Esther - Caput 3

Esther 3.1 post haec rex Asuerus exaltavit Aman filium Amadathi qui erat de stirpe Agag et posuit solium eius super omnes principes quos habebat Esther 3.2 cunctique servi regis qui in foribus palatii versabantur flectebant genu et adorabant Aman sic enim eis praeceperat imperator solus Mardocheus non flectebat genu neque adorabat eum Esther 3.3 cui dixerunt regis pueri qui ad fores palatii praesidebant cur praeter ceteros non observas mandata regis Esther 3.4 cumque hoc crebrius dicerent et ille nollet audire nuntiaverunt Aman scire cupientes utrum perseveraret in sententia dixerat enim eis se esse Iudaeum Esther 3.5 quod cum audisset Aman et experimento probasset quod Mardocheus non sibi flecteret genu nec se adoraret iratus est valde Esther 3.6 et pro nihilo duxit in unum Mardocheum mittere manus suas audierat enim quod esset gentis iudaeae magisque voluit omnem Iudaeorum qui erant in regno Asueri perdere nationem Esther 3.7 mense primo cuius vocabulum est nisan anno duodecimo regni Asueri missa est sors in urnam quae hebraice dicitur phur coram Aman quo die et quo mense gens Iudaeorum deberet interfici et exivit mensis duodecimus qui vocatur adar Esther 3.8 dixitque Aman regi Asuero est populus per omnes provincias regni tui dispersus et a se mutuo separatus novis utens legibus et caerimoniis insuper et regis scita contemnens et optime nosti quod non expediat regno tuo ut insolescat per licentiam Esther 3.9 si tibi placet decerne ut pereat et decem milia talentorum adpendam arcariis gazae tuae Esther 3.10 tulit ergo rex anulum quo utebatur de manu sua et dedit eum Aman filio Amadathi de progenie Agag hosti Iudaeorum Esther 3.11 dixitque ad eum argentum quod polliceris tuum sit de populo age quod tibi placet Esther 3.12 vocatique sunt scribae regis mense primo nisan tertiadecima die eius et scriptum est ut iusserat Aman ad omnes satrapas regis et iudices provinciarum diversarumque gentium ut quaeque gens legere poterat et audire pro varietate linguarum ex nomine regis Asueri et litterae ipsius signatae anulo Esther 3.13 missae sunt per cursores regis ad universas provincias ut occiderent atque delerent omnes Iudaeos a puero usque ad senem parvulos et mulieres uno die hoc est tertiodecimo mensis duodecimi qui vocatur adar et bona eorum diriperent Esther 3.14 summa autem epistularum haec fuit ut omnes provinciae scirent et pararent se ad praedictam diem Esther 3.15 festinabant cursores qui missi erant explere regis imperium statimque in Susis pependit edictum rege et Aman celebrante convivium et cunctis qui in urbe erant flentibus

Esther : Caput 3

The Threat to God's People: A Reflection on Esther Chapter 3

Chapter 3 of the book of Esther introduces us to a time of great danger for God's people. This crucial chapter highlights the promotion of Haman, a man whose anger toward Mordecai will trigger a series of tragic events, culminating in a decree to exterminate the Jews. Throughout this narrative, we are confronted with profound themes such as pride, prejudice, and the vulnerability of the faithful.

Esther 3 reminds us of the urgency of divine intervention, often carried out through human agents. With this in mind, we invite you to explore five biblical passages that shed light on the critical themes of this tense chapter.

Proverbs 29:12

"When a ruler pays attention to lies, all his officials become corrupt." This proverb highlights Haman's harmful influence on King Ahasuerus, who, blinded by lies, becomes complicit in the injustice befalling the Jewish people.

Psalms 94:20-21

"Can a corrupt throne be your ally, a throne Who brings suffering with his laws? The wicked unite against the righteous and condemn innocent blood." These verses illustrate governmental injustice and the collusion between power and evil, echoing Haman's decree against the Jews. Proverbs 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. This proverb resonates with Haman's pride and arrogance, whose self-aggrandizement leads to his own downfall, revealing the dangers of vanity. Matthew 5:44

"But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." Jesus' teaching, in contrast to Haman's hatred, offers us a radically different perspective on how to treat our adversaries, calling us to mercy and prayer.

Micah 2:1

"Woe to those who plot wickedness, to those who plot wickedness in their beds! When dawn breaks, they carry it out, for that is what they can do." This verse evokes Haman's nocturnal machinations, highlighting the iniquity of plots against the innocent.

Reflecting on these passages, we are encouraged to pray for wisdom and protection, while remaining vigilant in the face of the dangers that threaten our faith and our community. May Esther's example inspire us to act with courage and determination in our own times.