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And the lot fell on the twelfth month, the month of Adar.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/esther/3-7.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/17_Est_03_07.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Esther 3:7 - Haman Plots Against the Jews" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="In the twelfth year of King Xerxes, in the first month, the month of Nisan, the Pur (that is, the lot) was cast before Haman to determine a day and month. And the lot fell on the twelfth month, the month of Adar." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/esther/3-7.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/esther/3-7.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/esther/">Esther</a> > <a href="/esther/3.htm">Chapter 3</a> > Verse 7</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad7.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/esther/3-6.htm" title="Esther 3:6">◄</a> Esther 3:7 <a href="/esther/3-8.htm" title="Esther 3:8">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/esther/3.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/esther/3.htm">New International Version</a> In the twelfth year of King Xerxes, in the first month, the month of Nisan, the pur (that is, the lot) was cast in the presence of Haman to select a day and month. And the lot fell on the twelfth month, the month of Adar. <a href="/nlt/esther/3.htm">New Living Translation</a> So in the month of April, during the twelfth year of King Xerxes’ reign, lots were cast in Haman’s presence (the lots were called purim ) to determine the best day and month to take action. And the day selected was March 7, nearly a year later. <a href="/esv/esther/3.htm">English Standard Version</a> In the first month, which is the month of Nisan, in the twelfth year of King Ahasuerus, they cast Pur (that is, they cast lots) before Haman day after day; and they cast it month after month till the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar. <a href="/bsb/esther/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> In the twelfth year of King Xerxes, in the first month, the month of Nisan, the Pur (that is, the lot) was cast before Haman to determine a day and month. And the lot fell on the twelfth month, the month of Adar. <a href="/kjv/esther/3.htm">King James Bible</a> In the first month, that is, the month Nisan, in the twelfth year of king Ahasuerus, they cast Pur, that is, the lot, before Haman from day to day, and from month to month, to the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar. <a href="/nkjv/esther/3.htm">New King James Version</a> In the first month, which is the month of Nisan, in the twelfth year of King Ahasuerus, they cast Pur (that is, the lot), before Haman to determine the day and the month, until it fell on the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar. <a href="/nasb_/esther/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> In the first month, which is the month Nisan, in the twelfth year of King Ahasuerus, Pur, that is the lot, was cast before Haman from day to day and from month to month, until the twelfth month, that is the month Adar. <a href="/nasb/esther/3.htm">NASB 1995</a> In the first month, which is the month Nisan, in the twelfth year of King Ahasuerus, Pur, that is the lot, was cast before Haman from day to day and from month to month, until the twelfth month, that is the month Adar. <a href="/nasb77/esther/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a> In the first month, which is the month Nisan, in the twelfth year of King Ahasuerus, Pur, that is the lot, was cast before Haman from day to day and from month to month, until the twelfth month, that is the month Adar. <a href="/lsb/esther/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> In the first month, which is the month Nisan, in the twelfth year of King Ahasuerus, Pur, that is the lot, was cast before Haman from day to day and from month to month, until the twelfth month, that is the month Adar. <a href="/amp/esther/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a> In the first month, the month of Nisan (Mar-Apr), in the twelfth year of King Ahasuerus, Haman cast Pur, that is, the lot, cast before him day after day [to find a lucky day to approach the king], month after month, until the twelfth month, the month of Adar (Feb-Mar). <a href="/csb/esther/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> In the first month, the month of Nisan, in King Ahasuerus’s twelfth year, the pur —that is, the lot—was cast before Haman for each day in each month, and it fell on the twelfth month, the month Adar. <a href="/hcsb/esther/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> In the first month, the month of Nisan, in