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What the Bible Says About Massacre

Overview

The Bible addresses massacre across 17 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in Esther and Deuteronomy. Closely related themes include Feast of Purim, or Lots, the, Revenge, Medo-Persian Kingdom and Post. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Haman, Ahasuerus and Mordecai.

Key Bible verses about massacre

Old Testament

Esther

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.

Esther 3:2

And all the king's servants, that were in the king's gate, bowed, and reverenced Haman: for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence.

Esther 3:3

Then the king's servants, which were in the king's gate, said unto Mordecai, Why transgressest thou the king's commandment?

Esther 3:4

Now it came to pass, when they spake daily unto him, and he hearkened not unto them, that they told Haman, to see whether Mordecai's matters would stand: for he had told them that he was a Jew.

Esther 3:5

And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full of wrath.

Esther 3:6

And he thought scorn to lay hands on Mordecai alone; for they had shewed him the people of Mordecai: wherefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews that were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, even the people of Mordecai.

Esther 3:7

In the first month, that is, the month Nisan, in the twelfth year of king Ahasuerus, they cast Pur, that is, the lot, before Haman from day to day, and from month to month, to the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar.

Esther 3:8

And Haman said unto king Ahasuerus, There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of thy kingdom; and their laws are diverse from all people; neither keep they the king's laws: therefore it is not for the king's profit to suffer them. for the: Heb. meet or, equal, etc

Esther 3:9

If it please the king, let it be written that they may be destroyed: and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver to the hands of those that have the charge of the business, to bring it into the king's treasuries. that they: Heb. to destroy them pay: Heb. weigh

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. enemy: or, oppressor

Esther 3:11

And the king said unto Haman, The silver is given to thee, the people also, to do with them as it seemeth good to thee.

Esther 3:12

Then were the king's scribes called on the thirteenth day of the first month, and there was written according to all that Haman had commanded unto the king's lieutenants, and to the governors that were over every province, and to the rulers of every people of every province according to the writing thereof, and to every people after their language; in the name of king Ahasuerus was it written, and sealed with the king's ring. scribes: or, secretaries

Esther 3:13

And the letters were sent by posts into all the king's provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day, even upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, and to take the spoil of them for a prey.

Esther 3:14

The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published unto all people, that they should be ready against that day.

Esther 3:15

The posts went out, being hastened by the king's commandment, and the decree was given in Shushan the palace. And the king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city Shushan was perplexed.

People in the Bible and massacre

Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.

In the Bible dictionary

Studying massacre for yourself

  • Begin with Deuteronomy 20:13, then read the passages below in canonical order.
  • Compare how Esther and Deuteronomy each treat the theme.
  • Consider the lives of Haman, Ahasuerus and Mordecai and how their stories intersect with it.
  • Widen the study to related themes: Feast of Purim, or Lots, the, Revenge, Medo-Persian Kingdom and Post.

Frequently asked questions

What does the Bible say about massacre?

The Bible addresses massacre across 17 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in Esther and Deuteronomy. Closely related themes include Feast of Purim, or Lots, the, Revenge, Medo-Persian Kingdom and Post. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Haman, Ahasuerus and Mordecai.

How many Bible verses are about massacre?

The Bible references massacre in 17 verses (King James Version).

Where does the Bible first mention massacre?

In canonical order, the first of these passages is Deuteronomy 20:13: “And when the LORD thy God hath delivered it into thine hands, thou shalt smite every male thereof with the edge of the sword:”

Which people in the Bible are associated with massacre?

Haman, Ahasuerus and Mordecai.

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