Esther 3:7 – “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.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Esther 3:7 describes a moment where Haman casts lots (called “pur”) to determine the best time to execute his plot to annihilate the Jewish people. The process of casting lots was common in the ancient world as a way to seek divine guidance or fate’s decision. Haman wanted to choose the most “favorable” day to carry out his wicked plan. The lot falls on the twelfth month, Adar, giving almost a year from the decision to the planned destruction of the Jews.
This moment is significant because, although Haman sought to use pagan means to determine when to carry out his plot, it ultimately reveals God’s hand in delaying the plan. The extended time allowed for Esther and Mordecai to intervene, showing that even the roll of dice is under God’s control (Proverbs 16:33).
Historical Context
This verse occurs during the twelfth year of King Xerxes’ reign (around 474 BC), a time when the Persian Empire was at its height. Haman, who had been elevated to a position of great power, had just decided to eliminate the Jewish people due to his personal hatred of Mordecai. In this era, the casting of lots was seen as a way to uncover the will of the gods or to determine the most opportune time for important actions. For Haman, it was a way of making sure his plan had the highest chance of success.
The month of Adar, where the lot falls, is the last month in the Jewish calendar. This delay gave ample time for God’s deliverance to unfold through Esther and Mordecai’s courage and wisdom. Historically, the Jewish people were living under Persian rule in a foreign land, and the threat Haman posed was very real. However, God’s timing allowed for a year of preparation, during which His providence would be revealed.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Esther 3:7 reminds us that even when evil people plot and plan, God is still in control. Haman’s casting of lots might have been intended to invoke fate or luck, but from a biblical perspective, we know that nothing happens by chance. The delay between Haman’s decision and the intended date of the massacre was not an accident—it was part of God’s divine plan to give His people time to respond.
This verse shows that God is sovereign over time and events, even when it seems like evil is gaining the upper hand. The casting of lots, though a pagan practice, ends up working in favor of God’s purposes. It reflects the truth that no human plan can thwart God’s will (Job 42:2).
Literary Analysis
Literarily, this verse serves as a foreshadowing of the ultimate deliverance that will come later in the book of Esther. The casting of lots is an important detail, as it gives the sense that Haman’s plan is being meticulously calculated. However, what appears to be a moment of certainty for Haman actually begins to unravel his plan. The delay created by the lot falling on the twelfth month becomes crucial for the Jews’ survival.
The use of lots, or pur, is significant because it will later give the Jewish festival of Purim its name, a celebration of God’s deliverance from Haman’s evil plot. What Haman intended for evil, God will turn into an occasion for joy and celebration for His people.
Biblical Cross-References
Several verses from Scripture help us understand the themes in Esther 3:7:
- Proverbs 16:33 – “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.” This verse directly speaks to the truth that God is in control of every outcome, even when lots are cast.
- Job 42:2 – “I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted.” Haman’s plans, though meticulously arranged, will not succeed against God’s greater plan.
- Psalm 33:10-11 – “The Lord foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.” This echoes the idea that while humans may make plans, God’s purposes will always prevail.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Esther 3:7 is a reminder that God is in control, even when it seems like the forces of evil are moving forward with their plans. Just as Haman sought to determine the fate of the Jewish people through casting lots, people today may believe in chance, fate, or luck. However, as believers, we trust that nothing happens outside of God’s sovereign will.
This verse also encourages patience. Even when we face opposition or when evil seems to have the upper hand, God’s timing is perfect. He may allow delays, not because He is slow to act, but because His plan is unfolding in ways we can’t always see. This truth gives Christians confidence to trust God in uncertain times.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Although Esther 3:7 describes a wicked plan being put into motion, it also points to God’s loving care for His people. By allowing the lot to fall on a date nearly a year away, God provided time for a response. This is evidence of His protective love, working behind the scenes to safeguard His people from harm.
God’s love is patient and wise. He doesn’t always intervene immediately, but His timing is always perfect. His love allows events to unfold in such a way that His people are not only delivered but can see His hand at work in their lives. Even in situations that seem dark and hopeless, God’s love is present, guiding the course of history toward His ultimate plan for redemption.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Esther 3:7 connects to the larger biblical story of redemption that finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Just as God intervened to protect His people from Haman’s genocidal plot, He sent His Son, Jesus, to rescue humanity from the ultimate destruction caused by sin. The deliverance of the Jewish people in Esther foreshadows the greater deliverance Jesus would bring.
In the same way that God’s sovereignty over the casting of lots protected the Jewish people, Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection were all part of God’s sovereign plan for salvation (Acts 2:23-24). Just as the lot falling on the twelfth month provided time for deliverance, God’s timing in sending Jesus into the world was perfect (Galatians 4:4), ensuring the salvation of all who believe in Him.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does Esther 3:7 show that God is in control, even when evil seems to be at work?
- In what ways can you trust God’s timing in situations where you feel anxious or uncertain?
- How does knowing that God can turn the plans of the wicked into opportunities for good encourage you in your faith?
- What does this verse teach us about patience and trusting God when we don’t immediately see His hand at work?
- How does the deliverance of the Jewish people in Esther point to the ultimate deliverance found in Jesus Christ?
Esther 3:7 is a powerful reminder that God is always in control, even when evil seems to be winning. It encourages us to trust in His timing, knowing that He is working all things for the good of His people, just as He did in the story of Esther. Through Jesus Christ, we see the ultimate example of God’s sovereignty and love at work in the world.