{"id":53243,"date":"2025-07-17T10:35:07","date_gmt":"2025-07-17T07:35:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wingulamashahidi.org\/?p=53243"},"modified":"2025-07-24T22:05:27","modified_gmt":"2025-07-24T19:05:27","slug":"what-does-the-phrase-to-lay-hands-on-mean-as-used-in-the-bible-particularly-in-esther-221","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wingulamashahidi.org\/en\/2025\/07\/17\/what-does-the-phrase-to-lay-hands-on-mean-as-used-in-the-bible-particularly-in-esther-221\/","title":{"rendered":"What does the phrase \u201cto lay hands on\u201d mean as used in the Bible, particularly in Esther 2:21?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Esther 2:21 (NKJV):<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n“In those days, while Mordecai sat within the king\u2019s gate, two of the king\u2019s eunuchs, Bigthan and Teresh, doorkeepers, became furious and sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus.”<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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ANSWER:<\/strong><\/p>\n

In this context, the phrase \u201cto lay hands on\u201d<\/strong> does not<\/strong> mean to bless or ordain, as it does in other parts of Scripture. Instead, it refers to an intent to harm, assault, or kill<\/strong>. The two men, Bigthan and Teresh royal eunuchs assigned as doorkeepers were plotting to assassinate King Ahasuerus. While the Bible doesn\u2019t specify their method (e.g., poisoning or stabbing), the use of the phrase \u201clay hands on\u201d makes their violent intention unmistakable.<\/p>\n

This idiomatic expression is used in several biblical passages<\/strong> to describe acts of aggression or murder<\/strong>. It conveys more than just physical contact it implies the exercise of destructive force or violence<\/strong> against someone, often unjustly.<\/p>\n

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Theological Insight:<\/strong><\/h3>\n

In biblical theology, the “laying on of hands”<\/strong> appears in two primary ways<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

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    \n
  1. Positive usage<\/strong>: for imparting blessing, authority, healing, or the Holy Spirit.
    \nExample: Acts 8:17 (NKJV)<\/em><\/li>\n
  2. \u00a0\u201cThen they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.\u201d<\/em><\/li>\n
  3. Negative usage<\/strong>: as in intent to do harm, violence, or murder.<\/strong> This is the case in Esther 2:21<\/strong>. It reflects the heart\u2019s rebellion against God’s established authority.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/blockquote>\n
    \n

    Cross-reference: David and Saul<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    A powerful parallel appears in 1 Samuel 24:4\u20137<\/strong>, where David had an opportunity to kill King Saul, who had been unjustly hunting him. However, David refused to harm Saul because Saul had been anointed by God:<\/p>\n

    1 Samuel 24:6 (NKJV):<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n\u201cAnd he said to his men, \u2018The Lord forbid that I should do this thing to my master, the Lord\u2019s anointed, to stretch out my hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the Lord.\u2019\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

    David\u2019s words \u201cto stretch out my hand\u201d are synonymous with \u201cto lay hands on,\u201d again showing intent to do harm. But unlike the conspirators in Esther, David feared God<\/strong> and would not violate the sacredness of God\u2019s anointed authority even when Saul was in the wrong.<\/p>\n

    This moment highlights a deep theological truth<\/strong>: It is God who raises up kings and removes them (Daniel 2:21), and it is not man\u2019s place to take justice into his own hands <\/strong>especially against someone set apart by divine appointment.<\/p>\n

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    Spiritual Application:<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Respect for authority<\/strong>: Even when leaders are flawed, God calls His people to honor the positions He has established (Romans 13:1\u20132).<\/p>\n

    Judgment belongs to the Lord<\/strong>: As seen with David, true spiritual maturity submits to God\u2019God sees hidden plots<\/strong>: Like Mordecai discovering the plot in Esther, God often works through seemingly small events to protect His purposes and people.<\/p>\n

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    Conclusion:<\/strong>
    \nThe phrase \u201cto lay hands on\u201d<\/strong> in Esther 2:21 (NKJV)<\/strong> refers specifically to an attempt to harm or kill<\/strong>. It is a warning about rebellion and violence, particularly against God\u2019s appointed authority. When compared to David\u2019s restraint in 1 Samuel 24, it underscores the call for God\u2019s people to walk in reverence, patience, and divine obedience<\/strong>, trusting in the justice and sovereignty of the Lord.<\/p>\n

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    \u201cDo not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.\u201d \u2013 Romans 12:21 (NKJV)<\/strong>
    \nMay the Lord bless you richly as you grow in wisdom and\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

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