Esther 3:15
The posts went out, being hastened by the king's commandment, and the decree was given in Shushan the palace. And the king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city Shushan was perplexed.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
The phrase "sat down to drink" parallels 1:10 where the king's drunkenness led to poor judgment with Vashti. Here again, wine accompanies moral blindness. The city's perplexity may reflect:
- horror at the injustice
- fear of civil unrest
- concern about economic disruption from losing the Jewish community
- simple confusion about why this decree was necessary.
Shushan had substantial Jewish population, including palace officials like Mordecai. The city's distress suggests the Jews were generally well-regarded, making the decree surprising and troubling to neighbors. This detail demonstrates that evil often disturbs even those not directly threatened, and that genocidal policies rarely enjoy universal popular support even in authoritarian regimes.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the contrast between celebratory perpetrators and perplexed citizens illustrate the moral gap between those who cause suffering and those who witness it?
- What does the city's perplexity teach about how even pagan populations often recognize injustice when confronted with it?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The posts went out, being hastened by the king's commandment, and the decree was given in Shushan the palace. And the king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city Shushan was perplexed. The messengers departed swiftly, spreading the genocidal decree. The final sentence captures moral contrast: "the king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city Shushan was perplexed." While the architects of genocide celebrated with wine, the city was "perplexed" (navochah, נָבוֹכָה)—confused, troubled, distressed. Even the pagan population recognized something deeply wrong. The casual celebration by perpetrators while innocent people faced destruction demonstrates moral callousness. Yet this very indifference would contribute to their downfall—they didn't anticipate the consequences of their decree. God's providence uses even the arrogance and complacency of the wicked to prepare their judgment.