Vajezatha
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Topical Encyclopedia
Vajezatha is a figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Esther. He is one of the ten sons of Haman, the Agagite, who was a prominent antagonist in the narrative of Esther. Haman is infamously known for his plot to annihilate the Jewish people throughout the Persian Empire during the reign of King Xerxes (Ahasuerus).

Biblical Reference:

The primary reference to Vajezatha is found in Esther 9:9. The context of this passage is the aftermath of Haman's downfall. After Esther, the Jewish queen, reveals Haman's plot to King Xerxes, Haman is executed, and his estate is given to Esther. Mordecai, Esther's cousin and a central figure in the Jewish community, is elevated to a position of power. The king issues a new decree allowing the Jews to defend themselves against their enemies.

In the ensuing conflict, the Jews gain victory over those who sought their harm. Esther 9:7-10 lists the names of Haman's ten sons, including Vajezatha, who were killed by the Jews as part of their defense:

"Parshandatha, Dalphon, Aspatha, Poratha, Adalia, Aridatha, Parmashta, Arisai, Aridai, and Vajezatha." (Esther 9:7-9)

Historical and Theological Context:

The account of Vajezatha and his brothers' deaths is significant within the narrative of Esther as it marks the complete reversal of Haman's fortunes and the deliverance of the Jewish people. The execution of Haman's sons is seen as a fulfillment of divine justice, as they were part of the lineage that sought to destroy God's chosen people. This event is celebrated in the Jewish festival of Purim, which commemorates the deliverance of the Jews from their enemies.

From a theological perspective, the account of Vajezatha and his brothers underscores themes of divine providence and justice. The Book of Esther, while not explicitly mentioning God, demonstrates His sovereign hand in protecting and preserving His people. The downfall of Haman and his sons serves as a reminder of the ultimate triumph of good over evil and the faithfulness of God to His covenant promises.

Cultural and Literary Significance:

The narrative of Esther, including the mention of Vajezatha, is rich in literary elements such as irony and reversal. Haman's plot to hang Mordecai on the gallows he constructed for him results in his own execution on those same gallows. Similarly, the fate of Haman's sons, including Vajezatha, highlights the complete undoing of Haman's plans.

In Jewish tradition, the reading of the names of Haman's sons during the festival of Purim is done in a single breath, symbolizing the swift and decisive nature of their downfall. This practice reflects the communal memory and celebration of God's deliverance.

Conclusion:

The mention of Vajezatha in the Book of Esther, though brief, is part of a larger narrative that emphasizes the themes of justice, providence, and the protection of God's people. His account, along with that of his brothers, serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Jewish people's survival against their adversaries.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Vajezatha

sprinkling the chamber

Smith's Bible Dictionary
Vajezatha

(strong as the wind), one of the ten sons of Haman whom the Jews slew in Shushan. (Esther 9:9) (B.C. 473.)

Easton's Bible Dictionary
Purity; worthy of honour, one of Haman's sons, whom the Jews slew in the palace of Shushan (Esther 9:9).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
VAIZATHA; VAJEZATHA

vi'-za-tha, va-iz'-a-tha, va-jez'-a-tha, vaj-e-za'-tha (wayzatha'): One of the sons of Haman (Esther 9:9). The form has been held to be corrupt, the Hebrew letter waw (w) being exceptionally tall, and the Hebrew letter zayin (z) exceptionally short (Benfey, Die persischen Keilinschriften (1847), XVIII, 93), and points to Vahyazdata, "Given of the Best-One" (OHL, 255).

Strong's Hebrew
2055. Vayzatha -- a son of Haman
... Vaizatha (1). Vajezatha. Of foreign origin; Vajezatha, a son of Haman -- Vajezatha.
2054, 2055. Vayzatha. 2056 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/2055.htm - 5k
Thesaurus
Vajezatha (1 Occurrence)
... Standard Bible Encyclopedia. VAIZATHA; VAJEZATHA. ...Vajezatha (1 Occurrence). Esther
9:9 And Parmashta, and Arisai, and Aridai, and Vajezatha, (KJV DBY WBS YLT). ...
/v/vajezatha.htm - 7k

Vaiza'tha (1 Occurrence)
Vaiza'tha. Vaizatha, Vaiza'tha. Vajezatha . ... Esther 9:9 and Parmashta, and Arisai,
and Aridai, and Vaizatha, (See RSV). Vaizatha, Vaiza'tha. Vajezatha . ...
/v/vaiza'tha.htm - 6k

Vaizatha (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia VAIZATHA; VAJEZATHA. vi'-za-tha,
va-iz'-a-tha, va-jez'-a-tha, vaj-e-za'-tha (wayzatha'): One of ...
/v/vaizatha.htm - 7k

Vale (20 Occurrences)

/v/vale.htm - 29k

Resources
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Concordance
Vajezatha (1 Occurrence)

Esther 9:9
And Parmashta, and Arisai, and Aridai, and Vajezatha,
(KJV DBY WBS YLT)

Subtopics

Vajezatha

Vajezatha: Son of Haman

Related Terms

Vaiza'tha (1 Occurrence)

Vaizatha (1 Occurrence)

Vale (20 Occurrences)

Vaiza'tha
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