ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for Esther 3

Est. 3:1–9:19 Main Action. The plot to destroy the Jews (3:1–15) is foiled by the courageous actions of Esther and Mordecai (4:1–8:17), resulting in a complete victory for the Jews (9:1–19).

Est. 3:1 the Agagite. A descendant of Agag, king of the Amalekites, one of Israel’s ancient enemies (Ex. 17:8–16). Agag was defeated by King Saul and killed by the prophet Samuel (1 Sam. 15:1–33).

Est. 3:2–4 bowed down and paid homage. Bowing was the normal way of paying respect to Persian royalty. It was not an act of worship (see Gen. 23:7; 1 Kings 1:16). Mordecai did not bow, because “he was a Jew.” The text does not give any more reason. he had told them that he was a Jew. Mordecai did the very thing he had told Esther not to do (Est. 2:10, 20).

Est. 3:5–6 Haman . . . disdained to lay hands on Mordecai alone. Haman hated the Jews and set out to destroy them all. the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus. This included Jerusalem and the surrounding area, with its mainly Jewish population (see 1:1; Neh. 1:1–3).

Est. 3:7 Nisan. The first month of the Jewish religious calendar, which began in spring with the Passover (Ex. 12:1–2). the twelfth year. See Est. 2:16; Haman has been waiting for five years to carry out his plot. Pur (plural “purim”; see 9:26). The Persian word for “lot.” cast lots. A traditional way of seeking divine guidance (Josh. 18:6; Prov. 16:33).

Est. 3:8 they do not keep the king’s laws. A reference to Mordecai’s refusal to bow (v. 2), implying that all Jews behave similarly. not to the king’s profit. A clever tactic by Haman. The remission of taxes (2:18) and Ahasuerus’s unsuccessful war with Greece in 480 b.c. may have left the royal treasury low on funds.

Est. 3:9 10,000 talents of silver. About 12 million ounces (750,000 pounds).

Est. 3:10–11 signet ring. A ring used to seal official documents (Jer. 22:24). Haman is empowered to act with royal authority. The money is given to you. Ahasuerus authorizes Haman to use as much of the 10,000 talents of silver as he needs to carry out his plot against the Jews.

Est. 3:12–13 the first month. Presumably of the following (13th) year of Ahasuerus’s reign, or possibly the same year (see v. 7). the twelfth month. Because the empire was so large, it took almost 12 months to notify those responsible for carrying out the edict against the Jews.

Est. 3:15 sat down to drink. Haman and the king callously celebrate the forthcoming massacre. but . . . Susa was thrown into confusion. This shows that many of Susa’s citizens did not share Haman’s intense hatred of the Jews.