a-KHAR
ha-d’-va-REEM ha-AY-leh gi-DAL ha-ME-lekh a-khash-vay-ROSH et ha-MAN BEN ha-m’-DA-ta ha-a-ga-GEE vai-na-s’-AY-hu va-YA-sem et kis-O may-AL kol ha-sa-REEM a-SHER i-TO
After these events transpired, King Ahasuerus
promoted Haman, the son of Hammedatha the Agagite and raised his stature. He placed his governmental position above the other ministers who were with him.
The Sages teach that Haman was referred to as an Agagite because he descended from the Amalekite king Agag. When King Shaul was instructed to eradicate the evil Amalekites, he fell short of fulfilling Hashem’s command when he kept alive their king and some of their animals (I Samuel 15). Amalek represents the epitome of evil, as they sought to destroy the People of Israel with particular cruelty following the Exodus from Egypt for no particular reason. Therefore, Hashem commands the Children of Israel to wipe out this tribe of evil doers (Exodus 17:14-16 and Deuteronomy 25:19). Throughout history, there have been continual battles with Amalek such as the one described in Megillat Esther. Often it looks like Amalek or their successors might be victorious. However, in the end God’s people will always
succeed. This is one of the great lessons of Jewish history. Though it may take many years, the Jewish People will always overcome their enemies.
CHAPTER 1: Follow Along in Hebrew to the Scroll of Esther
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