Esther 3:11

And the king said unto Haman, The silver [is] given to thee, the people also, to do with them as it seemeth good to thee.

And the king {H4428} said {H559} unto Haman {H2001}, The silver {H3701} is given {H5414} to thee, the people {H5971} also, to do {H6213} with them as it seemeth {H5869} good {H2896} to thee.

The king said to Haman, "The money is given to you, and the people too, to do with as seems good to you."

“Keep your money,” said the king to Haman. “These people are given to you to do with them as you please.”

And the king said unto Haman, The silver is given to thee, the people also, to do with them as it seemeth good to thee.

Commentary

Esther 3:11 records a pivotal and chilling moment in the biblical narrative of Esther, where King Ahasuerus grants Haman, his chief minister, unfettered authority to execute his genocidal plot against the Jewish people.

Context

This verse follows Haman's malicious proposal to King Ahasuerus to annihilate all Jews throughout the vast Persian Empire. Haman, filled with rage because Mordecai, a Jew, refused to bow to him, conceived a plan not just for Mordecai's destruction, but for the extermination of an entire ethnic group (Esther 3:6). To gain the king's consent, Haman offered to pay an immense sum of 10,000 talents of silver into the royal treasury (Esther 3:9). In a shocking display of indifference or profound trust, the king not only waived the payment but also gave Haman his signet ring, symbolizing complete delegated power (Esther 3:10).

Key Themes

  • Absolute Authority and Blind Trust: The king's declaration, "The silver is given to thee, the people also, to do with them as it seemeth good to thee," signifies an extraordinary delegation of power. Ahasuerus essentially gives Haman a blank check, both financially and in terms of human lives, without inquiring into the specifics of the "people" or the "good" that Haman intended. This highlights the king's profound lack of concern for justice or the welfare of his subjects.
  • The Gravity of Haman's Malice: This verse confirms the king's endorsement of Haman's wicked scheme. It underscores the immense danger facing the Jewish people, as their destruction is now officially sanctioned by the highest authority in the land.
  • Consequences of Indifference: The king's casual response demonstrates a dangerous indifference to the lives of his subjects. His primary concern seems to be maintaining order and trusting his officials, rather than exercising righteous judgment or protecting the innocent.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "The silver [is] given to thee" indicates that the king is so confident in Haman, or so unconcerned with the details, that he waives the enormous sum of money Haman offered. He is essentially saying, "Keep the money; I trust you to handle this matter entirely." This emphasizes the king's complete disengagement from the moral implications of Haman's request. The subsequent phrase, "the people also, to do with them as it seemeth good to thee," grants Haman carte blanche authority, allowing him to carry out his plan without any royal oversight or restriction, setting the stage for the terrifying decree that follows.

Practical Application

Esther 3:11 serves as a stark reminder of the dangers inherent in unchecked power and blind trust in leadership. It illustrates how personal vendettas, when combined with authority, can lead to devastating consequences. For believers, it highlights the importance of discerning leadership and praying for those in authority (1 Timothy 2:2). While this verse portrays a moment of extreme vulnerability for God's people, the broader narrative of Esther powerfully demonstrates God's subtle yet powerful providence, working behind the scenes to protect His people and ultimately turn the tables on their enemies (Esther 9:1).

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Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 40:4 (2 votes)

    And now, behold, I loose thee this day from the chains which [were] upon thine hand. If it seem good unto thee to come with me into Babylon, come; and I will look well unto thee: but if it seem ill unto thee to come with me into Babylon, forbear: behold, all the land [is] before thee: whither it seemeth good and convenient for thee to go, thither go.

  • Luke 23:25 (2 votes)

    And he released unto them him that for sedition and murder was cast into prison, whom they had desired; but he delivered Jesus to their will.

  • Jeremiah 26:14 (2 votes)

    As for me, behold, I [am] in your hand: do with me as seemeth good and meet unto you.

  • Psalms 73:7 (2 votes)

    Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish.