Hebrew-English Text
I. Summary
King Ahasuerus appoints Haman as his chief officer. When Mordecai refuses to bow before Haman, Haman convinces Ahasuerus that all Jews are to be killed.
II. Photo
Ahasuerus agrees to Haman’s plan in v. 12: “The orders were issued in the name of King Ahasuerus and sealed with the king’s signet.”
III. Important Verses
v. 2: All the king’s courtiers in the palace gate knelt and bowed low to Haman, for such was the king’s order concerning him; but Mordecai would not kneel or bow low.
v. 7: In the first month, that is, the month of Nisan, in the twelfth year of King Ahasuerus, pur — which means “the lot” — was cast before Haman concerning every day and every month, [until it fell on] the twelfth month, that is, the month of Adar.
v. 15: The couriers went out posthaste on the royal mission, and the decree was proclaimed in the fortress Shushan. The king and Haman sat down to feast, but the city of Shushan was dumfounded.
IV. Outline
1. Haman rises to power
2-4. Mordecai refuses to bow to Haman
5-6. Haman is angered
7. The lots are cast
8-11. Haman convinces Ahasuerus to exterminate the Jews
12-15. The Decree is promulgated
V. Comment
No comment today. Stay tuned.
VI. Works Used
(see “Commentaries” page)
Murphy, Wisdom Literature (Forms of Old Testament Literature)
Photo taken from http://nmb366.aisites.com/images/ravennwax.jpg
