Topical Encyclopedia
The term "Agagite" is primarily associated with Haman, a central antagonist in the Book of Esther. The designation "Agagite" is mentioned in
Esther 3:1, where Haman is introduced: "After these events, King Xerxes honored Haman son of Hammedatha the Agagite, elevating him and giving him a seat of honor higher than that of all the other nobles" . The identification of Haman as an Agagite has significant implications within the narrative and historical context of the Hebrew Scriptures.
Historical and Biblical ContextThe term "Agagite" is believed to be linked to Agag, a title or name associated with the kings of the Amalekites, a people who were long-standing enemies of Israel. The Amalekites first appear in the biblical narrative during the Exodus, where they attacked the Israelites at Rephidim (
Exodus 17:8-16). This enmity continued throughout Israel's history, culminating in God's command to King Saul to utterly destroy the Amalekites, including their king, Agag (
1 Samuel 15:1-3). Saul's failure to fully obey this command led to his rejection as king (
1 Samuel 15:26-28).
The association of Haman with the Agagites suggests a continuation of this ancient hostility. The narrative in Esther portrays Haman as a descendant of this line, thus symbolizing the enduring enmity between the Amalekites and the Israelites. This connection is further emphasized by Haman's plot to annihilate the Jewish people throughout the Persian Empire (
Esther 3:6).
Theological SignificanceFrom a theological perspective, the identification of Haman as an Agagite underscores the theme of divine justice and the fulfillment of God's promises. The Book of Esther, while not explicitly mentioning God, demonstrates His providential care and protection over His people. The downfall of Haman, who sought to destroy the Jews, is seen as a manifestation of divine retribution against the enemies of God's chosen people.
The narrative also highlights the reversal of fortunes, a common motif in biblical literature. Haman's plot to hang Mordecai, a Jew, on the gallows he constructed ultimately leads to his own execution on those same gallows (
Esther 7:9-10). This outcome serves as a reminder of the biblical principle that those who oppose God's purposes will ultimately face judgment.
Cultural and Literary AspectsIn the cultural and literary context of the Book of Esther, the term "Agagite" serves to heighten the tension and drama of the account. It evokes the historical memory of the Amalekite threat and sets the stage for the dramatic deliverance of the Jewish people. The narrative structure of Esther, with its intricate plot and character development, uses the Agagite identity of Haman to reinforce the themes of enmity, justice, and divine intervention.
The account of Esther and Haman the Agagite is commemorated annually in the Jewish festival of Purim, which celebrates the deliverance of the Jewish people from Haman's plot. This festival serves as a perpetual reminder of God's faithfulness and the triumph of good over evil.
ConclusionThe term "Agagite" in the Book of Esther is rich with historical, theological, and literary significance. It connects the narrative to the broader biblical theme of the struggle between Israel and its enemies, while also illustrating the providential care of God for His people. Through the downfall of Haman, the Agagite, the account of Esther affirms the ultimate victory of God's purposes in history.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Agagite[AGAG]
Easton's Bible Dictionary
A name applied to Haman and also to his father (
Esther 3:1, 10;
8:3, 5). Probably it was equivalent to Amalekite.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
AGAGITEa'-gag-it, ('aghaghi, from, 'aghagh, "a member of the house of Agag"): A title of opprobrium given to Haman (Esther 3:1, 10;Esther 8:3, 5; 9:24). Jewish tradition always assigned the arch-enemies of Israel membership in the house of Amalek, the hereditary foe of the nation. Compare Ant, XI, vi, 5. The word Agag has properly been taken by Delitzsch as related to the Assyrian agagu, "to be powerful," "vehement," "angry." In the Greek parts of Esther, Haman is termed a Macedonian (Esther 1:2-6;Esther 1:6-10). The name Haman is probably of Elamitic origin. Oppert's attempt to connect the term "Agagite" with "Agaz," a Median tribe mentioned by Sargon, has found no supporters. SeeAGAG.
