Esther 9:24

KJV

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;

KJV (with Strong's)

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;

Complete Jewish Bible

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;

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Esther 9:24 serves as a potent retrospective on the malevolent plot conceived by Haman, the Agagite, whose deep-seated, ancestral animosity toward the Jewish people fueled his genocidal ambition "to destroy them." This verse precisely identifies the casting of "Pur," or lots, as the method Haman employed to determine the most "opportune" day for their annihilation. It thus establishes the foundational historical event and the specific instrument of Haman's intended genocide, providing the crucial context for the subsequent miraculous deliverance of the Jews and the institution of the annual festival of Purim, which commemorates this pivotal reversal of fortune.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Esther 9:24 is strategically placed within the latter portion of the Book of Esther, marking a transition from the dramatic reversal of Haman's plot to the establishment of the festival of Purim. The preceding chapters, particularly [Esther 1-8](/esther/1-8 "Esther 1-8 - Haman's Plot and Esther's Intervention"), meticulously detail Haman's ascent to power, his issuance of a genocidal decree, Queen Esther's courageous intercession, and Mordecai's elevation. [Esther 9:1-19](/esther/9-1-19 "Esther 9:1-19 - The Jews' Victory and Celebration") then describes the Jewish people's defensive actions on the 13th of Adar, the very day originally appointed for their destruction, and their subsequent celebration. Verse 24 functions as a crucial explanatory summary, looking back to the original malicious intent of Haman and the specific mechanism (the casting of the lot, "Pur") he used to set his plan in motion. It powerfully justifies the celebration of Purim by clearly stating the existential threat that necessitated divine intervention and human action, linking the festival directly to Haman's thwarted scheme.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events narrated in the Book of Esther unfold during the reign of Ahasuerus (commonly identified as Xerxes I, 486-465 BC) over the vast Persian Empire, which stretched "from India even unto Ethiopia" ([Esther 1:1](/esther/1-1 "Esther 1:1 - Ahasuerus's Vast Empire")). Haman's designation as "the Agagite" carries significant historical and theological weight, immediately connecting his animosity to the ancient, divinely ordained conflict between Israel and the Amalekites, descendants of Agag, the Amalekite king whom King Saul was commanded to utterly destroy but failed to do so completely ([1 Samuel 15:8](/1_samuel/15-8 "1 Samuel 15:8 - Saul Defeats Agag")). This lineage suggests a deep, inherited hatred for the Jewish people, rooted in generations of conflict. The practice of casting lots ("Pur") was a common form of divination in the ancient Near East, used to determine fate, ascertain divine will, or identify auspicious timing for actions. Haman's reliance on this seemingly random method underscores the human attempt to control destiny, which, in the overarching narrative of Esther, is ultimately subverted by an unseen divine hand.
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several key themes central to the Book of Esther. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **existential threat and divine deliverance**. Haman's plot was not merely oppressive but genocidal, aiming "to destroy them, and to consume them," echoing ancient prophecies of Israel's enemies who sought to wipe them out ([Psalm 83:4](/psalm/83-4 "Psalm 83:4 - Enemies Conspire Against Israel")). Secondly, it underscores the **origin and significance of Purim**, explaining the historical catalyst for this enduring festival, a celebration of God's faithfulness even when His name is unmentioned in the text. Thirdly, the explicit mention of "Pur" introduces the theme of **divine providence over human machinations**. While Haman cast lots to determine a favorable day, the narrative implicitly suggests that God was sovereign over the outcome, turning Haman's intended evil into the very occasion for the Jews' deliverance and celebration, a concept powerfully echoed in [Proverbs 16:33](/proverbs/16-33 "Proverbs 16:33 - The Lord Directs the Lot"). Finally, Haman's identity as "the Agagite" reinforces the theme of **perennial antisemitism and the enduring conflict** between those who seek to annihilate God's people and God's protective hand over His covenant community.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pur (Hebrew, פּוּר, _Pûwr'_):** This is a Persian loanword, specifically meaning "lot" or "chance." In the ancient world, casting lots was a common method of divination, used to make decisions, determine fate, or discern the will of the gods. Haman used this method to select the most "propitious" day for the extermination of the Jews. The profound irony lies in the fact that the very instrument intended to seal their destruction became the namesake of their festival of deliverance, Purim. It highlights the human attempt to control destiny, which is ultimately subject to divine sovereignty.
* **Agagite (Hebrew, אֲגָגִי, _ʼĂgâgîy'_):** This ethnonym identifies Haman as a descendant of Agag, the king of the Amalekites. The Amalekites were ancient, persistent enemies of Israel, first attacking them in the wilderness after the Exodus ([Exodus 17:8-16](/exodus/17-8 "Exodus 17:8 - Amalek Attacks Israel")). King Saul was commanded by God to utterly destroy the Amalekites, including Agag, but failed to do so completely ([1 Samuel 15:8-9](/1_samuel/15-8 "1 Samuel 15:8 - Saul Captures Agag")). This lineage imbues Haman's hatred with deep historical and theological significance, portraying his plot not merely as personal malice but as the continuation of an ancient, satanically-inspired conflict against God's chosen people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Because Haman the son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of all the Jews":** This introductory clause precisely identifies the antagonist, Haman, and his lineage, emphasizing his deep-seated, ancestral hatred for the Jewish people. His designation as "the enemy of all the Jews" is not hyperbole but reflects his comprehensive and genocidal intent, targeting every Jew throughout the vast Persian Empire.
* **"had devised against the Jews to destroy them":** This phrase highlights Haman's intentionality and premeditation. His plan was not a rash act but a carefully conceived scheme ("devised") aimed at the complete annihilation ("to destroy them") of an entire people group. This underscores the gravity of the threat and the malicious, calculated nature of his heart.
* **"and had cast Pur, that [is], the lot":** This specifies the method Haman used to determine the timing of his destructive plot. The parenthetical clarification, "that [is], the lot," ensures that the Persian term "Pur" is understood by the reader. This act, seemingly based on chance or pagan divination, ironically sets the stage for God's providential reversal, demonstrating His sovereignty over human attempts to control destiny.
* **"to consume them, and to destroy them;":** This repetition emphasizes the absolute and total nature of Haman's genocidal intent. "Consume" (לְכַלּוֹת, _lĕkallōṯ_) and "destroy" (לְהַאֲבִידָם, _lĕhaʼăvîḏām_) are strong verbs indicating utter annihilation, leaving no survivors. This reinforces the existential threat faced by the Jewish community and magnifies the scale of their eventual miraculous deliverance.