King Ahasuerus&#8217s twelfth year, Pur (that is, the lot) was cast before Haman for each day in each month, and it fell on the twelfth month, the month Adar. <a href="/asv/esther/3.htm">American Standard Version</a> In the first month, which is the month Nisan, in the twelfth year of king Ahasuerus, they cast Pur, that is, the lot, before Haman from day to day, and from month to month, to the twelfth month, which is the month Adar. <a href="/cev/esther/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> It was now the twelfth year of the rule of King Xerxes. During Nisan, the first month of the year, Haman said, "Find out the best time for me to do this." The time chosen was Adar, the twelfth month. <a href="/erv/esther/3.htm">English Revised Version</a> In the first month, which is the month Nisan, in the twelfth year of king Ahasuerus, they cast Pur, that is, the lot, before Haman from day to day, and from month to month, to the twelfth month, which is the month Adar. <a href="/gwt/esther/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> In Xerxes' twelfth year as king, [Pur] (which means [the lot]) was thrown in front of Haman for every day of every month, from Nisan, the first month, until Adar, the twelfth month. <a href="/gnt/esther/3.htm">Good News Translation</a> In the twelfth year of King Xerxes' rule, in the first month, the month of Nisan, Haman ordered the lots to be cast ("purim," they were called) to find out the right day and month to carry out his plot. The thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar, was decided on. <a href="/isv/esther/3.htm">International Standard Version</a> In the twelfth year of the reign of King Ahasuerus, in the first month (the month Nisan), the pur (that is, the lot) was cast in Haman's presence to determine the best day and month to carry out his plot. The lot indicated the twelfth month, the month Adar. <a href="/msb/esther/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> In the twelfth year of King Xerxes, in the first month, the month of Nisan, the Pur (that is, the lot) was cast before Haman to determine a day and month. And the lot fell on the twelfth month, the month of Adar. <a href="/net/esther/3.htm">NET Bible</a> 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). <a href="/nheb/esther/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> In the first month, which is the month Nisan, in the twelfth year of King Achshayarsh, they cast Pur (that is, the lot) before Haman from day to day, and from month to month, and chose the twelfth month, which is the month Adar. <a href="/wbt/esther/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> In the first month, (that is, the month Nisan,) in the twelfth year of king Ahasuerus, they cast Pur, that is, the lot, before Haman from day to day, and from month to month, to the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar. <a href="/web/esther/3.htm">World English Bible</a> In the first month, which is the month Nisan, in the twelfth year of King Ahasuerus, they cast Pur, that is, the lot, before Haman from day to day, and from month to month, and chose the twelfth month, which is the month Adar. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/esther/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> In the first month—it [is] the month of Nisan—in the twelfth year of King Ahasuerus, has one caused to fall Pur (that [is] the lot) before Haman, from day to day, and from month to month, [to] the twelfth, it [is] the month of Adar. <a href="/ylt/esther/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> In the first month -- it is the month of Nisan -- in the twelfth year of the king Ahasuerus, hath one caused to fall Pur (that is the lot) before Haman, from day to day, and from month to month, to the twelfth, it is the month of Adar. <a href="/slt/esther/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> In the first month (this the month Nisan,) in the twelfth year to the king Ahasuerus, he cast Pur (this is the lot) before Haman from day to day, and from month to month, this the twelfth the month Adar.