Arisai is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Esther. He is identified as one of the ten sons of Haman, the Agagite, who was an enemy of the Jews during the reign of King Xerxes (Ahasuerus) of Persia. The account of Arisai and his family is found in Esther 9:7-10.

Biblical Context

The account of Arisai is set during a time when the Jewish people were living in exile in the Persian Empire. Haman, his father, held a high position in the court of King Xerxes and harbored a deep animosity towards the Jews, particularly Mordecai, a Jew who refused to bow to him. Haman devised a plot to annihilate the Jewish people throughout the empire, which he set into motion by casting lots, or "Purim," to determine the date of their destruction.

However, through the providence of God and the courageous intervention of Queen Esther, who was herself a Jew, the plot was exposed. King Xerxes granted the Jews the right to defend themselves against their enemies. This led to a dramatic reversal of fortunes, where the Jews gained the upper hand over those who sought their harm.

Biblical Reference

In Esther 9:7-10 , the text records the fate of Haman's sons, including Arisai:

"They struck down and killed the ten sons of Haman—Parshandatha, Dalphon, Aspatha, Poratha, Adalia, Aridatha, Parmashta, Arisai, Aridai, and Vaizatha. However, they did not lay a hand on the plunder."

This passage highlights the execution of justice upon Haman's family, as his sons were killed in the ensuing conflict. The Jews, however, refrained from taking the plunder, demonstrating their focus on justice rather than material gain.

Theological Significance

Arisai's mention, along with his brothers, serves as a testament to the theme of divine justice and the protection of God's people. The downfall of Haman and his sons is seen as a fulfillment of God's promise to preserve the Jewish nation, despite the schemes of their adversaries. This narrative underscores the belief in God's sovereignty and His ability to turn the plans of the wicked against themselves.

The account of Arisai and his family is also commemorated in the Jewish festival of Purim, which celebrates the deliverance of the Jews from Haman's plot. This festival serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the importance of standing firm in faith, even in the face of great adversity.

Historical and Cultural Context

The account of Arisai is set in the broader historical context of the Persian Empire, which was known for its vast expanse and diverse population. The narrative reflects the tensions and challenges faced by the Jewish diaspora living under foreign rule. The account of Esther, Mordecai, and the downfall of Haman and his sons, including Arisai, illustrates the complex interplay of power, faith, and identity in the ancient world.

In summary, Arisai's role in the biblical narrative, though brief, is part of a larger account of deliverance and divine justice, highlighting the enduring themes of faith and God's providential care for His people.Arisai

(lion-like), eighth son of Haman. (Esther 9:9)

ARISAI

ar'-i-sai, a-ris'-a-i ('aricai): Probably a Persian word of unknown meaning. One of Haman's sons, slain by the Jews (Esther 9:9).

747. Ariycay -- region of light
... 746b, 747. Ariycay. 747a . region of light. Transliteration: Ariycay Phonetic
Spelling: (ar-ee-sah'-ee) Short Definition: Arisai. Arisai ...
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747b. Arisay -- a son of Haman
... a son of Haman. Transliteration: Arisay Short Definition: Arisai. Word Origin of
foreign origin Definition a son of Haman NASB Word Usage Arisai (1). ...
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The Reaction against Egypt
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 5. <. ...
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Arisai (1 Occurrence)
... Standard Bible Encyclopedia ARISAI. ar'-i-sai, a-ris'-ai ('aricai): Probably a Persian
word of unknown meaning. ... Multi-Version Concordance Arisai (1 Occurrence). ...
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Ar'isai (1 Occurrence)
Ar'isai. Arisai, Ar'isai. Arise . Multi-Version Concordance Ar'isai (1 Occurrence).
Esther 9:9 Parmashta, Arisai, Aridai, and Vaizatha, (See RSV). ...
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Vajezatha (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Vajezatha (1 Occurrence). Esther 9:9 And Parmashta,
and Arisai, and Aridai, and Vajezatha, (KJV DBY WBS YLT). ...
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Vaiza'tha (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Vaiza'tha (1 Occurrence). Esther 9:9 and Parmashta, and
Arisai, and Aridai, and Vaizatha, (See RSV). Vaizatha, Vaiza'tha. Vajezatha ...
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Vaizatha (1 Occurrence)
... See COPTIC VERSIONS. Multi-Version Concordance Vaizatha (1 Occurrence). Esther
9:9 Parmashta, Arisai, Aridai, and Vaizatha, (WEB JPS ASV BBE NAS NIV). ...
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Parmash'ta (1 Occurrence)
... Parmash'ta (1 Occurrence). Esther 9:9 and Parmashta, and Arisai, and Aridai, and
Vaizatha, (See RSV). Parmashta, Parmash'ta. Parmenas . Reference Bible.
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Parmashta (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Parmashta (1 Occurrence). Esther 9:9 Parmashta, Arisai,
Aridai, and Vaizatha, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
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Ar'idai (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Ar'idai (1 Occurrence). Esther 9:9 Parmashta, Arisai,
Aridai, and Vaizatha, (See RSV). Aridai, Ar'idai. Aridatha . Reference Bible
/a/ar'idai.htm - 6k

Ar'i-och (4 Occurrences)
Ar'i-och. Ar'ioch, Ar'i-och. Arisai . Multi-Version Concordance Ar'i-och (4
Occurrences). ... (See RSV). Ar'ioch, Ar'i-och. Arisai . Reference Bible.
/a/ar'i-och.htm - 7k

Aridai (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Aridai (1 Occurrence). Esther 9:9 Parmashta, Arisai,
Aridai, and Vaizatha, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/a/aridai.htm - 6k

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