#### Literary Devices
Esther 9:24 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Retrospection** is central, as the verse looks back from the time of Purim's institution to the original, defining moment of Haman's plot, providing the foundational rationale for the festival. This retrospective summary brings clarity and justification to the events of [Esther 9](/esther/9 "Esther 9 - The Jews' Victory and Purim"). **Irony** is powerfully present in the use of "Pur." The very "lot" cast by Haman to determine the day of the Jews' destruction becomes the namesake of their celebration of deliverance, a permanent reminder of God's ability to turn evil intentions on their head. The word itself, intended as a tool of destruction, is transformed into a symbol of salvation. Furthermore, **Repetition** is used for emphasis, particularly in the phrases "to destroy them" and "to consume them, and to destroy them." This reiteration underscores the absolute and comprehensive nature of Haman's genocidal intent, highlighting the terrifying scope of the threat and magnifying the miraculous nature of the Jews' survival.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Esther 9:24, though notably devoid of any explicit mention of God's name, profoundly illustrates the biblical theme of divine providence and sovereignty, particularly in the face of human evil. Haman's meticulously "devised" plot and his reliance on the "lot" to determine the most "auspicious" day for genocide demonstrate the depth of human malice and the illusion of human control. Yet, the entire narrative of Esther reveals how God orchestrates seemingly random events, human decisions, and even the schemes of the wicked to accomplish His purposes and protect His covenant people. This verse, by recalling the origin of the threat, implicitly magnifies the unseen hand of God that turned mourning into dancing and the gallows prepared for Mordecai into Haman's own demise. It reminds us that even when God's presence seems hidden or His name unuttered, His plan remains actively at work and unthwarted, ensuring the survival of His people and the defeat of His enemies.

