Esther 3:9 - If it pleases the king, let it be written that they be destroyed; and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver into the hands of those who are in charge of the king’s business, to bring it into the king’s treasuries.”
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What does "Esther 3:9" mean?
This verse is from the Book of Esther and reflects the words of Haman, the chief advisor to King Ahasuerus (also known as Xerxes) of Persia. Let's break it down:
"If it pleases the king, let it be written that they be destroyed...": Haman is requesting the king to issue a royal decree ordering the extermination of a specific group of people. He doesn't name them directly in this verse, but it is understood he is referring to the Jews. Haman wants the King to issue a legally binding order.
"...and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver into the hands of those who are in charge of the king’s business, to bring it into the king’s treasuries.": Haman offers the king a substantial bribe. A talent of silver was a very large sum of money. Ten thousand talents would have been an enormous fortune. He is essentially offering a massive payment to the king's officials to compensate for any potential loss of revenue or economic disruption caused by the destruction of the Jewish population. It's also likely intended to sweeten the deal and make the king more inclined to agree to his request.
In essence, Haman is saying: "If you, O King, are willing to order the annihilation of these people (the Jews), I will personally contribute a massive amount of money to your treasury as compensation."
The verse highlights:
Haman's deep-seated hatred for the Jews: He is willing to go to extreme lengths (and pay a huge sum) to see them destroyed.
The king's potential vulnerability: He is being offered a tempting bribe that could cloud his judgment and make him susceptible to Haman's manipulative scheme.
The precarious situation of the Jews: Their lives are at the mercy of the king's decision, which could be influenced by greed and prejudice.
This verse is a crucial turning point in the story of Esther, setting the stage for the events that follow, including Esther's brave intervention to save her people.
Esther 3:9 - If it pleases the king, let it be written that they be destroyed; and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver into the hands of those who are in charge of the king’s business, to bring it into the king’s treasuries.”
What does "Esther 3:9" mean?
This verse is from the Book of Esther and reflects the words of Haman, the chief advisor to King Ahasuerus (also known as Xerxes) of Persia. Let's break it down:
"If it pleases the king, let it be written that they be destroyed...": Haman is requesting the king to issue a royal decree ordering the extermination of a specific group of people. He doesn't name them directly in this verse, but it is understood he is referring to the Jews. Haman wants the King to issue a legally binding order.
"...and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver into the hands of those who are in charge of the king’s business, to bring it into the king’s treasuries.": Haman offers the king a substantial bribe. A talent of silver was a very large sum of money. Ten thousand talents would have been an enormous fortune. He is essentially offering a massive payment to the king's officials to compensate for any potential loss of revenue or economic disruption caused by the destruction of the Jewish population. It's also likely intended to sweeten the deal and make the king more inclined to agree to his request.
In essence, Haman is saying: "If you, O King, are willing to order the annihilation of these people (the Jews), I will personally contribute a massive amount of money to your treasury as compensation."
The verse highlights:
Haman's deep-seated hatred for the Jews: He is willing to go to extreme lengths (and pay a huge sum) to see them destroyed.
The king's potential vulnerability: He is being offered a tempting bribe that could cloud his judgment and make him susceptible to Haman's manipulative scheme.
The precarious situation of the Jews: Their lives are at the mercy of the king's decision, which could be influenced by greed and prejudice.
This verse is a crucial turning point in the story of Esther, setting the stage for the events that follow, including Esther's brave intervention to save her people.