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/esther/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> In the first month (which is called Nisan) in the twelfth year of the reign of Assuerus, the lot was cast into an urn, which in Hebrew is called Phur, before Aman, on what day and what month the nation of the Jews should be destroyed: and there came out the twelfth month, which is called Adar. <a href="/cpdv/esther/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> <V 5:7>In the first month, which is called Nisan, in the twelfth year of the reign of Artaxerxes, the lot was cast into an urn, which in Hebrew is called Pur, in the presence of Haman, to determine on what day and in which month the Jewish people should be destroyed. And it turned out to be the twelfth month, which is called Adar. <a href="/nabre/esther/3.htm">New American Bible</a> In the first month, Nisan, in the twelfth year of King Ahasuerus, the pur, or lot, was cast in Haman’s presence to determine the day and the month for the destruction of Mordecai’s people on a single day, and the lot fell on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, Adar. <a href="/nrsvce/esther/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> In the first month, which is the month of Nisan, in the twelfth year of King Ahasuerus, they cast Pur—which means “the lot”—before Haman for the day and for the month, and the lot fell on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/esther/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> In the first month, that is, the month of Nisan, in the twelfth year of King Akhshirash, they cast lots be fore Haman from day to day and from month to month. Then in the twelfth month, that is, the month of Adar, <a href="/hpbt/esther/3.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> In the first month, which is Nisan, in the twelfth year of King Akhashiresh, he cast lots, and the lot was before Haman from day to day and from month to month, in the twelfth month, which is Adar.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/esther/3.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> In the first month, which is the month Nisan, in the twelfth year of king Ahasuerus, they cast pur, that is, the lot, before Haman from day to day, and from month to month, to the twelfth month, which is the month Adar. <a href="/sep/esther/3.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And he made a decree in the twelfth year of the reign of Artaxerxes, and cast lots daily and monthly, to slay in one day the race of Mardochaeus: and the lot fell on the fourteenth day of the month which is Adar. <a href="/parallel/esther/3-7.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TRosJDhNG-8?start=642" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/esther/3.htm">Haman Plots Against the Jews</a> …6And when he learned the identity of Mordecai’s people, he scorned the notion of laying hands on Mordecai alone. Instead, he sought to destroy all of Mordecai’s people, the Jews, throughout the kingdom of Xerxes. 7<a href="/hebrew/8147.htm" title="8147: šə·têm (Number-fd) -- Two (a card. number). Dual of sheniy; feminine shttayim; two; also twofold.">In the twelfth</a> <a href="/hebrew/6240.htm" title="6240: ‘eś·rêh (Number-fs) -- Ten. For eser; ten, i.e. -teen; also -teenth."></a> <a href="/hebrew/8141.htm" title="8141: biš·naṯ (Prep-b:: N-fsc) -- A year. (in plura or shanah; from shanah; a year.">year</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: lam·me·leḵ (Prep-l, Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">of King</a> <a href="/hebrew/325.htm" title="325: ’ă·ḥaš·wê·rō·wōš (N-proper-ms) -- King of Persia. Or pachashrosh; of Persian origin; Achashverosh, the title of a Persian king.">Xerxes,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7223.htm" title="7223: hā·ri·šō·wn (Art:: Adj-ms) -- Former, first, chief. Or riishon; from ri'shah; first, in place, time or rank.">in the first</a> <a href="/hebrew/2320.htm" title="2320: ba·ḥō·ḏeš (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- New moon, a month. From chadash; the new moon; by implication, a month.">month,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hū- (Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/2320.htm" title="2320: ḥō·ḏeš (N-msc) -- New moon, a month. From chadash; the new moon; by implication, a month.">the month</a> <a href="/hebrew/5212.htm" title="5212: nî·sān (N-proper-fs) -- First month of the Jewish religious year. Probably of foreign origin; Nisan, the first month of the Jewish sacred year.">of Nisan,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6332.htm" title="6332: pūr (N-ms) -- A lot, a Jewish feast. Also Puwriym; or Puriym; from puwr; a lot.">the Pur</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hū (Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. ">(that is,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1486.htm" title="1486: hag·gō·w·rāl (Art:: N-ms) -- Or goral; from an unused root meaning to be rough; properly, a pebble, i.e. A lot; figuratively, a portion or destiny.">the lot)</a> <a href="/hebrew/5307.htm" title="5307: hip·pîl (V-Hifil-Perf-3ms) -- To fall, lie. A primitive root; to fall, in a great variety of applications.">was cast</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: lip̄·nê (Prep-l:: N-cpc) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">before</a> <a href="/hebrew/2001.htm" title="2001: hā·mān (N-proper-ms) -- Haman -- to rage, be turbulent. Of foreign derivation; Haman, a Persian vizier.">Haman</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: mî·yō·wm (Prep-m:: N-ms) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">to determine a day</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: lə·yō·wm (Prep-l:: N-ms) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2320.htm" title="2320: ū·mê·ḥō·ḏeš (Conj-w, Prep-m:: N-ms) -- New moon, a month. From chadash; the new moon; by implication, a month.">and month.