Parshandatha is a biblical figure mentioned in the Book of Esther, which is part of the Ketuvim, or Writings, in the Hebrew Bible and the Old Testament in the Christian canon. He is identified as one of the ten sons of Haman, the Agagite, who was a prominent antagonist in the narrative of Esther.

Biblical Context

The account of Parshandatha is set during the reign of King Ahasuerus (commonly identified with Xerxes I) of Persia. Haman, his father, held the position of vizier and was a powerful official in the Persian court. Haman is infamously known for his plot to annihilate the Jewish people throughout the Persian Empire, a plan that was ultimately thwarted by Queen Esther and her cousin Mordecai.

Scriptural Reference

Parshandatha is specifically mentioned in Esther 9:7. The verse lists him as the first of Haman's ten sons who were killed by the Jews in Susa, the capital of the Persian Empire, as part of the Jews' defense against their enemies. The Berean Standard Bible states:

"In the citadel of Susa, the Jews killed and destroyed five hundred men, including Parshandatha, Dalphon, Aspatha, Poratha, Adalia, Aridatha, Parmashta, Arisai, Aridai, and Vaizatha."

Historical and Theological Significance

The death of Parshandatha and his brothers is significant within the narrative of Esther as it marks the downfall of Haman's lineage and the deliverance of the Jewish people from their enemies. This event is commemorated in the Jewish festival of Purim, which celebrates the survival and victory of the Jews over their adversaries.

From a theological perspective, the account of Parshandatha and his family serves as a testament to God's providence and protection over His chosen people. It underscores the theme of divine justice, where the wicked plans of Haman and his household are overturned, leading to their ultimate demise.

Cultural and Literary Aspects

The account of Parshandatha and his brothers is often studied for its literary elements, including the dramatic reversal of fortune experienced by Haman's family. The Book of Esther is notable for its absence of direct mention of God, yet His presence and influence are inferred throughout the narrative, particularly in the deliverance of the Jewish people.

In Jewish tradition, the reading of the Megillah (the scroll of Esther) during Purim includes the recitation of the names of Haman's sons, including Parshandatha, in a single breath, symbolizing their swift and complete downfall.

Conclusion

While Parshandatha himself is not a central figure in the broader biblical narrative, his role in the account of Esther highlights the themes of justice, divine intervention, and the reversal of evil schemes. His mention serves as a reminder of the historical and spiritual significance of the events celebrated during Purim.Parshandatha

given by prayer

Parshandatha

(given by prayer), the eldest of Haman's ten sons who were slain by the Jews in Shushan. (Esther 9:7) (B.C. 473.)

An interpreter of the law, the eldest of Haman's sons, slain in Shushan (Esther 9:7). PARSHANDATHA

par-shan-da'-tha, par-shan'-da-tha (parshandatha; Septuagint Pharsan, or Pharsanestan; perhaps from the Persian fratsna-data, "given by prayer"): One of the sons of Haman (Esther 9:7).

6577. Parshandatha -- a son of Haman
... 6576, 6577. Parshandatha. 6578 . a son of Haman. Transliteration: Parshandatha
Phonetic Spelling: (par-shan-daw-thaw') Short Definition: Parshandatha. ...
/hebrew/6577.htm - 6kParshandatha (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. PARSHANDATHA. par-shan-da'-tha ... 9:7).
Multi-Version Concordance Parshandatha (1 Occurrence). Esther 9 ...
/p/parshandatha.htm - 7k

Par-shan-da'tha (1 Occurrence)
Par-shan-da'tha. Parshandatha, Par-shan-da'tha. Parsin . ... Par-shan-da'tha (1
Occurrence). Esther 9:7 And Parshandatha, and Dalphon, and Aspatha, (See RSV). ...
/p/par-shan-da'tha.htm - 6k

Dalphon (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Dalphon (1 Occurrence). Esther 9:7 They killed Parshandatha,
Dalphon, Aspatha, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/d/dalphon.htm - 6k

Parricides (1 Occurrence)

/p/parricides.htm - 6k

Aspatha (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance 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)
... Multi-Version Concordance Aspa'tha (1 Occurrence). Esther 9:7 And Parshandatha,
and Dalphon, and Aspatha, (See RSV). Aspatha, Aspa'tha. Aspect . ...
/a/aspa'tha.htm - 6k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus