This verse underscores how God’s unseen hand can overturn the plans of the wicked to protect His people and fulfill His redemptive purposes.
“And Parshandatha, Dalphon, Aspatha,” (Esther 9:7) introduces the beginning of the list of Haman’s ten sons who were slain by the Jewish people in the fortress of Susa. The city of Susa (also called Shushan) served as a capital of the Persian Empire, situated in what is now southwestern Iran. Though this verse itself only names three of Haman’s sons, it sets the tone for Israel’s deliverance and retribution against their enemies, which was legally permitted by the edict of King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I, who ruled from 486-464 BC). Haman had planned to destroy the Jewish people, but his evil plot was reversed when Esther intervened (Esther 7:3-4). In God’s providential care, the Persian king gave the Jews the right to defend themselves, leading to the events described here.
In the broader biblical timeline, Haman (d. around 474 BC) was an influential official under King Ahasuerus who sought the destruction of the Jews out of personal vengeance and pride (Esther 3:2-6). When the Jewish community in Susa received permission to repel their attackers, Haman’s sons were among the first casualties, underscoring the thoroughness of the Jews’ victory over the threat that loomed heavily upon them. As the verse highlights these names—“Parshandatha, Dalphon, Aspatha,” (Esther 9:7)—it demonstrates the complete downfall of the family line that had been used by the adversary to attempt the annihilation of God’s people.
The larger biblical narrative often shows how God, in unexpected ways, delivers His people from annihilation and bondage, foreshadowing the ultimate deliverance found in Jesus Christ (Romans 8:31-39). Here in Esther, the faithful actions of Esther and Mordecai reveal the sovereignty of God through ordinary human faith and courage. Though only three names are mentioned in this verse, this short list signifies the beginning of the end for Haman’s lineage, ensuring that the threat against the Jews would not persist.
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Esther 9:7 meaning
“And Parshandatha, Dalphon, Aspatha,” (Esther 9:7) introduces the beginning of the list of Haman’s ten sons who were slain by the Jewish people in the fortress of Susa. The city of Susa (also called Shushan) served as a capital of the Persian Empire, situated in what is now southwestern Iran. Though this verse itself only names three of Haman’s sons, it sets the tone for Israel’s deliverance and retribution against their enemies, which was legally permitted by the edict of King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I, who ruled from 486-464 BC). Haman had planned to destroy the Jewish people, but his evil plot was reversed when Esther intervened (Esther 7:3-4). In God’s providential care, the Persian king gave the Jews the right to defend themselves, leading to the events described here.
In the broader biblical timeline, Haman (d. around 474 BC) was an influential official under King Ahasuerus who sought the destruction of the Jews out of personal vengeance and pride (Esther 3:2-6). When the Jewish community in Susa received permission to repel their attackers, Haman’s sons were among the first casualties, underscoring the thoroughness of the Jews’ victory over the threat that loomed heavily upon them. As the verse highlights these names—“Parshandatha, Dalphon, Aspatha,” (Esther 9:7)—it demonstrates the complete downfall of the family line that had been used by the adversary to attempt the annihilation of God’s people.
The larger biblical narrative often shows how God, in unexpected ways, delivers His people from annihilation and bondage, foreshadowing the ultimate deliverance found in Jesus Christ (Romans 8:31-39). Here in Esther, the faithful actions of Esther and Mordecai reveal the sovereignty of God through ordinary human faith and courage. Though only three names are mentioned in this verse, this short list signifies the beginning of the end for Haman’s lineage, ensuring that the threat against the Jews would not persist.