Esther 9:20
Esther 9:20 in Multiple Translations
Mordecai recorded these events and sent letters to all the Jews in all the provinces of King Xerxes, both near and far,
¶ And Mordecai wrote these things, and sent letters unto all the Jews that were in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, both nigh and far,
And Mordecai wrote these things, and sent letters unto all the Jews that were in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, both nigh and far,
And Mordecai sent letters to all the Jews in every division of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, near and far,
Mordecai recorded these events and sent letters to all the Jews throughout the provinces ruled by King Xerxes, near and far,
And Mordecai wrote these words, and sent letters vnto all the Iewes that were through all the prouinces of the King Ahashuerosh, both neere and farre,
And Mordecai writeth these things, and sendeth letters unto all the Jews who [are] in all provinces of the king Ahasuerus, who are near and who are far off,
Mordecai wrote these things, and sent letters to all the Jews who were in all the provinces of the King Ahasuerus, both near and far,
And Mordecai wrote these things, and sent letters to all the Jews that were in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, both nigh and far,
And Mardochai wrote all these things, and sent them comprised in letters to the Jews that abode in all the king’s provinces, both those that lay near and those afar off,
Mordecai wrote down all the things that had happened. Then he sent letters to the Jews who lived throughout the empire of King Xerxes.
Berean Amplified Bible — Esther 9:20
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 9:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּכְתֹּ֣ב
מָרְדֳּכַ֔י
אֶת
הַ/דְּבָרִ֖ים
הָ/אֵ֑לֶּה
וַ/יִּשְׁלַ֨ח
סְפָרִ֜ים
אֶל
כָּל
הַ/יְּהוּדִ֗ים
אֲשֶׁר֙
בְּ/כָל
מְדִינוֹת֙
הַ/מֶּ֣לֶךְ
אֲחַשְׁוֵר֔וֹשׁ
הַ/קְּרוֹבִ֖ים
וְ/הָ/רְחוֹקִֽים
וַ/יִּכְתֹּ֣ב
kâthab
H3789
to write
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מָרְדֳּכַ֔י
Mordᵉkay
H4782
Mordecai
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/דְּבָרִ֖ים
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
Art | N-mp
הָ/אֵ֑לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
these
Art | Pron
וַ/יִּשְׁלַ֨ח
shâlach
H7971
to send
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
סְפָרִ֜ים
çêpher
H5612
scroll
N-mp
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
הַ/יְּהוּדִ֗ים
Yᵉhûwdîy
H3064
of Judah
Art | Ngmpa
אֲשֶׁר֙
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
בְּ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
מְדִינוֹת֙
mᵉdîynâh
H4082
province
N-fp
הַ/מֶּ֣לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
אֲחַשְׁוֵר֔וֹשׁ
ʼĂchashvêrôwsh
H325
Ahasuerus
N-proper
הַ/קְּרוֹבִ֖ים
qârôwb
H7138
near
Art | Adj
וְ/הָ/רְחוֹקִֽים
râchôwq
H7350
distant
Conj | Art | Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Esther 9:20
וַ/יִּכְתֹּ֣ב
kâthab
H3789
"to write"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To write or record something, including inscribing or engraving. It is used in various contexts, such as writing down a decree or subscribing to an agreement. This word is about putting thoughts or ideas into written form.
Definition: 1) to write, record, enrol 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to write, inscribe, engrave, write in, write on 1a2) to write down, describe in writing 1a3) to register, enrol, record 1a4) to decree 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be written 1b2) to be written down, be recorded, be enrolled 1c) (Piel) to continue writing Aramaic equivalent: ke.tav (כְּתַב "to write" H3790)
Usage: Occurs in 212 OT verses. KJV: describe, record, prescribe, subscribe, write(-ing, -ten). See also: Exodus 17:14; 1 Chronicles 9:1; Psalms 40:8.
מָרְדֳּכַ֔י
Mordᵉkay
H4782
"Mordecai"
N-proper
Mordecai was a brave Israelite who lived during the Exile and Return, and is known for saving the Jews from Haman's plot with Queen Esther's help. He's also the cousin and adoptive father of Esther.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Est.2.5; son of: Jair (H2971J) § Mordecai = "little man" or "worshipper of Mars" 1) cousin and adoptive father of queen Esther; son of Jair of the tribe of Benjamin; deliverer under Divine providence of the children of Israel from the destruction plotted by Haman the chief minister of Ahasuerus; institutor of the feast of Purim 2) a Jew who returned from exile with Zerubbabel
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: Mordecai. See also: Ezra 2:2; Esther 4:17; Esther 10:3.
