Topical Encyclopedia Aspatha is one of the ten sons of Haman, the Agagite, who is prominently featured in the Book of Esther in the Old Testament. Haman, a high-ranking official in the Persian Empire under King Ahasuerus (commonly identified as Xerxes I), is infamously known for his plot to annihilate the Jewish people throughout the empire. The narrative of Haman and his sons is a critical component of the Jewish festival of Purim, which commemorates the deliverance of the Jewish people from this planned genocide.Biblical Reference: Aspatha is specifically mentioned in Esther 9:7, which lists the names of Haman's ten sons who were killed by the Jews in the citadel of Susa. The Berean Standard Bible states: "They killed the ten sons of Haman son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews: Parshandatha, Dalphon, Aspatha,..." (Esther 9:7). This verse is part of the account describing the Jews' victory over their enemies, which was sanctioned by a royal edict allowing them to defend themselves. Historical and Cultural Context: The account of Haman and his sons, including Aspatha, is set during the reign of the Persian Empire, a period marked by the Jews living in exile. Haman's lineage as an Agagite is significant, as it connects him to the Amalekites, a longstanding enemy of Israel. This historical enmity is rooted in earlier biblical narratives, where the Amalekites are depicted as adversaries of the Israelites (Exodus 17:8-16; Deuteronomy 25:17-19). The execution of Haman's sons, including Aspatha, is seen as a fulfillment of divine justice and a reversal of fortune for the Jewish people. The narrative underscores themes of providence, justice, and the survival of God's chosen people against seemingly insurmountable odds. Theological Significance: From a theological perspective, the account of Aspatha and his brothers serves as a testament to God's faithfulness and protection over His people. The downfall of Haman and his sons is often interpreted as a demonstration of God's sovereignty and His ability to turn the schemes of the wicked against them. The account of Esther, in which Aspatha is mentioned, highlights the importance of courage, faith, and the role of divine intervention in the lives of believers. Commemoration in Jewish Tradition: The events leading to the demise of Haman and his sons are central to the celebration of Purim, a joyous Jewish festival that includes the reading of the Megillah (the Book of Esther), feasting, and the giving of gifts. During the festival, the names of Haman's sons, including Aspatha, are read aloud in rapid succession to symbolize their swift defeat. In summary, Aspatha, as one of Haman's sons, is a minor yet significant figure in the biblical narrative of Esther. His mention in the scriptures serves as a reminder of the historical and spiritual triumph of the Jewish people over their adversaries, as well as the enduring themes of justice and divine providence. Smith's Bible Dictionary Aspathathird son of Haman. (Esther 9:7) International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ASPATHAas-pa'-tha ('acpatha'): One of the ten sons of Haman (Esther 9:7) (Pers aspadata, "given by a sacred horse," according to Thesaurus, Add. 71, after Pott and Benfey). Strong's Hebrew 630. Aspatha -- a son of Haman... 629, 630. Aspatha. 631 . a son of Haman. Transliteration: Aspatha Phonetic Spelling: (as-paw-thaw' of Persian derivation; Aspatha ... /hebrew/630.htm - 5k Thesaurus Aspatha (1 Occurrence)... Standard Bible Encyclopedia ASPATHA. ...Aspatha (1 Occurrence). Esther 9:7 They killed Parshandatha, Dalphon, Aspatha, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ... /a/aspatha.htm - 6k Aspa'tha (1 Occurrence) Dalphon (1 Occurrence) Par-shan-da'tha (1 Occurrence) Parshandatha (1 Occurrence) Aspalathus Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Aspatha (1 Occurrence)Esther 9:7 Subtopics Related Terms |