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Book of Esther - Chapter 9 - Verse 10

9:10
The ten sons of Haman the son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews, slew they; but on the spoil laid they not their hand.

Meaning

In this verse, we see the aftermath of the defeat of Haman and his ten sons, who were all killed by the Jews. After their victory, the Jews chose not to take any of the spoils of war, which is significant in this context. The decision to abstain from taking the spoils shows the Jews' commitment to maintaining their moral integrity even in the face of their enemies' defeat. This act of restraint serves as a demonstration of their faith and adherence to their beliefs. By abstaining from the spoils, the Jews are upholding their values and demonstrating their unwavering commitment to righteousness and justice. This verse highlights the importance of ethical conduct even in times of conflict and victory, emphasizing the values of compassion, honesty, and integrity.

Theological Overview

In this verse, the ten sons of Haman are mentioned as having been killed by the Jews, but the Jews did not take any of the spoil that belonged to their enemies. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the theme of justice and righteousness prevailing over evil. The fact that the Jews did not take the spoil shows their obedience to God's commandments and their commitment to upholding moral standards even in the midst of battle. This act reflects their trust in God's provision and their belief in seeking justice rather than material gain.

Through word studies, the names 'Haman' and 'Hammedatha' can provide further insight into the characters mentioned in this verse. 'Haman' means "magnificent" or "he who boasts," indicating the pride and arrogance of this enemy of the Jews. 'Hammedatha' has been interpreted to mean "he who troubles," reflecting the harm and destruction he brought upon the Jewish people. Understanding the meanings of these names adds depth to the understanding of the motivations and actions of the individuals involved in this historical event.

American Standard Version

the ten sons of Haman the son of Hammedatha, the Jew's enemy, slew they; but on the spoil they laid not their hand.
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