</a> <a href="/hebrew/2320.htm" title="2320: lə·ḥō·ḏeš (Prep-l:: N-ms) -- New moon, a month. From chadash; the new moon; by implication, a month."></a> <a href="/hebrew/8147.htm" title="8147: šə·nêm- (Number-md) -- Two (a card. number). Dual of sheniy; feminine shttayim; two; also twofold.">And the lot fell on the twelfth</a> <a href="/hebrew/6240.htm" title="6240: ‘ā·śār (Number-ms) -- Ten. For eser; ten, i.e. -teen; also -teenth."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hū- (Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/2320.htm" title="2320: ḥō·ḏeš (N-msc) -- New moon, a month. From chadash; the new moon; by implication, a month.">month,</a> <a href="/hebrew/143.htm" title="143: ’ă·ḏār (N-proper-fs) -- The twelfth month in the Jewish calendar. Probably of foreign derivation; perhaps meaning fire; Adar, the 12th Hebrew month.">the month of Adar.</a> 8Then Haman informed King Xerxes, “There is a certain people scattered and dispersed among the peoples of every province of your kingdom. Their laws are different from everyone else’s, and they do not obey the king’s laws. So it is not in the king’s best interest to tolerate them.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/proverbs/16-33.htm">Proverbs 16:33</a> The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD. <a href="/daniel/2-21.htm">Daniel 2:21</a> He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. <a href="/nehemiah/2-1.htm">Nehemiah 2:1</a> Now in the month of Nisan, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was set before him, I took the wine and gave it to the king. I had never been sad in his presence, <a href="/1_chronicles/29-12.htm">1 Chronicles 29:12</a> Both riches and honor come from You, and You are the ruler over all. In Your hands are power and might to exalt and give strength to all. <a href="/isaiah/46-10.htm">Isaiah 46:10</a> I declare the end from the beginning, and from ancient times what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish.’ <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-11.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:11</a> I saw something else under the sun: The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong; neither is the bread to the wise, nor the wealth to the intelligent, nor the favor to the skillful. For time and chance happen to all. <a href="/genesis/41-32.htm">Genesis 41:32</a> Moreover, because the dream was given to Pharaoh in two versions, the matter has been decreed by God, and He will carry it out shortly. <a href="/2_kings/19-25.htm">2 Kings 19:25</a> Have you not heard? Long ago I ordained it; in days of old I planned it. Now I have brought it to pass, that you should crush fortified cities into piles of rubble. <a href="/job/14-5.htm">Job 14:5</a> Since his days are determined and the number of his months is with You, and since You have set limits that he cannot exceed, <a href="/psalms/31-15.htm">Psalm 31:15</a> My times are in Your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me. <a href="/acts/1-26.htm">Acts 1:26</a> Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias. So he was added to the eleven apostles. <a href="/romans/8-28.htm">Romans 8:28</a> And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. <a href="/ephesians/1-11.htm">Ephesians 1:11</a> In Him we were also chosen as God’s own, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything by the counsel of His will, <a href="/james/4-13.htm">James 4:13-15</a> Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business, and make a profit.” / You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. / Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord is willing, we will live and do this or that.” <a href="/matthew/10-29.htm">Matthew 10:29-30</a> Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. / And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>In the first month, that is, the month Nisan, in the twelfth year of king Ahasuerus, they cast Pur, that is, the lot, before Haman from day to day, and from month to month, to the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar.the first month.<a href="/nehemiah/2-1.htm">Nehemiah 2:1</a> And it came to pass in the month Nisan, in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes the king, that wine was before him: and I took up the wine, and gave it unto the king. Now I had not been beforetime sad in his presence.in the twelfth.