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;
Because Haman {H2001} the son {H1121} of Hammedatha {H4099}, the Agagite {H91}, the enemy {H6887} of all the Jews {H3064}, had devised {H2803} against the Jews {H3064} to destroy {H6} them, and had cast {H5307} Pur {H6332}, that is, the lot {H1486}, to consume {H2000} them, and to destroy {H6} them;
because Haman the son of Hamdata the Agagi, the enemy of the Jews, had plotted against the Jews to destroy them and had thrown pur (that is, "cast lots") to crush and destroy them;
For Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of all the Jews, had plotted against the Jews to destroy them and had cast the Pur (that is, the lot) to crush and destroy them.
because Haman the son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of all the Jews, had plotted against the Jews to destroy them, and had cast Pur, that is the lot, to consume them, and to destroy them;
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Esther 3:5
And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full of wrath. -
Esther 3:13
And the letters were sent by posts into all the king's provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day, [even] upon the thirteenth [day] of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, and [to take] the spoil of them for a prey. -
Esther 9:10
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.
Context of Esther 9:24
This verse provides the foundational reason for the institution of the Jewish festival of Purim, detailed in the surrounding chapters of the Book of Esther. It serves as a concise summary of the existential threat the Jewish people faced within the vast Persian Empire under King Ahasuerus. Following a dramatic reversal of fortunes, this verse looks back to the original malicious intent of Haman, explaining why the days of Purim became a time of joyous celebration and remembrance. It underscores the historical animosity that fueled Haman's plot, setting the stage for the miraculous deliverance that transpired.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insight: The 'Pur'
The KJV text clarifies, "and had cast Pur, that [is], the lot." The word Pur (פּוּר) is a Persian loanword meaning "lot" or "chance." Haman used this method of divination to determine the most "auspicious" day for the extermination of the Jews. This act of casting lots, seemingly random, ironically became the namesake for the festival of Purim, serving as a perpetual reminder of God's sovereignty over human schemes and apparent chance. The very tool intended to seal their destruction became the linguistic root of their celebration of deliverance.
Historical Significance & Application
Esther 9:24 is crucial for understanding the historical context and enduring significance of Purim. It reminds us of the constant threats faced by God's people throughout history and the often-hidden ways in which divine providence works to protect them. For believers today, this verse serves as a powerful reminder:
The annual celebration of Purim, rooted in the events described in this verse, ensures that the memory of Haman's plot and God's miraculous deliverance remains a living testament to His power and care for His covenant people.