Hebrew Word Reference — Esther 9:8
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
Poratha was a son of Haman, the enemy of Mordecai and Esther in the book of Esther. His name means fruitfulness or frustration.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Est.9.8; son of: Haman (H2001); brother of: Parshandatha (H6577), Dalphon (H1813), Aspatha (H0630), Adalia (H0118), Aridatha (H0743), Parmashta (H6534), Arisai (H0747), Aridai (H0742) and Vaizatha (H2055) § Poratha = "fruitfulness" or "frustration" one of the ten sons of Haman, the enemy of Mordecai and Esther
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Poratha. See also: Esther 9:8.
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
Adalia means 'I shall be drawn up of Jah', the name of a son of Haman, an enemy of the Jews in Esther's time. Adalia was executed along with his brothers, as told in Esther 9:8.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Est.9.8; son of: Haman (H2001); brother of: Parshandatha (H6577), Dalphon (H1813), Aspatha (H0630), Poratha (H6334), Aridatha (H0743), Parmashta (H6534), Arisai (H0747), Aridai (H0742) and Vaizatha (H2055) § Adalia = "I shall be drawn up of Jah" fifth son of Haman, executed at same time
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Adalia. See also: Esther 9:8.
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
Aridatha was a son of Haman, a key figure in the book of Esther. His name means 'the lion of the decree' and he is mentioned in Esther 9:8. He had several brothers, including Parshandatha and Dalphon.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Est.9.8; son of: Haman (H2001); brother of: Parshandatha (H6577), Dalphon (H1813), Aspatha (H0630), Poratha (H6334), Adalia (H0118), Parmashta (H6534), Arisai (H0747), Aridai (H0742) and Vaizatha (H2055) § Aridatha = "the lion of the decree" a son of Haman
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Aridatha. See also: Esther 9:8.
Context — The Jews Destroy Their Enemies
6In the citadel of Susa, the Jews killed and destroyed five hundred men,
7including Parshandatha, Dalphon, Aspatha,
8Poratha, Adalia, Aridatha,
9Parmashta, Arisai, Aridai, and Vaizatha.
10They killed these ten sons of Haman son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews, but they did not lay a hand on the plunder.
Esther 9:8 Summary
This verse lists three of the sons of Haman who were killed by the Jews in the citadel of Susa, as part of God's plan to protect His people. It shows how God can use unexpected events to bring about justice and protection, similar to how He parted the Red Sea in Exodus 14:13-14. The inclusion of these names emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty, even when the outcome is uncertain, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6. By trusting in God, we can experience His deliverance and protection, just like the Jews in the story of Esther.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were Poratha, Adalia, and Aridatha?
According to Esther 9:8, they were three of the ten sons of Haman who were killed by the Jews in the citadel of Susa, as part of God's plan to protect His people, similar to how He protected them in Exodus 14:13-14.
Why were these specific names included in the Bible?
The inclusion of these names serves as a historical record and emphasizes the extent of God's judgment on Haman's family, as seen in Esther 9:10, and reminds us of the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty, as expressed in Proverbs 3:5-6.
What is the significance of the citadel of Susa in this context?
The citadel of Susa was a key location where the Jews were able to defend themselves against their enemies, as described in Esther 9:6, and it highlights the theme of God's protection and deliverance, also seen in Psalm 121:7-8.
How does this verse relate to the broader story of Esther?
This verse is part of the culmination of God's plan to save the Jewish people from persecution, as initiated by Haman's plot in Esther 3:6, and it demonstrates God's faithfulness to His people, as promised in Deuteronomy 31:6.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse reveal about God's character, particularly in terms of justice and protection?
- How can I apply the concept of God's sovereignty, as seen in this verse, to my own life and circumstances?
- What role does faith play in trusting God's plan, even when the outcome is uncertain, as seen in the story of Esther?
- In what ways can I trust in God's deliverance, as the Jews did in the citadel of Susa, when faced with challenges or fears?
Gill's Exposition on Esther 9:8
[See comments on Es 9:7].
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Esther 9:8
And in Shushan the palace the Jews slew and destroyed five hundred men. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on Esther 9:8
Esther 9:7 And Parshandatha, and Dalphon, and Aspatha, Ver. 7-9. And Parshandatha, and Dalphon … and Vajezatha] This Vajezatha was the youngest, but most malicious of them all against the Jews, as their doctors guess and gather from the little Zain and great Vau found in his name.
Ellicott's Commentary on Esther 9:8
(7-9) The names of the ten sons of Haman are, except Adalia, all readily traceable to old Persian roots. It may be noted that in a Hebrew Bible the ten names are written vertically, one under the other, in a column; and the Targum or Chaldee paraphrase says that the ten sons were hanged one above the other at fixed distances.
Cambridge Bible on Esther 9:8
Chap. Esther 9:1-10. Overthrow of the Jews’ enemies The story, omitting the intermediate months of preparation, now passes to the date fixed by the decree for the Jews’ overthrow.
Whedon's Commentary on Esther 9:8
7-9. Parshandatha… Vajezatha — These names of Haman’s ten sons are written in Hebrew MSS. in perpendicular columns, and it is said that the reader in the synagogue is required to pronounce them all at one breath.