<a href="/esther/1-3.htm">Esther 1:3</a> In the third year of his reign, he made a feast unto all his princes and his servants; the power of Persia and Media, the nobles and princes of the provinces, being before him:<a href="/esther/2-16.htm">Esther 2:16</a> So Esther was taken unto king Ahasuerus into his house royal in the tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign.they cast Pur.<a href="/esther/9-24.htm">Esther 9:24-26</a> Because Haman the son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of all the Jews, had devised against the Jews to destroy them, and had cast Pur, that is, the lot, to consume them, and to destroy them; … <a href="/proverbs/16-33.htm">Proverbs 16:33</a> The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.<a href="/ezekiel/21-21.htm">Ezekiel 21:21,22</a> For the king of Babylon stood at the parting of the way, at the head of the two ways, to use divination: he made his arrows bright, he consulted with images, he looked in the liver… Adar.<a href="/esther/9-1.htm">Esther 9:1,5,17-19,21</a> Now in the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar, on the thirteenth day of the same, when the king's commandment and his decree drew near to be put in execution, in the day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to have power over them, (though it was turned to the contrary, that the Jews had rule over them that hated them;) … <a href="/ezra/6-15.htm">Ezra 6:15</a> And this house was finished on the third day of the month Adar, which was in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ezra/6-15.htm">Adar</a> <a href="/esther/3-6.htm">Ahasuerus</a> <a href="/esther/3-1.htm">Ahasu-E'rus</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-8.htm">Cast</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-7.htm">Chose</a> <a href="/esther/1-14.htm">First</a> <a href="/esther/3-6.htm">Haman</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/26-16.htm">Lot</a> <a href="/esther/2-16.htm">Month</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-1.htm">Nisan</a> <a href="/esther/9-26.htm">Pur</a> <a href="/ezra/8-31.htm">Twelfth</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/esther/3-13.htm">Adar</a> <a href="/esther/3-8.htm">Ahasuerus</a> <a href="/esther/7-5.htm">Ahasu-E'rus</a> <a href="/esther/9-24.htm">Cast</a> <a href="/job/29-25.htm">Chose</a> <a href="/esther/3-12.htm">First</a> <a href="/esther/3-8.htm">Haman</a> <a href="/esther/9-24.htm">Lot</a> <a href="/esther/3-12.htm">Month</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-1.htm">Nisan</a> <a href="/esther/9-24.htm">Pur</a> <a href="/esther/3-13.htm">Twelfth</a><div class="vheading2">Esther 3</div>1. <a href="/esther/3-1.htm">Haman, advanced by the king, and despised by Mordecai, seeks revenge upon the Jews.</a> 7. <a href="/esther/3-7.htm">He casts lots.</a> 8. <a href="/esther/3-8.htm">He obtains by false accusations a decree of the king to put the Jews to death.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/esther/3.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/esther/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/esther/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>In the twelfth year of King Xerxes This phrase situates the events within the reign of King Xerxes, also known as Ahasuerus, who ruled the Persian Empire from 486 to 465 BC. The twelfth year of his reign would be around 474 BC. This timing is significant as it places the events of Esther within the broader context of Persian history, during a period of relative stability and expansion for the empire. Xerxes is known for his failed invasion of Greece, which occurred earlier in his reign, and this historical backdrop provides insight into the political climate of the time.in the first month, the month of Nisan Nisan is the first month of the Jewish religious calendar, corresponding to March-April in the Gregorian calendar. It is a significant month for the Jewish people, as it includes the celebration of Passover, commemorating their deliverance from Egypt. The mention of Nisan highlights the providential timing of the events in Esther, as the Jewish people are once again facing a threat to their existence, echoing the themes of deliverance and divine intervention.the Pur (that is, the lot) was cast before Haman Casting lots was a common practice in ancient cultures to make decisions or determine fate, believed to reveal divine will. The term "Pur" is of Persian origin, indicating the influence of Persian culture on the narrative. Haman, the antagonist in the story, uses this method to decide the date for the planned destruction of the Jews, showing his reliance on chance rather than divine guidance. This