Esther 3:7–11
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) [“Pur” is the Persian word for the lot, something like dice, that was used to leave a decision to chance, or to the god who guides chance] to determine the best day and month to take action. And the day selected was March 7, nearly a year later.
Then Haman approached King Xerxes and said, “There is a certain race of people scattered through all the provinces of your empire who keep themselves separate from everyone else. Their laws are different from those of any other people, and they refuse to obey the laws of the king. [Haman’s charge is a half-truth. Yes, the Jews were a certain people scattered and dispersed, and yes, they had their own laws. But their laws did not cause them to disobey the king.] So it is not in the king’s interest to let them live. If it please the king, issue a decree that they be destroyed, and I will give 10,000 large sacks of silver to the government administrators to be deposited in the royal treasury.”
The king agreed, confirming his decision by removing his signet ring from his finger and giving it to Haman son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the enemy of the Jews. The king said, “The money and the people are both yours to do with as you see fit.”
RESPONSE
- The casting of lots (pur) is mentioned in verse 7 as a method to determine the date for the destruction of the Jews. What role do you think chance plays in the unfolding events in today’s reading?
- King Xerxes is seemingly unaware of the specific details of the edict he approves. What does this reveal about the king’s character and leadership style?