Esther 9:16
Esther 9:16 in Multiple Translations
The rest of the Jews in the royal provinces also assembled to defend themselves and rid themselves of their enemies. They killed 75,000 who hated them, but they did not lay a hand on the plunder.
But the other Jews that were in the king’s provinces gathered themselves together, and stood for their lives, and had rest from their enemies, and slew of their foes seventy and five thousand, but they laid not their hands on the prey,
And the other Jews that were in the king’s provinces gathered themselves together, and stood for their lives, and had rest from their enemies, and slew of them that hated them seventy and five thousand; but on the spoil they laid not their hand.
And the other Jews in every division of the kingdom came together, fighting for their lives, and got salvation from their haters and put seventy-five thousand of them to death; but they did not put a hand on their goods.
The other Jews in the king's provinces also gathered to defend themselves and get rid of their enemies. They killed 75,000 who hated them, but did not touch their possessions.
And the rest of the Iewes that were in the Kings prouinces assembled themselues, and stood for their liues, and had rest from their enemies, and slewe of them that hated them, seuentie and fiue thousand: but they layd not their hand on the spoyle.
And the rest of the Jews, who [are] in the provinces of the king, have been assembled, even to stand for their life, and to rest from their enemies, and to slay among those hating them five and seventy thousand, and on the prey they have not put forth their hand;
The other Jews who were in the king’s provinces gathered themselves together, defended their lives, had rest from their enemies, and killed seventy-five thousand of those who hated them; but they didn’t lay their hand on the plunder.
But the other Jews that were in the king's provinces assembled, and stood for their lives, and had rest from their enemies, and slew of their foes seventy and five thousand, (but they laid not their hands on the prey.)
Moreover through all the provinces which were subject to the king’s dominion the Jews stood for their lives, and slew their enemies and persecutors: insomuch that the number of them that were Billed amounted to seventy-five thousand, and no man took any of their goods.
That happened on March 8th. On the following day, the Jews in Susa rested and celebrated. In all the other provinces, the Jewish people gathered together to defend themselves, and they killed 75,000 people who hated them, but again they did not take the things that belonged to the people whom they killed.
Berean Amplified Bible — Esther 9:16
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Esther 9:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וּ/שְׁאָ֣ר
הַ/יְּהוּדִ֡ים
אֲשֶׁר֩
בִּ/מְדִינ֨וֹת
הַ/מֶּ֜לֶךְ
נִקְהֲל֣וּ
וְ/עָמֹ֣ד
עַל
נַפְשָׁ֗/ם
וְ/נ֨וֹחַ֙
מֵ/אֹ֣יְבֵי/הֶ֔ם
וְ/הָרֹג֙
בְּ/שֹׂ֣נְאֵי/הֶ֔ם
חֲמִשָּׁ֥ה
וְ/שִׁבְעִ֖ים
אָ֑לֶף
וּ/בַ֨/בִּזָּ֔ה
לֹ֥א
שָֽׁלְח֖וּ
אֶת
יָדָֽ/ם
וּ/שְׁאָ֣ר
shᵉʼâr
H7605
remnant
Conj | N-ms
הַ/יְּהוּדִ֡ים
Yᵉhûwdîy
H3064
of Judah
Art | Ngmpa
אֲשֶׁר֩
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
בִּ/מְדִינ֨וֹת
mᵉdîynâh
H4082
province
Prep | N-fp
הַ/מֶּ֜לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
נִקְהֲל֣וּ
qâhal
H6950
to gather
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
וְ/עָמֹ֣ד
ʻâmad
H5975
to stand
Conj | V-Qal-Ptc
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
נַפְשָׁ֗/ם
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs | Suff
וְ/נ֨וֹחַ֙
nûwach
H5118
rest
Conj | V-Qal-Ptc
מֵ/אֹ֣יְבֵי/הֶ֔ם
ʼôyêb
H341
enemy
Prep | V-Qal | Suff
וְ/הָרֹג֙
hârag
H2026
to kill
Conj | V-Qal-Ptc
בְּ/שֹׂ֣נְאֵי/הֶ֔ם
sânêʼ
H8130
to hate
Prep | V-Qal | Suff
חֲמִשָּׁ֥ה
châmêsh
H2568
five
Adj
וְ/שִׁבְעִ֖ים
shibʻîym
H7657
seventy
Conj | Adj
אָ֑לֶף
ʼeleph
H505
thousand
Adj
וּ/בַ֨/בִּזָּ֔ה
bizzâh
H961
plunder
Conj | Prep | N-fs
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
שָֽׁלְח֖וּ
shâlach
H7971
to send
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
יָדָֽ/ם
yâd
H3027
hand
N-cs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Esther 9:16
וּ/שְׁאָ֣ר
shᵉʼâr
H7605
"remnant"
Conj | N-ms
A remnant or remainder, like the surviving Israelites in 2 Kings 19:4. It represents what is left after a disaster or judgment, as seen in Isaiah 10:20. This word is used to describe the faithful few.
