Esther 9:8
And Poratha, and Adalia, and Aridatha,
Original Language Analysis
וְאֵ֧ת׀
H853
וְאֵ֧ת׀
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
1 of 6
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֵ֥ת׀
H853
וְאֵ֥ת׀
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 6
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical Context
As sons of the second-most powerful man in the Persian Empire (3:1), these men would have wielded enormous influence. Their elimination was necessary to prevent future retaliation and to signal the complete reversal of Haman's anti-Jewish policy throughout the empire.
Questions for Reflection
- How does generational faithfulness (like Mordecai's) contrast with generational rebellion (like Haman's)?
- What does the complete defeat of this genocidal plot reveal about God's unstoppable purposes for His people?
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Analysis & Commentary
And Poratha, and Adalia, and Aridatha (וְאֵת פּוֹרָתָא וְאֵת אֲדַלְיָא וְאֵת אֲרִידָתָא)—The list continues with three more sons. Adalia (אֲדַלְיָא) possibly means 'honor of god' in Persian. The repetition of the conjunction wĕ-'ēt ('and') before each name emphasizes individual accountability—each son bore responsibility for participating in the conspiracy.
Proverbs 11:21 declares, 'the seed of the righteous shall be delivered,' while the seed of the wicked faces judgment. This principle plays out literally in Esther: Mordecai's family line is preserved and exalted, while Haman's is completely cut off. Yet even this foreshadows how God's ultimate Seed, Christ, delivers His people from Satan's genocidal hatred (Rev 12:13-17).