H. J. Wolf
Strong's Hebrew
91. Agagi -- a descriptive term for Haman... 90, 91. Agagi. 92 . a descriptive term for Haman. Transliteration: Agagi Phonetic
Spelling: (ag-aw-ghee') Short Definition:
Agagite.
...Agagite.
...Library
The Net Broken
... 'And Esther spake yet again before the king, and fell down at his feet, and besought
him with tears to put away the mischief of Haman theAgagite, and his...
The Net Spread
... THE BOOK OF ESTHER THE NET SPREAD. 'After these things did king Ahasuerus promote
Haman the son of Hammedatha theAgagite, and advanced him, and set his seat...
The Wall Rebuilt.
... Mordecai daily sat at the palace gate to hear of his beloved cousin, and there daily
saw the king's new counsellor pass by"Haman, anAgagite, descended from...
In the Days of Queen Esther
... Through Haman theAgagite, an unscrupulous man high in authority in Medo-Persia,
Satan worked at this time to counterwork the purposes of God....
Queen Esther's Love for Her People
... king. After these events King Xerxes promoted Haman, theAgagite, and gave
him a place above all the officials who were with him....
Esther
... glorification of the Jews. In the dramatic contest between Haman theAgagite
and Mordecai the Jew, the latter is victor. He refuses to...
The Saint's Heritage and Watchword
... Shushan. Thou thyself shalt be hanged on thine own gallows, and the race of
David shall revenge the deed of theAgagite upon his sons....
Book 11 Footnotes
... that knowing the Jews would be faithful to him, and that he could never transfer
the crown to his own family, who was anAgagite, Esther 3:1, 10, or of the...
Book 5 Footnotes
... 14:45; Deuteronomy 25:17-19; Judges 6:3, 6; 1 Samuel 15:33; Psalm 83:7; and, above
all, the most barbarous of all cruelties, that of Haman theAgagite, or one...
The Greek Versions as Aids to Biblical Study.
... xxi.11, xxxiii.44).Agagite, Bougaios, Esther 3:1, A 17 (xii.6); Makedon, E
(xvi.) 10. Ararat, land of, 'rts'rrt, Armenia, Isaiah 37:38....
Thesaurus
Agagite (5 Occurrences)... Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
AGAGITE.
... Oppert's attempt to connect the term "
Agagite"
with "Agaz," a Median tribe mentioned by Sargon, has found no supporters.
...Ag'agite (5 Occurrences)
...Agagite, Ag'agite. Again .... Esther 3:10 The king took his ring from his hand,
and gave it to Haman the son of Hammedatha theAgagite, the Jews' enemy....
Hammedatha (5 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Father of Haman, designated usually "theAgagite" (Esther
3:1, 10; 8:5). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. HAMMEDATHA....
Devised (35 Occurrences)
... Esther 8:3 Esther spoke yet again before the king, and fell down at his feet, and
begged him with tears to put away the mischief of Haman theAgagite, and his...
Hammeda'tha (5 Occurrences)
... Esther 3:1 After these things did king Ahasuerus promote Haman the son of Hammedatha
theAgagite, and advanced him, and set his seat above all the princes that...
Device (17 Occurrences)
... Esther 8:3 Esther spoke yet again before the king, and fell down at his feet, and
begged him with tears to put away the mischief of Haman theAgagite, and his...
Pur (3 Occurrences)
... Haman, son of Hammedatha theAGAGITE (qv; compare 1 Samuel 15:8, 32), who had been
made prime minister by King Ahasuerus (Xerxes), bitterly hated the Jews...
Agag (6 Occurrences)
Designs (118 Occurrences)
... before the king, falling down at his feet, and made request to him with weeping,
that he would put a stop to the evil purposes of Haman theAgagite and the...
Hater (72 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Esther 3:10 And the king took his ring from his hand and gave it to Haman,
the son of Hammedatha theAgagite, the hater of the Jews. (BBE)....
Resources
Who was Haman the Agagite? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that Esther was appointed “for such a time as this”? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Mordecai in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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