Definition: rest, residue, remnant, remainder Aramaic equivalent: she.ar (שְׁאָר "remainder" H7606)
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] other, remnant, residue, rest. See also: 1 Chronicles 11:8; Isaiah 10:19; Isaiah 10:20.
הַ/יְּהוּדִ֡ים
Yᵉhûwdîy
H3064
"of Judah"
Art | Ngmpa
This term refers to people from the tribe of Judah, including Judah himself, who was the son of Israel and Leah. It is used to describe the descendants of Judah, who are also known as Jews.
Definition: People descended from Judah, living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.35; son of: Israel (H3478) and Leah (H3812); brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); half-brother of: Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); married to Bath-shua (H1323I) and Tamar (H8559); father of: Er (H6147), Onan (H0209), Shelah (H7956), Perez (H6557) and Zerah (H2226I) Group of ye.hu.dah (יְהוּדָה "Judah" H3063) § Jew
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: Jew. See also: 2 Kings 16:6; Esther 8:17; Jeremiah 32:12.
אֲשֶׁר֩
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
בִּ/מְדִינ֨וֹת
mᵉdîynâh
H4082
"province"
Prep | N-fp
Means a province or district, referring to a region or jurisdiction, like a judgeship or area ruled by a judge.
Definition: 1) province, district 1a) district 1b) province Aramaic equivalent: me.di.nah (מְדִינָה "province" H4083)
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: ([idiom] every) province. See also: 1 Kings 20:14; Esther 8:5; Daniel 11:24.
הַ/מֶּ֜לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
נִקְהֲל֣וּ
qâhal
H6950
"to gather"
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
To gather people together, often for a special purpose like worship or war, as seen in Exodus and Numbers.
Definition: 1) to assemble, gather 1a) (Niphal) to assemble 1a1) for religious reasons 1a2) for political reasons 1b) (Hiphil) to summon an assembly 1b1) for war, judgment 1b2) for religious purposes Also means: qa.lah (קָלַהּ "to gather" H7035)
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: assemble (selves) (together), gather (selves) (together). See also: Exodus 32:1; 2 Samuel 20:14; Jeremiah 26:9.
וְ/עָמֹ֣ד
ʻâmad
H5975
"to stand"
Conj | V-Qal-Ptc
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
נַפְשָׁ֗/ם
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
וְ/נ֨וֹחַ֙
nûwach
H5118
"rest"
Conj | V-Qal-Ptc
This Hebrew word means a place of rest, like a quiet spot to relax. It appears in the Bible as a resting place. In Genesis, it describes a peaceful location.
Definition: resting place Another spelling of me.nu.chah (מְנוּחָה "resting" H4496H)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: rest(-ed, -ing place). See also: 2 Chronicles 6:41; Esther 9:16.
מֵ/אֹ֣יְבֵי/הֶ֔ם
ʼôyêb
H341
"enemy"
Prep | V-Qal | Suff
This Hebrew word means enemy or adversary, referring to someone who hates or opposes another person or nation. It is used to describe personal or national enemies in the Bible.
Definition: 1) (Qal) enemy 1a) personal 1b) national
Usage: Occurs in 275 OT verses. KJV: enemy, foe. See also: Genesis 22:17; 2 Samuel 22:1; Psalms 3:8.
וְ/הָרֹג֙
hârag
H2026
"to kill"
Conj | V-Qal-Ptc
To kill or slay with intent, as seen in the Bible when God instructs the Israelites to destroy certain nations. This word is used in various forms, including to murder or destroy. It appears in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy.
Definition: 1) to kill, slay, murder, destroy, murderer, slayer, out of hand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to kill, slay 1a2) to destroy, ruin 1b) (Niphal) to be killed 1c) (Pual) to be killed, be slain
Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: destroy, out of hand, kill, murder(-er), put to (death), make (slaughter), slay(-er), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 4:8; 2 Kings 8:12; Psalms 10:8.
בְּ/שֹׂ֣נְאֵי/הֶ֔ם
sânêʼ
H8130
"to hate"
Prep | V-Qal | Suff
To hate means to feel intense dislike or hostility, as seen in the actions of enemies or foes in the Bible. It can also describe God's hatred of sin.
Definition: 1) to hate, be hateful 1a) (Qal) to hate 1a1) of man 1a2) of God 1a3) hater, one hating, enemy (participle) (subst) 1b) (Niphal) to be hated 1c) (Piel) hater (participle) 1c1) of persons, nations, God, wisdom Aramaic equivalent: se.ne (שְׂנָא "to hate" H8131)
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: enemy, foe, (be) hate(-ful, -r), odious, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 24:60; Psalms 50:17; Psalms 5:6.
