Hammeda'tha is a biblical figure mentioned in the Book of Esther, primarily known as the father of Haman, the antagonist in the narrative. The name Hammeda'tha is of Persian origin, and while the Bible does not provide extensive details about his life or character, his legacy is primarily tied to his son, Haman, who plays a significant role in the events described in the Book of Esther.

Biblical References:

Hammeda'tha is mentioned in the context of his son Haman's introduction in the Book of Esther. The Berean Standard Bible provides the following references:

1. Esther 3:1 : "After these events, King Xerxes honored Haman son of Hammedatha the Agagite, elevating him and giving him a seat of honor higher than that of all the other nobles."

2. Esther 3:10 : "So the king took his signet ring from his finger and gave it to Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of the Jews."

3. Esther 8:5 : "If it pleases the king," she said, "and if he regards me with favor and thinks it the right thing to do, and if he is pleased with me, let an order be written overruling the dispatches that Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, devised and wrote to destroy the Jews in all the king’s provinces."

4. Esther 9:24 : "For Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of all the Jews, had plotted against the Jews to destroy them and had cast the pur (that is, the lot) to crush and destroy them."

Historical and Theological Context:

Hammeda'tha is identified as an Agagite, which has led to various interpretations regarding his lineage. The term "Agagite" is often associated with Agag, the king of the Amalekites, a people who were long-standing enemies of Israel. This connection suggests a historical enmity between Haman's lineage and the Jewish people, which is a significant element in the narrative of Esther.

The Amalekites were descendants of Esau, and their conflict with Israel dates back to the time of the Exodus. In 1 Samuel 15, King Saul is commanded by God to destroy the Amalekites completely, but he spares Agag, the king, which leads to Samuel's rebuke and eventual execution of Agag. This historical backdrop provides a deeper understanding of the animosity between Haman and the Jews, as Haman's actions can be seen as a continuation of this ancient hostility.

Significance in the Book of Esther:

Hammeda'tha's significance in the Book of Esther is primarily through his son, Haman, who rises to power in the Persian Empire under King Xerxes (Ahasuerus). Haman's plot to annihilate the Jewish people is a central theme in the book, and his identification as the son of Hammeda'tha, the Agagite, underscores the deep-seated enmity and the spiritual battle between the forces of evil and God's chosen people.

The narrative of Esther highlights the providence of God in protecting His people and the ultimate downfall of those who oppose His plans. Haman's fate, as the son of Hammeda'tha, serves as a reminder of the divine justice that prevails over human schemes and the enduring covenant between God and Israel.Hammeda'tha (5 Occurrences)

Esther 3:1
After these things did king Ahasuerus promote Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, and advanced him, and set his seat above all the princes that were with him.
(See RSV)

Esther 3:10
And the king took his ring from his hand, and gave it unto Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the Jews' enemy.
(See RSV)

Esther 8:5
And she said: 'If it please the king, and if I have found favour in his sight, and the thing seem right before the king, and I be pleasing in his eyes, let it be written to reverse the letters devised by Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, which he wrote to destroy the Jews that are in all the king's provinces;
(See RSV)

Esther 9:10
the ten sons of Haman the son of Hammedatha, the Jews' enemy, slew they; but on the spoil they laid not their hand.
(See RSV)

Esther 9:24
because Haman the son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of all the Jews, had devised against the Jews to destroy them, and had cast pur, that is, the lot, to discomfit them, and to destroy them;
(See RSV)

Hammeda'tha (5 Occurrences)
Hammeda'tha. Hammedatha, Hammeda'tha. Hammelech . Multi-Version Concordance
Hammeda'tha (5 Occurrences). Esther 3:1 After these ...
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Hammedatha (5 Occurrences)

/h/hammedatha.htm - 8k

Hammelech (2 Occurrences)

/h/hammelech.htm - 7k

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