Bible Chapter Summary
Esther 3 Summary
Haman Plots the Destruction of the Jews
King Ahasuerus promotes Haman the Agagite to a position of honor above all other princes. All the king's servants at the gate bow before Haman except Mordecai, who refuses to do reverence. When Haman learns that Mordecai is a Jew, his wrath is kindled, and he plots not merely against Mordecai but against all the Jews throughout the kingdom. In the first month of the twelfth year, lots (Pur) are cast to determine a day of destruction; the lot falls upon the thirteenth day of the month Adar. Haman persuades the king that the Jews' laws differ from all people and advise the king to issue a decree to destroy them. The king gives Haman his signet ring and authorizes the destruction, and letters are sent throughout the provinces commanding the destruction of all Jews, young and old, on the appointed day.
Key themes
Key verses
Esther 3:1
“After these things did king Ahasuerus promote Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, and advanced him, and set his seat above all the princes that were with him.”
Esther 3:5-6
“And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full of wrath.”
Esther 3:7
“In the first month, that is, the month Nisan, in the twelfth year of king Ahasuerus, they cast Pur, that is, the lot, before Haman from day to day, and from month to month, to the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar.”
Esther 3:12-13
“Then were the king's scribes called on the thirteenth day of the first month, and there was written according to all that Haman had commanded unto the king's lieutenants, and to the governors that were over every province, and to the rulers of every people of every province according to the writing thereof, and to every people after their language; in the name of king Ahasuerus was it written, and sealed with the king's ring.”
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