther 9:10 states that Haman's sons were "slew," implying they were killed in battle or executed. However, Esther 9:13-14 clarifies that Queen Esther made a specific request to King Ahasuerus for their bodies to be publicly hanged on the gallows. This act was not part of the initial slaying but a subsequent public display. In ancient Persian culture, public hanging or impalement of executed criminals or enemies was a common practice intended as a severe deterrent and a powerful symbol of disgrace and the king's absolute authority. For Haman's sons, it served as a stark and lasting visual testament to the complete reversal of Haman's plot and the thoroughness of divine justice against the "enemy of the Jews." It ensured that the memory of their defeat and the triumph of the Jewish people would be deeply impressed upon the populace of Susa and beyond.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Esther 9:10, while rooted in historical events, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the ultimate victory of God over spiritual enemies and the nature of His Kingdom. Haman, the "enemy of the Jews," who sought to annihilate God's people, foreshadows Satan, the ultimate adversary who seeks to destroy humanity and thwart God's redemptive plan. Just as Haman's lineage was utterly defeated, so too was the power of sin and death decisively broken through Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection. The cross, seemingly a defeat, was in fact the ultimate triumph where Jesus disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities, triumphing over them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). Furthermore, the Jewish people's refusal to take spoil, despite being entitled, points to the selfless nature of Christ's mission and the values of His Kingdom. Unlike earthly conquerors who seek material gain, Christ's victory was not for personal enrichment but for the salvation of humanity, freely giving His life as a ransom ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). Believers, as heirs of this spiritual victory, are called to live not by the spoils of this world, but by the eternal riches found in Christ, embracing a kingdom "not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - My Kingdom Is Not of This World")), and living with integrity and selfless devotion, just as their Savior did ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility")).

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

Esther 5:11

And Haman told them of the glory of his riches, and the multitude of his children, and all [the things] wherein the king had promoted him, and how he had advanced him above the princes and servants of the king.

Esther 8:11

Wherein the king granted the Jews which [were] in every city to gather themselves together, and to stand for their life, to destroy, to slay, and to cause to perish, all the power of the people and province that would assault them, [both] little ones and women, and [to take] the spoil of them for a prey,

Genesis 14:23

That I will not [take] from a thread even to a shoelatchet, and that I will not take any thing that [is] thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich:

Job 18:18

He shall be driven from light into darkness, and chased out of the world.

Job 18:19

He shall neither have son nor nephew among his people, nor any remaining in his dwellings.

Job 27:13

This [is] the portion of a wicked man with God, and the heritage of oppressors, [which] they shall receive of the Almighty.

Job 27:15

Those that remain of him shall be buried in death: and his widows shall not weep.