of foreign origin; Vajezatha, a son of Haman; Vajezatha.
Transliteration:Vayzâthâʼ
Pronunciation:vah-yez-aw'-thaw
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
`{{H2055}}` (Vayzâthâʼ) is a proper noun, specifically a personal name. As indicated by its base definition, it is "of foreign origin," meaning its etymological root is not Hebrew, and thus its intrinsic meaning is not directly derivable from the Hebrew lexicon. For proper nouns, especially those of foreign provenance, the "semantic range" is primarily limited to its identity as a specific individual. In this case, Vayzâthâʼ refers exclusively to one of the ten sons of Haman, the antagonist in the biblical Book of Esther. Its significance lies not in an inherent lexical meaning, but in its role as a specific referent within a crucial historical and theological narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name `{{H2055}}` (Vayzâthâʼ) appears exclusively in the Book of Esther, specifically in [[Esther 9:9]]. This sole occurrence is within the detailed list of Haman's ten sons who were executed by the Jews in Susa, the capital of the Persian Empire. The verse reads: "Parmashta, Arisai, Aridai, and Vajezatha." This enumeration is highly significant within the narrative arc of Esther. Following the decree issued by King Ahasuerus, which permitted the Jews to defend themselves against their enemies, the Jews in Susa slew 500 men. Crucially, Esther then requests that Haman's ten sons, who had already been killed, be impaled on gallows. This public display of their bodies, including Vayzâthâʼ, served as a powerful symbol of the complete reversal of fortune and the utter defeat of Haman's genocidal plot. The explicit listing of each son's name underscores the thoroughness of the judgment and the comprehensive nature of the deliverance God wrought for His people.
### Related Words & Concepts
Since `{{H2055}}` is a proper noun of foreign origin, there are no direct etymological "related words" within the Hebrew language. However, it is intrinsically linked to several key individuals and concepts within the Book of Esther:
* **Haman:** Vayzâthâʼ's father, `{{H2055}}`'s existence and fate are entirely dependent on his paternal lineage. Haman's hatred for the Jews and his plot to annihilate them are the catalyst for the events leading to his sons' demise.
* **The Nine Brothers:** Vayzâthâʼ is always mentioned as part of the collective "ten sons of Haman" (Parshandatha, Dalphon, Aspatha, Poratha, Adalia, Aridatha, Parmashta, Arisai, Aridai). Their shared fate emphasizes the complete eradication of Haman's line and the comprehensive nature of the judgment.
* **Mordecai and Esther:** These are the primary agents through whom God's deliverance is enacted. Their courage and strategic actions directly lead to the downfall of Haman and his family.
* **Divine Retribution/Justice:** The execution of Haman's sons, including Vayzâthâʼ, embodies the concept of divine justice and the reversal of fortune. Those who sought to destroy God's people ultimately faced destruction themselves.
* **Deliverance of Israel:** The events surrounding the deaths of Haman's sons are central to the deliverance of the Jewish people from annihilation, a core theme of the Book of Esther.
### Theological Significance
The mention of Vayzâthâʼ, as one of Haman's ten sons, holds profound theological significance within the narrative of Esther, a book notable for its lack of explicit mention of God. Nevertheless, divine providence is palpably evident throughout. The execution of Haman's sons represents the complete and irreversible triumph of God's purposes over the forces of evil.
1. **Divine Justice and Judgment:** The death of Vayzâthâʼ and his brothers serves as a powerful demonstration of God's righteous judgment against those who oppose His chosen people. Haman's plot was not merely against the Jews but, by extension, against God's covenant and His plan for salvation. Their demise underscores the biblical principle that "the wicked will be cut off from the land" ([[Proverbs 2:22]]) and that "the Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed" ([[Psalm 103:6]]).
2. **Security and Deliverance for God's People:** The eradication of Haman's entire lineage, specifically including his sons, ensured that no remnant of the genocidal threat remained. This provided a sense of security and completeness to the deliverance of the Jewish community, highlighting God's faithfulness to preserve His people against all adversaries, even when His hand is unseen.
3. **Foundation for Purim:** The events surrounding the deaths of Haman's sons are integral to the establishment of the Feast of Purim, a perpetual commemoration of God's miraculous deliverance. Vayzâthâʼ's name, though that of an enemy, is thus etched into the historical record as a testament to the magnitude of the salvation God provided.
### Summary
`{{H2055}}` (Vayzâthâʼ) is the name of one of Haman's ten sons, mentioned only once in [[Esther 9:9]]. As a proper noun of foreign origin, its meaning is solely its identity as a specific individual within the biblical narrative. His inclusion in the list of executed sons is crucial, symbolizing the complete and utter defeat of Haman's genocidal plot against the Jewish people. The theological significance of Vayzâthâʼ's death, along with his brothers, lies in its vivid portrayal of divine justice, the comprehensive deliverance and security God provides for His people, and the foundational events that led to the establishment of the Feast of Purim. Though an enemy, Vayzâthâʼ's name serves as a stark reminder of the ultimate triumph of God's unseen hand over those who seek to thwart His purposes.
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