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.
הַ/דְּבָרִ֖ים
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
Art | N-mp
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
הָ/אֵ֑לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
"these"
Art | Pron
This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.
Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)
Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.
וַ/יִּשְׁלַ֨ח
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
סְפָרִ֜ים
çêpher
H5612
"scroll"
N-mp
This word means a written document, like a scroll or book, used to record important events or messages. It appears in books like Isaiah and Matthew, referring to written records.
Definition: : document 1) missive, document, writing, book 1a) missive 1a1) letter (of instruction), written order, commission, request, written decree 1b) legal document, certificate of divorce, deed of purchase, indictment, sign 1c) book, scroll 1c1) book of prophecies 1c2) genealogical register 1c3) law-book 1c4) book (of poems) 1c5) book (of kings) 1c6) books of the canon, scripture 1c7) record book (of God) 1d) book-learning, writing 1d1) be able to read (after verb 'to know')
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: bill, book, evidence, [idiom] learn(-ed) (-ing), letter, register, scroll. See also: Genesis 5:1; 2 Chronicles 17:9; Psalms 40:8.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הַ/יְּהוּדִ֗ים
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.
אֲשֶׁר֙
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.
בְּ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
מְדִינוֹת֙
mᵉdîynâh
H4082
"province"
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/מֶּ֣לֶךְ
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.
אֲחַשְׁוֵר֔וֹשׁ
ʼĂchashvêrôwsh
H325
"Ahasuerus"
N-proper
Ahasuerus, also known as Xerxes, was a powerful king of Persia who ruled during the time of the Israelites' exile. He's mentioned in the book of Ezra and is known for his marriage to Vashti and his role in biblical history. Ahasuerus played a significant part in shaping the fate of the Israelites.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Ezr.4.6; married to Vashti (H2060); father of: Darius (H1868H) § Ahasuerus = "I will be silent and poor" title of the king of Persia, probably Xerxes
Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: Ahasuerus. See also: Ezra 4:6; Esther 3:7; Daniel 9:1.
הַ/קְּרוֹבִ֖ים
qârôwb
H7138
"near"
Art | Adj
This Hebrew word means near, describing something close in place, time, or relationship. It is used in the book of Genesis to describe family relationships. The word is used to describe a close connection.
Definition: 1) near 1a) of place 1b) of time 1c) of personal relationship 1c1) kinship
Usage: Occurs in 76 OT verses. KJV: allied, approach, at hand, [phrase] any of kin, kinsfold(-sman), (that is) near (of kin), neighbour, (that is) next, (them that come) nigh (at hand), more ready, short(-ly). See also: Genesis 19:20; Psalms 75:2; Psalms 15:3.
וְ/הָ/רְחוֹקִֽים
râchôwq
H7350
"distant"
Conj | Art | Adj
This Hebrew word means something or someone is far away, either physically or in time. It is often used to describe distant lands or events that happened long ago. In the Bible, it appears in books like Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: adj 1) remote, far, distant, distant lands, distant ones 1a) of distance, time n m 2) distance 2a) from a distance (with prep) Aramaic equivalent: ra.chiq (רְחִיק "far" H7352)
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: (a-) far (abroad, off), long ago, of old, space, great while to come. See also: Genesis 22:4; Psalms 65:6; Psalms 10:1.
Study Notes — Esther 9:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Esther 9:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Esther 9:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Esther 9:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Esther 9:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Esther 9:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Esther 9:20
- Cambridge Bible on Esther 9:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Esther 9:20
- Sermons on Esther 9:20
Context — The Feast of Purim Instituted
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.
19This is why the rural Jews, who live in the villages, observe the fourteenth day of the month of Adar as a day of joy and feasting. It is a holiday for sending gifts to one another.
