(1) 3:7 In the first month (that is, the month of Nisan), in the twelfth year of King Ahasuerus’ reign, pur (that is, the lot) was cast before Haman in order to determine a day and a month. It turned out to be the twelfth month (that is, the month of Adar).
(BKC) The Persian religious system stressed fate and chance. Haman was allowing fate, by the casting of the lot, to dictate his move against the Jewish nation. Little did he then realize that the God who created all things and controls all events was in control of that situation, the lot-casting (Prov. 16:33; cf. comments on Acts 1:26). God had already prepared a means of delivering His people from Haman’s plot. The month chosen by the lot was the 12th month (February–March)—almost a year later.
(2) v.9 I will pay ten thousand talents of silver to be conveyed to the king’s treasuries for the officials who carry out this business.”
3:11 The king replied to Haman, “Keep your money, and do with those people whatever you wish.”
Summary: King Ahasuerus accepted the words of Haman and kill the whole race of Jewish. He did not make careful investigation or counseling with anyone else. He was willing to accept a big bribe and did not serve any justice.
(BKC) Apparently such a decree had never before come from the royal court. Haman’s bloodthirstiness, along with Xerxes’ seeming indifference to such atrocities, was incredible even to a sophisticated society which was used to cruel behavior. Perhaps other minority populations wondered if they would be the next to be annihilated.
(NET) The enormity of the monetary sum referred to here can be grasped by comparing this amount (10,000 talents of silver) to the annual income of the empire, which according to Herodotus (Histories 3.95) was 14,500 Euboic talents. In other words Haman is offering the king a bribe equal to two-thirds of the royal income.
3:11 The king replied to Haman, “Keep your money, and do with those people whatever you wish.”
(Wiersbe) In typical Oriental fashion, the king politely rejected the offer (“Keep the money,” NIV), fully expecting Haman to insist that he accept it. (See Abraham’s bargaining with the sons of Heth, Gen. 23.) Haman knew that the Greek wars had impoverished the king’s treasuries, and he would never have offered so much money to so mighty a ruler if he didn’t really intend to pay it. (See Es. 4:7.)
Summary: King Ahasuerus accepted the words of Haman and kill the whole race of Jewish. He did not make careful investigation or counseling with anyone else. He was willing to accept a big bribe and did not serve any justice.
(3) While the king and Haman sat down to drink, the city of Susa was in an uproar!
(BKC) Apparently such a decree had never before come from the royal court. Haman’s bloodthirstiness, along with Xerxes’ seeming indifference to such atrocities, was incredible even to a sophisticated society which was used to cruel behavior. Perhaps other minority populations wondered if they would be the next to be annihilated.
Reflection: Just because Mordecai did not bow to him, Haman wanted to kill the whole race of Jewish. Haman's hatred was unjustified. Do we harbor any hatred in our heart?
King Ahsuerus was in an important position in his country, but he did not take just the word of a single person and was indifferent to his people. Are we careful in listening to others? Do we show empathy for other people?
As we have seen in the book of Esther, God's sovereignty was over man's scheme. We can trust God in all our ways.
Audrey
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