Long ago, long before the time of Queen Esther, there lived a small nation, called the Amalekites. Ever since the time of Abraham they mocked and were enemies of God’s people. Repeatedly the Israelite army had gone to battle against them – with Joshua, Saul and David leading – but none of them ever completely wiped the enemy out. Although the Israelites were victorious every time, the Amalekites mysteriously survived. Continually they picked on the Israelites, blockading the land as the Israelites moved into Canaan, invading the land during crop planting time, blocking the land, and teasing the people.
When Saul attacks the Amalekites, which we read about in 1 Samuel 15, he does not kill their King, Agag, although the prophet Samuel kills him later. I do not know how anyone survived to carry on their line, but someone did because just a few chapters later, in chapter 30, there are hundreds of Amalekites, and all but four hundred were killed.
Queen Esther
What does this have to do with Queen Esther? I find it interesting that Haman wasn’t a Per
sian by blood, but an Amalekite; or more specifically, an Agagite. Throughout the book of Esther, we find references to his father and himself being an Agagite. I think this explains why Haman hated the Jews. In Esther 3:5 and 6 it tells us:" 5And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full of wrath. 6And he thought scorn to lay hands on Mordecai alone; for they had shewed him the people of Mordecai: wherefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews that were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, even the people of Mordecai. "When Haman saw that Mordecai would not kneel down or pay him honor, he was enraged. Yet having learned who Mordecai’s people were, he scorned the idea of killing only Mordecai. Instead Haman looked for a way to destroy all Mordecai’s people, the Jews, throughout the whole kingdom of Xerxes.
To my mind, this verse explains it all: why Haman wanted to kill the Jews. It was more than just Mordecai – it was the pride of his heritage!
As we know from the rest of Esther’s biography, Haman succeeded in finding a plan for the destruction of the Jews, but Esther, Xerxes new Queen, also a Jew, finds out the plot and bravely reveals the evil scheme to the King – resulting in Haman’s death and the Jew’s deliverance. Ever since that date, the Israelites have celebrated God’s faithfulness, on a holiday called Purim.
Miss Jessica is a 14year old homeschool girl who lives in Australia. She loves the Lord and enjoys music, reading, history, computers and sewing. Jessica has a warped sense of humour and is always ready for a giggle. She helps her mum around the home and participates in the local church music team. You can find out more about Jess at her blog Little Miss Giggle.
