Esther 9:1

The Jews Destroy Their Enemies

1 ¹Now in the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar, ²on the thirteenth day of the same, ³when the king's command and edict were about to be carried out, ⁴on the very day when the enemies of the Jews hoped to gain the mastery over them, the reverse occurred: the Jews gained mastery over those who hated them.

Esther 9:1 Meaning and Commentary

Esther 9:1

Now in the twelfth month, that is the month Adar, on the
thirteenth day of the same
Of which see ( Esther 3:13 ) ,

when the king's commandment and his decree drew near to be put in
execution;
even both his commandments and decrees, the one empowering the enemies of the Jews on that day to destroy them, and the other empowering the Jews to act both defensively and offensively against their enemies:

in the day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to have power over them;
by virtue of the first decree of the king; and notwithstanding the second, they might hope to have it because of their superior numbers:

though it was turned to the contrary, that the Jews had rule over them
that hated them;
it proved the reverse, partly through the second decree in favour of the Jews, and partly through the fear of them that fell upon their enemies; because the court was on their side, and the officers everywhere, and especially their God filled them with courage, and their enemies with terror.

Esther 9:1 In-Context

1 Now in the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar, on the thirteenth day of the same, when the king's command and edict were about to be carried out, on the very day when the enemies of the Jews hoped to gain the mastery over them, the reverse occurred: the Jews gained mastery over those who hated them.

2 The Jews gathered in their cities throughout all the provinces of King Ahasuerus to lay hands on those who sought their harm. And no one could stand against them, for the fear of them had fallen on all peoples.

3 All the officials of the provinces and the satraps and the governors and the royal agents also helped the Jews, for the fear of Mordecai had fallen on them.

4 For Mordecai was great in the king's house, and his fame spread throughout all the provinces, for the man Mordecai grew more and more powerful.

5 The Jews struck all their enemies with the sword, killing and destroying them, and did as they pleased to those who hated them.

Cross References

• 1. Esther 8:12
• 2. ver. 17
• 3. Esther 3:13
• 4. [See Esther 8:12 above]