act of casting lots contrasts with the Jewish understanding of God's sovereignty over events.to determine a day and month Haman's intention was to find an auspicious date for his plot against the Jews. The use of lots to determine the timing underscores the randomness and impersonal nature of his plan, in contrast to the personal and covenantal relationship the Jews have with God. This phrase also foreshadows the eventual reversal of Haman's plans, as the date chosen by lot becomes a day of deliverance rather than destruction.And the lot fell on the twelfth month, the month of Adar Adar is the twelfth month of the Jewish calendar, corresponding to February-March. The selection of this month gives the Jewish people nearly a year to prepare for the impending threat, allowing for the unfolding of God's providential plan through Esther and Mordecai. The eventual deliverance of the Jews during the month of Adar is celebrated in the festival of Purim, named after the "Pur" or lot, highlighting the theme of divine reversal and protection.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/k/king_xerxes.htm">King Xerxes</a> Also known as Ahasuerus, he was the Persian king during the events of the Book of Esther. His reign is marked by significant events that affected the Jewish people. 2. <a href="/topical/h/haman.htm">Haman</a> An Agagite and high-ranking official in King Xerxes' court. He is the antagonist in the account, known for his plot to annihilate the Jews. 3. <a href="/topical/p/pur--the_lot.htm">Pur - the Lot (the lot)</a> A method of casting lots used to make decisions or determine fate. In this context, it was used by Haman to choose the date for the planned destruction of the Jews. 4. <a href="/topical/n/nisan.htm">Nisan</a> The first month of the Jewish calendar, corresponding to March-April in the Gregorian calendar. It is significant as the month of Passover. 5. <a href="/topical/a/adar.htm">Adar</a> The twelfth month of the Jewish calendar, corresponding to February-March. It is the month in which the Jewish festival of Purim is celebrated, commemorating the deliverance of the Jews from Haman's plot.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_over_human_plans.htm">God's Sovereignty Over Human Plans</a> The casting of lots by Haman shows human attempts to control and plan, but ultimately, God is in control of the outcome. Believers can trust in God's sovereignty over their lives. <a href="/topical/t/the_significance_of_timing.htm">The Significance of Timing</a> The events in Esther occur during significant months in the Jewish calendar, reminding us that God's timing is perfect. We should be attentive to God's timing in our own lives. <a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_evil_intentions_and_god's_deliverance.htm">The Power of Evil Intentions and God's Deliverance</a> Haman's plot was rooted in evil, yet God used it to bring about deliverance for His people. This teaches us that God can turn even the worst situations for our good and His glory. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_faith_and_courage.htm">The Importance of Faith and Courage</a> Esther's account encourages believers to have faith and courage in the face of adversity, trusting that God is working behind the scenes.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_esther_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Esther 3</a> <a href="/q/does_casting_lots_for_genocide_fit_persian_customs.htm">Esther 3:7 – Does the account of deciding genocide by casting lots match known Persian customs, and is there evidence to support it? </a> <a href="/q/who_was_mordecai_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Mordecai in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/why_isn't_esther's_decree_in_persian_records.htm">Esther 3:10-15 - Why is there no mention in Persian archives or other sources of this monumental royal decree to annihilate an entire ethnic group?</a> <a href="/q/who_is_steven_furtick.htm">What did Esther mean by 'If I perish, I perish'?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/esther/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(7) In the first month . . . the twelfth year.--In the March or April of 474 B.C.Nisan.--The later name of the month, known in the Pentateuch as Abib. In this month the Passover had been first instituted, when God smote the Egyptians with a terrible visitation, the death of the first-born, and bade the destroying angel spare the houses with the blood-besprinkled door-posts. It was in the same month that the Passover received its final fulfilment, when "Christ our Passover was sacrificed for us," when no mere earthly Egypt was discomfited, but principalities and powers of evil.Pur.