Jewish Victory over Three of Haman's Sons Esther 9:7 - Equipped for Battle

When the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, Adar, came, enemies of the Jews were allowed to destroy them all over the Persian empire. There was one catch to the enemies' destructive plan, the Jews could defend themselves. Five hundred of the Jews' enemies were killed in the palace of Shushan alone. In chapter nine and verse seven we consider three of ten listed sons of Haman with whom the Jews were also successful maintaining a resistance. The verse reads:

And Parshandatha, and Dalphon, and Aspatha,

Now upon first glance at these sons, they may not have any particular interest to us other than being listed as three of ten sons whom the children of Israel defeated. However if we take the time to look into their names and consider their lives we may gain a little more insight.

The first name listed is “Parshandatha” which means “given by prayer” or “given forth to light”. As we have noted in earlier studies, in those days children were often named according to their circumstances at birth. We might imagine that Haman and his wife had been praying to the Persian gods for a child and this son was one who would be enlightened in the Persian ways.

The second name listed is “Dalphon”, and it means “dripping”. Perhaps it was raining outside or this was an indication of the birth of this son. Nonetheless, once again we consider that Haman and his wife received this second son in birth.

The third name is “Aspatha” which means “the enticed gathered”. The idea portrayed in this name is like unto horses or bulls begin gathered together. Perhaps there was a great gathering of horses or bulls when this son was born. Haman thought this would be a proper name for this son.

“Given by prayer”, “Dripping” and “the enticed gathered” may seem like unusual names for us, however, perhaps having sons in our families is not. We should remember that these boys' father, Haman, was hung a few months before by order of King Ahasuerus on a fifty foot gallows which was built by him. They probably knew the gallows was built for Mordecai, and now Mordecai sat as second in command in the King's palace. Although their names might be different, their purpose of heart for revenge more than likely was not. When the thirteenth day of Adar arrived, these boys were ready to avenge their father's honor. There was just one problem, they were fighting against the people of the Almighty God, and they lost.

As we seek to imagine ourselves in this part of the story, perhaps we will consider that our enemy has his “sons” who would love to avenge. The people of God are protected by Him when they align themselves with Jesus Christ His Son. As God defended the Jews against anyone who was against them, so will He do with us when we stay on His side. May the Lord help us to consider those who are against us as foes against Him, and no matter what their names are or what they mean, God will have them under His control.

Next time we will look at three more sons with which the Jews were victorious, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

 

Until tomorrow...there is more...

 

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” and the new marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore