Poratha is one of the ten sons of Haman, the Agagite, who is a prominent antagonist in the Book of Esther. Haman, a high-ranking official in the Persian Empire under King Ahasuerus (commonly identified as Xerxes I), is infamous for his plot to annihilate the Jewish people throughout the empire. The narrative of Haman and his sons is a critical component of the Jewish festival of Purim, which commemorates the deliverance of the Jews from this planned genocide.

Biblical Reference:
Poratha is specifically mentioned in the Book of Esther, chapter 9, verse 8. The Berean Standard Bible states: "Parshandatha, Dalphon, Aspatha, Poratha, Adalia, Aridatha, Parmashta, Arisai, Aridai, and Vaizatha." These names are listed as the sons of Haman who were killed by the Jews in Susa, the capital of the Persian Empire, as part of the retributive justice that followed the thwarting of Haman's plot.

Historical and Cultural Context:
The account of Poratha and his brothers occurs during a time when the Jewish people were living in exile under Persian rule. Haman's animosity towards the Jews, particularly Mordecai, a Jew who refused to bow to him, led to the casting of lots (purim) to determine the date for the execution of his genocidal plan. However, through the intervention of Queen Esther, who was herself Jewish, and her cousin Mordecai, the king was made aware of Haman's scheme. Consequently, Haman was executed, and the Jews were granted the right to defend themselves against their enemies.

Theological Significance:
The death of Poratha and his brothers is seen as a fulfillment of divine justice. Haman, identified as an Agagite, is often associated with the Amalekites, a people who were long-standing enemies of Israel. The narrative underscores themes of providence, justice, and the reversal of fortunes, where the intended victims of Haman's plot become the victors. The execution of Haman's sons, including Poratha, is part of the broader theme of the triumph of God's people over their adversaries, a recurring motif in the Hebrew Scriptures.

Commemoration:
The events surrounding Poratha and his family are central to the celebration of Purim, a festival marked by joy, feasting, and the giving of gifts. The reading of the Megillah (the Book of Esther) during Purim includes the recitation of the names of Haman's sons, often in a single breath, symbolizing the swift downfall of those who sought to destroy the Jewish people.

Poratha's mention in the biblical text, though brief, contributes to the larger narrative of God's deliverance and the preservation of His covenant people against the forces of evil.Poratha

fruitful

Poratha

one of the ten sons of Haman slain by the Jews in Shushan the palace. (Esther 9:8)

PORATHA

po-ra'-tha, por'-a-tha (pora-tha'): One of the sons of Haman (Esther 9:8). The etymology is uncertain; perhaps from the Persian purdata, "given by fate."

6334. Poratha -- a son of Haman
... 6333b, 6334. Poratha. 6335 . a son of Haman. Transliteration: Poratha
Phonetic Spelling: (po-raw-thaw') Short Definition: Poratha. ...
/hebrew/6334.htm - 5kPoratha (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia PORATHA. ...Poratha (1 Occurrence). Esther 9:8 Poratha,
Adalia, Aridatha, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/p/poratha.htm - 6k

Pora'tha (1 Occurrence)
Pora'tha. Poratha, Pora'tha. Porch . Multi-Version Concordance Pora'tha (1
Occurrence). Esther 9:8 and Poratha, and Adalia, and Aridatha, (See RSV). ...
/p/pora'tha.htm - 6k

Populous (4 Occurrences)

/p/populous.htm - 8k

Arida'tha (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Arida'tha (1 Occurrence). Esther 9:8 and Poratha, and
Adalia, and Aridatha, (See RSV). Aridatha, Arida'tha. Arieh . Reference Bible
/a/arida'tha.htm - 6k

Aridatha (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Aridatha (1 Occurrence). Esther 9:8 Poratha, Adalia,
Aridatha, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/a/aridatha.htm - 6k

Ada'lia (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Ada'lia (1 Occurrence). Esther 9:8 and Poratha, and Adalia,
and Aridatha, (See RSV). Adalia, Ada'lia. Adam . Reference Bible.
/a/ada'lia.htm - 6k

Adalia (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Adalia (1 Occurrence). Esther 9:8 Poratha, Adalia,
Aridatha, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/a/adalia.htm - 6k

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