--This is evidently a Persian word for "lot," for both here and in <a href="/esther/9-24.htm" title="Because Haman the son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of all the Jews, had devised against the Jews to destroy them, and had cast Pur, that is, the lot, to consume them, and to destroy them;">Esther 9:24</a> the usual Hebrew word is added. It is doubtless connected with the Latin pars, portio. and the English part. The people who cast Pur were seeking for a lucky day, as indicated by the lots, for the purpose in hand. A lot was cast for each day of the month, and for each month in the year, and in some way or other one day and one mouth were indicated as the most favourable. The notion of lucky and unlucky days seems to have been prevalent in the East in early times. and iudeed has, to a certain extent. found credence in the West.The twelfth month.--The lucky month is thus indicated, but not the day. The LXX. adds a clause saying that it was on the fourteenth day, doubtless an interpolation on the strength of <a href="/esther/3-13.htm" title="And the letters were sent by posts into all the king's provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day, even on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, and to take the spoil of them for a prey.">Esther 3:13</a>.Adar.--The lunar month ending at the new moon in March. It was the twelfth month, so that nearly a year would intervene between the throwing of the lot and the carrying out of the scheme. Thus in God's providence ample time was allowed for redressing matters.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/esther/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 7. - In the first month, the month Nisan. See the comment on Nehemiah 2:1. This name was first given to the month by the Jews after the return from the captivity. It was the Babylonian name of the first month of the year, and superseded the old Jewish name, Abib. The twelfth year of... Ahasuerus - B.C. 474, if Ahasuerus be Xerxes. They cast Pur, that is, the lot. The superstitious use of lots has always been prevalent in the East, and continues to the present day. Lots were drawn, or thrown, m various ways: sometimes by means of dice, sometimes by slips of wood, or strips of parchment or paper, and also in other manners. Even the Jews supposed a special Providence to preside over the casting of lots (<a href="/proverbs/16-33.htm">Proverbs 16:33</a>), and thought that matters decided in this way were decided by God. Haman appears to have cast lots, first, as to the day of the month which he should fix for the massacre, and secondly as to the month in which it should take place. Apparently the lot fell out for the thirteenth day (ver. 13), and for the twelfth month, the last month in the year. The word "Pur" is not Hebrew it is supposed to be Old Persian, and to be connected with Mod. Pers. pareh, Lat. pars, Greek μέρος μοῖρα. To the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar. Adar is, like Nisan, a Babylonian word, perhaps connected with edder, "splendour." The month so named corresponded nearly with March, when the sun begins to have great power in Western Asia. HAMAN PERSUADES AHASUERUS TO PUBLISH A DECREE COMMANDING THE DESTRUCTION OF ALL THE JEWS IN HIS KINGDOM ON THE ENSUING THIRTEENTH DAY OF ADAR (<a href="/esther/3-8.htm">Esther 3:8-15</a>). Having formed his own resolve, it remained for Haman to bring his proposal before Ahasuerus in such a shape as should secure his acquiescence in it. For this purpose he thought it best, first, to raise a prejudice against the Jews by representing them as bad subjects, causing trouble through the peculiarity of their own laws, and still more through their unwillingness to render obedience to the Persian laws (ver. 8). In support of this last statement he would no doubt, if questioned, have adduced the conduct of Mordecai, who persisted in "transgressing the king's commandment," and gave as his only reason that he was a Jew, and therefore could not obey it (ver. 4). As, however, he doubted the effect of this reasoning on his royal master, he held in reserve an argument of another kind, an appeal to the king's cupidity, which constituted his main reliance. If the king gave his consent to the destruction of the Jewish nation, Haman undertook to pay into the royal treasuries, out of his private means, a sum which cannot be estimated at much less than two millions and a quarter of pounds sterling, and which may have amounted to a much higher figure (ver. 9). The effect of this argument upon Ahasuerus was decisive; he at once took his signet-ring from his finger, and made it over to his minister (ver. 10), thus enabling him to promulgate any decree that he pleased, and he openly declared that he gave over the Jewish nation, their lives and properties, into Haman's hands (ver. 11). Haman "struck while the iron was hot." The king's scribes were put in requisition - a decree was composed, numerous copies of it made, the royal seal am,ca to each (ver. 12), and a copy despatched forthwith to each governor of a province by the royal post, ordering the complete destruction of the Jews within his province, young and old, men, women, and children, on the thirteenth day of the month Adar, and the confiscation of their property (ver. 13). The posts started off with all speed, "being hastened by the king's commandment" (ver. 15); and the two men who had plotted a nation's extermination, as if they had done a good day's work, and deserved refreshment, "sat down to drink." But the Persians generally were less satisfied with the decree than their monarch and his minister; it surprised and startled them; "the city Shushan was perplexed." <a href="/commentaries/esther/3-7.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>In the twelfth שְׁתֵּ֣ים (šə·têm) Number - fd <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8147.htm">Strong's 8147: </a> Two (a cardinal number) year בִּשְׁנַת֙ (biš·naṯ) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8141.htm">Strong's 8141: </a> A year of King לַמֶּ֖לֶךְ (lam·me·leḵ) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> A king Xerxes, אֲחַשְׁוֵר֑וֹשׁ (’ă·ḥaš·wê·rō·wōš) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_325.htm">Strong's 325: </a> Ahasuerus -- king of Persia in the first הָרִאשׁוֹן֙ (hā·ri·šō·wn) Article | Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7223.htm">Strong's 7223: </a> First, in place, time, rank month, בַּחֹ֤דֶשׁ (ba·ḥō·ḏeš) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2320.htm">Strong's 2320: </a> The new moon, a month the month חֹ֣דֶשׁ (ḥō·ḏeš) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2320.htm">Strong's 2320: </a> The new moon, a month of Nisan, נִיסָ֔ן (nî·sān) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5212.htm">Strong's 5212: </a> First month of the Jewish religious year the pur פּוּר֩ (pūr) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6332.htm">Strong's 6332: </a> a lot', a Jewish feast (that is, הוּא־ (hū-) Pronoun - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> He, self, the same, this, that, as, are the lot) הַגּוֹרָ֜ל (hag·gō·w·rāl) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1486.htm">Strong's 1486: </a> Lot -- a lot (for casting) was cast הִפִּ֣יל (hip·pîl) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5307.htm">Strong's 5307: </a> To fall, lie before לִפְנֵ֣י (lip̄·nê) Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> The face Haman הָמָ֗ן (hā·mān) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2001.htm">Strong's 2001: </a> Haman -- to rage, be turbulent to determine a day מִיּ֧וֹם ׀ (mî·yō·wm) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> A day and month. וּמֵחֹ֛דֶשׁ (ū·mê·ḥō·ḏeš) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2320.htm">Strong's 2320: </a> The new moon, a month And the lot fell on the twelfth שְׁנֵים־ (šə·nêm-) Number - md <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8147.htm">Strong's 8147: </a> Two (a cardinal number) month, חֹ֥דֶשׁ (ḥō·ḏeš) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2320.htm">Strong's 2320: </a> The new moon, a month the month of Adar. אֲדָֽר׃ (’ă·ḏār) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_143.htm">Strong's 143: </a> The twelfth month in the Jewish calendar <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/esther/3-7.htm">Esther 3:7 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/esther/3-7.htm">Esther 3:7 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/esther/3-7.htm">Esther 3:7 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/esther/3-7.htm">Esther 3:7 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/esther/3-7.htm">Esther 3:7 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/esther/3-7.htm">Esther 3:7 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/esther/3-7.htm">Esther 3:7 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/esther/3-7.htm">Esther 3:7 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/esther/3-7.htm">Esther 3:7 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/esther/3-7.htm">Esther 3:7 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/esther/3-7.htm">OT History: Esther 3:7 In the first month which (Est Esth. Es) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/esther/3-6.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Esther 3:6"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Esther 3:6" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/esther/3-8.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Esther 3:8"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Esther 3:8" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>