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.
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. Following Haman's execution, the king immediately transferred Haman's estate to Esther and summoned Mordecai. The designation "Haman the Jews' enemy" emphasizes the conflict's ethnic-religious nature. Transferring executed traitors' property to victims was common ancient practice, both punishing the criminal's family and compensating victims. Esther revealing Mordecai's relationship ("what he was unto her")—her adoptive father and guardian—explains his summons. This verse begins reversing the decree's effects: Haman is dead, his property confiscated, and Mordecai gains access to the king. Yet the larger crisis remains—the immutable decree threatening all Jews still stands.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern law often confiscated executed criminals' property, redistributing it to victims or the crown. Haman's "house" included not just buildings but all property, wealth, and resources. This confiscation punished Haman's family (his wife Zeresh and ten sons) and compensated Esther. Revealing Mordecai's relationship to Esther publicly connected the honored official (chapter 6) to the queen, further elevating his status. Archaeological evidence shows Persian administrative practices included recording property transfers, making such confiscations official and legal. The same day execution and property transfer demonstrates swift ancient justice.
Questions for Reflection
How does the immediate confiscation of Haman's property demonstrate that divine justice addresses both the perpetrator and reverses the effects of evil?
What does Esther's revelation of her relationship to Mordecai teach about the right timing for disclosure?
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Analysis & Commentary
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. Following Haman's execution, the king immediately transferred Haman's estate to Esther and summoned Mordecai. The designation "Haman the Jews' enemy" emphasizes the conflict's ethnic-religious nature. Transferring executed traitors' property to victims was common ancient practice, both punishing the criminal's family and compensating victims. Esther revealing Mordecai's relationship ("what he was unto her")—her adoptive father and guardian—explains his summons. This verse begins reversing the decree's effects: Haman is dead, his property confiscated, and Mordecai gains access to the king. Yet the larger crisis remains—the immutable decree threatening all Jews still stands.