Topical Encyclopedia
Hadassah is the Hebrew name of Esther, the central figure in the Book of Esther in the Old Testament. The name "Hadassah" means "myrtle," a plant known for its fragrance and beauty, which is fitting given Esther's own beauty and grace. Her account is a remarkable account of courage, faith, and divine providence, and it plays a significant role in Jewish history and tradition.
Biblical AccountHadassah, also known as Esther, was a Jewish orphan raised by her cousin Mordecai in the Persian Empire during the reign of King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I). The Book of Esther, which is part of the Ketuvim ("Writings") in the Hebrew Bible, details her rise from obscurity to become queen of Persia. Her account is set in the capital city of Susa.
Esther's Hebrew name, Hadassah, is mentioned in
Esther 2:7: "And Mordecai had brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle’s daughter, for she had neither father nor mother. The young woman was lovely in form and appearance, and when her father and mother died, Mordecai took her in as his own daughter" .
Role and SignificanceEsther's rise to queenship came after Queen Vashti was deposed for refusing to appear before King Ahasuerus. A royal decree was issued to gather beautiful young virgins from across the empire, and Esther was among those chosen. Despite her Jewish heritage, she found favor with the king and was crowned queen.
Her role became crucial when Haman, an advisor to the king, plotted to annihilate the Jewish people throughout the empire. Mordecai urged Esther to use her position to intercede with the king, famously stating, "And who knows if perhaps you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" (
Esther 4:14).
Esther's bravery and wisdom were evident as she approached the king without being summoned, risking her life. She invited the king and Haman to a banquet, where she revealed her Jewish identity and Haman's plot. Her actions led to the king's favor, the downfall of Haman, and the salvation of the Jewish people.
Cultural and Religious ImpactThe account of Hadassah, or Esther, is commemorated annually in the Jewish festival of Purim. This celebration marks the deliverance of the Jewish people from Haman's plot and is characterized by feasting, reading the Megillah (the Book of Esther), and acts of charity.
Esther's account is often seen as a testament to God's providence and the importance of faith and courage in the face of adversity. Her willingness to stand up for her people, even at great personal risk, serves as an enduring example of selflessness and devotion.
Theological ThemesThe Book of Esther is unique in that it does not explicitly mention God, yet His presence and guidance are implicit throughout the narrative. The account highlights themes of divine providence, the reversal of fortunes, and the protection of God's chosen people. Esther's transformation from Hadassah, an orphaned Jewish girl, to a queen who plays a pivotal role in her people's survival, underscores the belief in God's sovereign plan and the importance of individual obedience and courage.
In summary, Hadassah, known as Esther, is a figure of profound significance in the biblical narrative, embodying the virtues of faith, courage, and divine purpose. Her account continues to inspire and teach valuable lessons about God's providence and the power of standing up for righteousness.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Hadassaha myrtle; joy
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Hadassah(myrtle), probably the earlier name of Esther. (Esther 2:7)
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Myrtle, the Jewish name of Esther (q.v.),
Esther 2:7.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
HADASSAHha-das'-a (hadhaqqah, "myrtle"): The Hebrew name (Esther 2:7) formerly borne by ESTHER (which see).
Strong's Hebrew
1919.Hadassah -- "myrtle," Esther's Jewish name... 1918, 1919.
Hadassah. 1920 . "myrtle," Esther's Jewish name. Transliteration:
Hadassah Phonetic Spelling: (had-as-saw') Short Definition:
Hadassah.
...Library
Esther, the Queen.
... conquered the city. He had an adopted daughter namedHadassah. This was her
true name, although the Persians called her Esther. She was...
The Net Broken
... Her Jewish name ofHadassah ('myrtle') well befits her, for she is clothed with
unostentatious beauty, pure and fragrant as the blossoms that brides twine in...
Hebrew Captives; Or, Mordecai and Esther.
... wife. Among these wasHadassah, the adopted daughter of Mordecai. He urged
her to enter her name among the rivals for kingly favor....
Thesaurus
Hadassah (1 Occurrence)...HADASSAH. ha-das'-a (hadhaqqah, "myrtle"): The Hebrew name (Esther 2:7) formerly
borne by ESTHER (which see). Multi-Version Concordance
Hadassah (1 Occurrence).
...Mordecai (52 Occurrences)
... He resided at Susa, the metropolis of Persia. He adopted his cousinHadassah (Esther),
an orphan child, whom he tenderly brought up as his own daughter....
Hadas'sah (1 Occurrence)
Hadas'sah.Hadassah, Hadas'sah. Hadattah . Multi-Version Concordance
Hadas'sah (1 Occurrence).... (See RSV).Hadassah, Hadas'sah. Hadattah . Reference
Esther (48 Occurrences)
... Change of Name: The change in the queen's name fromHadassah hadacah, "a myrtle,"
to Esther, "a star," may possibly indicate the style of beauty for which the...
Uncle's (7 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS). Esther 2:7 He brought upHadassah, that is, Esther,
his uncle's daughter; for she had neither father nor mother....
Uncle (14 Occurrences)
... Jerusalem. (See NIV). Esther 2:7 He brought upHadassah, that is, Esther, his
uncle's daughter; for she had neither father nor mother. The...
Lovely (19 Occurrences)
... beautiful. (See NIV). Esther 2:7 He brought upHadassah, that is, Esther, his
uncle's daughter; for she had neither father nor mother. The...
Mor'decai (51 Occurrences)
... Esther 2:7 And he brought upHadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle's daughter; for
she had neither father nor mother, and the maiden was of beautiful form and...
Myrtle (7 Occurrences)
... mur'-t'-l (hadhac; mursine (Isaiah 41:19; Isaiah 55:13 Nehemiah 8:15 Zechariah
1:8, 10 f); also as a name inHadassah in Esther 2:7, the Jewish form of ESTHER...
Cousin (7 Occurrences)
... (See RSV NIV). Esther 2:7 He brought upHadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle's
daughter; for she had neither father nor mother. The...
Resources
Who was Hadassah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhy do some people in the Bible have more than one name? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Esther in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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