Esther 3:8 - Haman said to King Ahasuerus, “There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the peoples in all the provinces of your kingdom, and their laws are different than other people’s. They don’t keep the king’s laws. Therefore it is not for the king’s profit to allow them to remain.

Generated Verse: Esther 3:8

What does "Esther 3:8" mean?


This verse from Esther 3:8 is the core of Haman's argument to King Ahasuerus for the destruction of the Jewish people. Let's break it down:

"There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the peoples in all the provinces of your kingdom..." This highlights the widespread presence of the Jewish people throughout the Persian empire. They were not a single, localized group, but rather a diaspora, living in many different areas. This makes them a target that Haman can easily attack as a whole.

"...and their laws are different than other people's." This is the key accusation. Haman argues that the Jewish people have unique customs and laws that set them apart. In particular, they had laws that prevented them from fully following the ways of those around them.

"They don't keep the king's laws." This is a direct accusation of disloyalty to the king. Haman suggests that because the Jewish people have their own laws and customs, they are unwilling to obey the laws of the kingdom. This implies that they are a threat to the king's authority and stability.

"Therefore it is not for the king's profit to allow them to remain." This is the ultimate appeal to Ahasuerus's self-interest. Haman argues that allowing the Jewish people to continue living in the kingdom is detrimental to the king's financial well-being and overall stability. Haman is essentially saying that the Jews are a liability and should be eliminated for the good of the kingdom.

In summary, Haman is using the argument that the Jews are a distinct and disloyal group who threaten the king's authority and economic stability. He wants to manipulate the king into agreeing to a decree that would lead to their destruction.