Esther 9:1

The Jews Win the Battle Over Their Enemies

1 The king's order had to be carried out on the 13th day of the 12th month. That was the month of Adar. On that day the enemies of the Jews had hoped to win the battle over them. But now everything had changed. The Jews had gained the advantage 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 The king's order had to be carried out on the 13th day of the 12th month. That was the month of Adar. On that day the enemies of the Jews had hoped to win the battle over them. But now everything had changed. The Jews had gained the advantage over those who hated them.

2 The Jews gathered together in their cities. They gathered in all of the territories King Xerxes ruled over. They came together to attack those who were trying to destroy them. No one could stand up against them. The people from all of the other nations were afraid of them.

3 All of the nobles in the territories helped the Jews. So did the royal officials, the governors and the king's officers. That's because they were so afraid of Mordecai.

4 He was well known in the palace. His fame spread all through the territories. So he became more and more important.

5 The Jews struck down all of their enemies with swords. They killed them and destroyed them. They did what they pleased to those who hated them.