* [Proverbs 16:33](/proverbs/16-33 "Proverbs 16:33 - The Lord Directs the Lot")
* [Psalm 30:11](/psalm/30-11 "Psalm 30:11 - Turning Mourning into Dancing")
* [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Genesis 50:20 - God Intended it for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Esther 9:24 calls us to reflect deeply on the insidious nature of evil and the enduring, unwavering faithfulness of God. Haman's plot was not merely an act of personal vengeance but a systematic, genocidal scheme born of deep-seated hatred, mirroring the spiritual warfare that continues against God's people throughout history. This verse reminds us that evil often operates with calculated precision, seeking to "destroy" and "consume" lives, communities, and faith. Yet, it also serves as a powerful testament to the truth that God is sovereign over even the darkest human intentions and the most seemingly random events. For believers, this means we can trust in God's unseen hand, even when circumstances appear dire or when His presence feels distant. It challenges us to be vigilant against hatred, injustice, and spiritual apathy in our world, and to remember that God can reverse the most dire outcomes, turning defeat into victory and despair into joyous celebration. The annual remembrance of Purim, rooted in this verse, encourages us to celebrate God's deliverances in our own lives and to never forget His power to protect and preserve His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Haman's "devised" plot challenge our understanding of God's sovereignty over human evil and the choices of individuals?**
* **In what ways do we see "lots" cast in our modern world (e.g., chance, systemic injustices, human plans), and how does Esther 9:24 encourage us to view God's ultimate control over them?**
* **How can the historical animosity embodied by Haman the Agagite inform our prayers and actions against injustice and hatred today, recognizing the spiritual dimension of such conflicts?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of "Pur" in this verse?**

Answer: The word "Pur" (פּוּר) is a Persian loanword meaning "lot" or "chance." Its significance in Esther 9:24 is twofold. First, it identifies the specific method Haman used to determine the "auspicious" day for the extermination of the Jews, highlighting his reliance on pagan divination and his belief in controlling fate. Second, and more profoundly, it becomes the namesake for the festival of Purim. This is a powerful instance of divine irony: the very tool intended to seal the Jews' destruction became the linguistic root of their celebration of deliverance. It underscores the biblical truth that while humans may cast lots, "its every decision is from the Lord" ([Proverbs 16:33](/proverbs/16-33 "Proverbs 16:33 - The Lord Directs the Lot")), demonstrating God's sovereignty over seemingly random events and evil intentions, ultimately turning them for His purposes.

**Why is Haman called "the Agagite"?**

Answer: Haman's designation as "the Agagite" is highly significant, connecting him to a long-standing, divinely ordained conflict between Israel and the Amalekites. Agag was the king of the Amalekites, whom King Saul was commanded by God to utterly destroy, but failed to do so completely ([1 Samuel 15:8-9](/1_samuel/15-8 "1 Samuel 15:8 - Saul Captures Agag")). The Amalekites were the first nation to attack Israel after their exodus from Egypt ([Exodus 17:8-16](/exodus/17-8 "Exodus 17:8 - Amalek Attacks Israel")), and God had sworn to "utterly blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven" ([Exodus 17:14](/exodus/17-14 "Exodus 17:14 - God's Oath Against Amalek")). By identifying Haman as an Agagite, the text portrays his genocidal plot not merely as personal malice but as the continuation of an ancient, deep-seated, and spiritual animosity against God's covenant people, reinforcing the theme of divine protection over Israel against its perennial enemies.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Esther 9:24, with its depiction of a malevolent enemy "devised... to destroy" God's people, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus. Haman's plot, driven by ancient hatred and a desire for total annihilation, powerfully foreshadows the spiritual enemy, Satan, who from the beginning has sought to "steal and kill and destroy" ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - The Thief Comes to Steal and Destroy")) humanity, God's image-bearers. Just as Haman cast lots for destruction, only to see his meticulously laid plans utterly reversed and turned against him, so too did the powers of darkness believe they had triumphed at the cross. Yet, the crucifixion, seemingly a victory for evil, was God's ultimate "devise" for salvation, turning the instrument of death into the means of eternal life. Christ, the true King and ultimate deliverer, entered the human condition to deliver His people from their ultimate enemies: sin, death, and the devil. 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 sacrifice utterly disarmed the principalities and powers, triumphing over them by the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). The deliverance of Purim, secured through human courage and divine providence, points forward to the definitive and eternal deliverance accomplished by Christ, who, by His death, destroyed "him who has the power of death, that is, the devil" ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Victory Over Death")), ensuring that no plot, no matter how "devised," can ultimately thwart God's redemptive plan for His people.

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 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.