חֲמִשָּׁ֥ה
châmêsh
H2568
"five"
Adj
This Hebrew word simply means the number five. It is used throughout the Bible to describe quantities of five, such as five loaves of bread in Matthew 14:17. It can also mean a multiple of five.
Definition: 1) five 1a) five (cardinal number) 1b) a multiple of five (with another number) 1c) fifth (ordinal number)
Usage: Occurs in 272 OT verses. KJV: fif(-teen), fifth, five ([idiom] apiece). See also: Genesis 5:6; Numbers 31:45; Ezra 2:66.
וְ/שִׁבְעִ֖ים
shibʻîym
H7657
"seventy"
Conj | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means the number seventy, like the seventy disciples Jesus sent out in Luke 10:1. It appears in phrases like threescore and ten. The KJV Bible uses it to describe groups of seventy people.
Definition: seventy
Usage: Occurs in 90 OT verses. KJV: seventy, threescore and ten ([phrase] -teen). See also: Genesis 4:24; Judges 9:2; Psalms 90:10.
אָ֑לֶף
ʼeleph
H505
"thousand"
Adj
A thousand, as in Exodus 20:6 where God shows love to thousands of people. It represents a large number or a company of people under one leader, like an army or a group of soldiers.
Definition: : thousand 1) a thousand 1a) as numeral 2) a thousand, company 2a) as a company of men under one leader, troops
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: thousand. See also: Genesis 20:16; Joshua 3:4; 2 Kings 18:23.
וּ/בַ֨/בִּזָּ֔ה
bizzâh
H961
"plunder"
Conj | Prep | N-fs
In the Bible, this word means to take something by force, like plunder or booty, often referring to war spoils. It appears in Exodus and Isaiah, describing the aftermath of battles. The KJV translates it as prey or spoil.
Definition: spoil, booty
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: prey, spoil. See also: 2 Chronicles 14:13; Esther 9:10; Daniel 11:33.
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
שָֽׁלְח֖וּ
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
יָדָֽ/ם
yâd
H3027
"hand"
N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
Study Notes — Esther 9:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Esther 9:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Esther 9:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Esther 9:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Esther 9:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Esther 9:16
- Barnes' Notes on Esther 9:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Esther 9:16
- Sermons on Esther 9:16
Context — Haman’s Sons Hanged
14So the king commanded that this be done. An edict was issued in Susa, and they hanged the ten sons of Haman.
15On the fourteenth day of the month of Adar, the Jews in Susa came together again and put to death three hundred men there, but they did not lay a hand on the plunder.
16The rest of the Jews in the royal provinces also assembled to defend themselves and rid themselves of their enemies. They killed 75,000 who hated them, but they did not lay a hand on the plunder.
17This was done on the thirteenth day of the month of Adar, and on the fourteenth day they rested, making it a day of feasting and joy. 18The Jews in Susa, however, had assembled on the thirteenth and the fourteenth days of the month. So they rested on the fifteenth day, making it a day of feasting and joy.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Esther 8:11 | By these letters the king permitted the Jews in each and every city the right to assemble and defend themselves, to destroy, kill, and annihilate all the forces of any people or province hostile to them, including women and children, and to plunder their possessions. |
| 2 | Esther 9:2 | In each of the provinces of King Xerxes, the Jews assembled in their cities to attack those who sought to harm them. No man could withstand them, because the fear of them had fallen upon all peoples. |
| 3 | Leviticus 26:7–8 | You will pursue your enemies, and they will fall by the sword before you. Five of you will pursue a hundred, and a hundred of you will pursue ten thousand, and your enemies will fall by the sword before you. |
Esther 9:16 Summary
This verse, Esther 9:16, tells us that the Jews in the royal provinces came together to defend themselves against their enemies and were able to overcome them. The Jews were able to do this because they had been given permission by the king and were able to trust in God's power to protect them, as seen in Esther 8:11 and Psalms 121:1-2. The fact that they did not take any plunder from their enemies shows that their focus was on survival and protection, rather than gaining wealth or material goods. This reminds us that, as believers, we must also trust in God's power to defend us and provide for us, even in difficult circumstances, as seen in Philippians 4:19.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Jews in the royal provinces assemble to defend themselves?
The Jews assembled to defend themselves because they were under threat from their enemies, as seen in Esther 9:16, and they were given permission by King Ahasuerus to do so, as stated in Esther 8:11 and Esther 9:14.
How many people did the Jews kill in the royal provinces?
According to Esther 9:16, the Jews killed 75,000 people who hated them in the royal provinces.
Why did the Jews not take any plunder from their enemies?
