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Book of Esther - Chapter 8 - Verse 1

8:1
On that day did the king Ahasuerus give the house of Haman the Jews' enemy unto Esther the queen. And Mordecai came before the king; for Esther had told what he was unto her.

Meaning

In this verse from the Book of Esther, we witness a pivotal moment in the story where King Ahasuerus grants Queen Esther the authority over the house of Haman, who was a prominent official known for his enmity towards the Jews. This act signifies a significant shift in power dynamics, as Esther is able to protect her people from Haman's evil intentions. Additionally, Mordecai, who had previously alerted Esther of Haman's plans, is commended for his loyalty and bravery as he comes before the king. Esther's courage and Mordecai's loyalty are essential themes in the Book of Esther, as they both play crucial roles in saving the Jewish people from destruction. This verse serves as a testament to the importance of standing up against injustice and using one's position to protect those in need.

Theological Overview

One theological interpretation of this verse, found in the Book of Esther, is the theme of divine justice and providence. The account of King Ahasuerus giving the house of Haman, who plotted against the Jews, to Queen Esther, displays how God works behind the scenes to protect His people. Despite the evil intentions of Haman, Esther's courage and Mordecai's loyalty ultimately lead to the downfall of their enemy. This event highlights the belief in the sovereignty of God and His ability to turn the plans of the wicked for good.

Furthermore, a word study on the term "enemy" in this verse reveals the significance of Haman's opposition to the Jews and Esther. The Hebrew word used here is "oyev," which signifies a personal foe or adversary. Haman's animosity towards the Jewish people and his attempt to bring harm to them underscore the ongoing struggle between good and evil throughout the Bible. Esther's victory over her enemy symbolizes the triumph of righteousness and God's faithfulness to His promises.

American Standard Version

On that day did the king Ahasuerus give the house of Haman the Jews' enemy unto Esther the queen. And Mordecai came before the king; for Esther had told what he was unto her.
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