The Jews did not take any plunder from their enemies, as seen in Esther 9:16, because they were focused on defending themselves and eliminating the threat, rather than gaining material wealth, which is also seen in Esther 9:15.
What can we learn from the Jews' actions in this verse?
We can learn from the Jews' actions that sometimes, as believers, we must take a stand against our enemies and trust in God's power to defend us, as seen in Psalms 27:1-3 and 2 Corinthians 1:8-10.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can defend myself against spiritual enemies, and how can I trust in God's power to protect me?
- How can I balance the need to defend myself with the command to love my enemies, as seen in Matthew 5:44?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to take a stand against evil or injustice, and how can I do so in a way that honors God?
- How can I remember to trust in God's power and provision, even in the face of overwhelming odds or threats, as seen in Esther 9:16 and 2 Chronicles 20:12?
Gill's Exposition on Esther 9:16
But the other Jews that were in the king's provinces gathered themselves together,.... In a body, in their respective provinces and cities: and stood for their lives; defended themselves against
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Esther 9:16
And the king commanded it so to be done: and the decree was given at Shushan; and they hanged Haman's ten sons. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on Esther 9:16
Esther 9:16 But the other Jews that [were] in the king’ s provinces gathered themselves together, and stood for their lives, and had rest from their enemies, and slew of their foes seventy and five thousand, but they laid not their hands on the prey,Ver. 16. But the other Jews that were, &c.] Though they were but a nation, scattered and peeled, a contemptible and feeble folk, lately destined to destruction; yet by faith they subdue kingdoms, escape the edge of the sword, out of weakness become strong, wax valiant in fight, turn to flight whole armies of the aliens, Hebrews 11:33-34, prevail and prosper against all the malignant power of Persia: thus were they helped with a little help (as it is, Daniel 11:34), that God might have a great deal of glory, as indeed he had. Gathered themselves together] United their forces, as Esther 9:2, which while our ancestors (the old Britons) did not against the Romans who invaded them, they were easily and quickly conquered. Et dum pugnabant singuli vincebantur universi, And while they fought by themselves, they were all conquored. saith Tacitus, who was here, with his father-in-law, Agricola, an eye-witness of what he writeth. And stood for their lives] Not one whereof was lost in this hot encounter, in this sharp revenge they took off their avowed enemies. This was even a miracle of God’ smercy: "Who would not fear thee, O King of nations," &c. And had rest from their enemies] Or, That they might have rest from their enemies; who would not otherwise be quieted, but by the letting out of their life-blood; but would make an assault upon the harmless Jews, though it were to die for it; so that upon the matter they were their own deathsmen, besides the wilful loss of their immortal souls, which our Saviour showeth, Matthew 16:26, to be a loss, 1. Incomparable, 2. Irreparable. And slew of their foes seventy and five thousand] Neither was it any dishonour to them to be God Almighty’ s slaughtermen.
Even the good angels are executioners of God’ s righteous judgments, as they were at Sodom, in Sennacherib’ s army, and oft in the Revelation. There cannot be a better or more noble act than to do justice upon obstinate malefactors. But they laid not their hands on the prey] They would not once foul their fingers therewith. No godly man in Scripture is taxed for covetousness, that sordid sin.
Ellicott's Commentary on Esther 9:16
(16) Seventy and five thousand.—The number as given in the LXX. is fifteen thousand, perhaps a more probable number. On the whole history, Bishop Wordsworth well remarks, “It shows the recklessness of human life, even of their own subjects, which then prevailed among the sovereigns of the most celebrated nations of the Eastern world; and it displays the ruinous consequences which would have resulted to human civilisation if Ahasuerus (Xerxes) had been victorious at Salamis. If Greece had not triumphed in that struggle with Asia, Oriental ruthlessness and Oriental polygamy might have become dominant in the West, and greater difficulties would have obstructed the progress of civilisation and Christianity. The Book of Esther reveals to us that the hand of God wrought for the deliverance of mankind at the Straits of Salamis, and on the banks of the Asopus at Platæa, as well as for the preservation of the Jews in the provinces of Persia.”
Barnes' Notes on Esther 9:16
Seventy and five thousand - The Septuagint gives the number as 15,000; and this amount seems more in proportion to the 800 slain in Susa.
Whedon's Commentary on Esther 9:16
16. And had rest from their enemies — The position of these words in the middle of the verse is noticeably strange.
Sermons on Esther 9:16
| Sermon | Description | |
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It Ends With Me! Breaking Bloodline Curses by Vlad Savchuk | Vlad Savchuk delivers a powerful message on breaking generational curses, emphasizing that many struggles stem from ancestral demons that are passed down through family lines. He p |
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Willing in the Day of Power by Carter Conlon | This sermon emphasizes the importance of being willing in the day of God's power, calling for a readiness to step out in faith and experience freedom, healing, and vision from God. |