20Mordecai recorded these events and sent letters to all the Jews in all the provinces of King Xerxes, both near and far,
21to establish among them an annual celebration on the fourteenth and fifteenth days of the month of Adar 22as the days on which the Jews gained rest from their enemies and the month in which their sorrow turned to joy and their mourning into a holiday. He wrote that these were to be days of feasting and joy, of sending gifts to one another and to the poor.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 31:19–22 | Now therefore, write down for yourselves this song and teach it to the Israelites; have them recite it, so that it may be a witness for Me against them. When I have brought them into the land that I swore to give their fathers, a land flowing with milk and honey, they will eat their fill and prosper. Then they will turn to other gods and worship them, and they will reject Me and break My covenant. And when many troubles and afflictions have come upon them, this song will testify against them, because it will not be forgotten from the lips of their descendants. For I know their inclination, even before I bring them into the land that I swore to give them.” So that very day Moses wrote down this song and taught it to the Israelites. |
| 2 | 2 Corinthians 1:10–11 | He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us. In Him we have placed our hope that He will yet again deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the favor shown us in answer to their prayers. |
| 3 | Psalms 145:4–12 | One generation will commend Your works to the next, and will proclaim Your mighty acts— the glorious splendor of Your majesty. And I will meditate on Your wondrous works. They will proclaim the power of Your awesome deeds, and I will declare Your greatness. They will extol the fame of Your abundant goodness and sing joyfully of Your righteousness. The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in loving devotion. The LORD is good to all; His compassion rests on all He has made. All You have made will give You thanks, O LORD, and Your saints will bless You. They will tell of the glory of Your kingdom and speak of Your might, to make known to men Your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of Your kingdom. |
| 4 | Esther 3:12 | On the thirteenth day of the first month, the royal scribes were summoned and the order was written exactly as Haman commanded the royal satraps, the governors of each province, and the officials of each people, in the script of each province and the language of every people. It was written in the name of King Xerxes and sealed with the royal signet ring. |
| 5 | Esther 1:1 | This is what happened in the days of Xerxes, who reigned over 127 provinces from India to Cush. |
| 6 | Esther 1:22 | He sent letters to all the provinces of the kingdom, to each province in its own script and to each people in their own language, proclaiming that every man should be master of his own household. |
| 7 | Psalms 124:1–3 | If the LORD had not been on our side— let Israel now declare— if the LORD had not been on our side when men attacked us, when their anger flared against us, then they would have swallowed us alive, |
| 8 | Exodus 17:14 | Then the LORD said to Moses, “Write this on a scroll as a reminder and recite it to Joshua, because I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven.” |
| 9 | Esther 8:9 | At once the royal scribes were summoned, and on the twenty-third day of the third month (the month of Sivan ), they recorded all of Mordecai’s orders to the Jews and to the satraps, governors, and princes of the 127 provinces from India to Cush —writing to each province in its own script, to every people in their own language, and to the Jews in their own script and language. |
| 10 | 1 Chronicles 16:12 | Remember the wonders He has done, His marvels, and the judgments He has pronounced, |
Esther 9:20 Summary
Esther 9:20 tells us that Mordecai wrote down the events that had just happened and sent letters to all the Jews in the kingdom, so they would know about their deliverance. This was an important way for Mordecai to share the good news with everyone, just like we are called to share the gospel with others, as seen in Matthew 28:19-20. By doing this, Mordecai helped to promote unity and celebration among the Jewish people, and we can learn from his example to do the same in our own lives, by sharing our testimonies and giving thanks to God for His work in our lives, as encouraged in Psalm 107:2.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Mordecai record these events?
Mordecai recorded these events to preserve the history of the Jewish people and to inform all the Jews in the provinces of King Xerxes about their deliverance, as seen in Esther 9:20, similar to how God instructed the Israelites to remember their deliverance from slavery in Deuteronomy 16:3.
What was the purpose of Mordecai sending letters to all the Jews?
The purpose of Mordecai sending letters was to establish a unified celebration among all the Jews, as stated in Esther 9:21, to commemorate their victory over their enemies, and to encourage them to observe the days of feasting and joy, as commanded in Esther 9:22.
How does this verse relate to the overall story of Esther?
This verse is a pivotal part of the story of Esther, as it shows how Mordecai, now in a position of power, uses his influence to promote unity and celebration among the Jewish people, after their deliverance from persecution, as seen in Esther 8:17 and Esther 9:1-19.
What can we learn from Mordecai's actions in this verse?
We can learn the importance of preserving history, promoting unity, and giving thanks to God for our deliverance, as seen in Psalm 107:2, and the value of communicating God's work to others, as encouraged in Psalm 96:3.
Reflection Questions
- How can I, like Mordecai, use my influence to promote unity and celebration among God's people?
- What are some ways I can preserve the history of God's work in my life and share it with others?
- How can I balance the need to remember past struggles with the joy of present deliverance, as seen in Esther 9:20-22?
- What role does gratitude play in my relationship with God, and how can I cultivate a spirit of thankfulness, as expressed in Psalm 100:4-5?
Gill's Exposition on Esther 9:20
And Mordecai wrote these things,.... The transactions of those two days, and the causes of them, as well as the following letter; some conclude from hence that he was the penman of the book; and so
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Esther 9:20
And Mordecai wrote these things, and sent letters unto all the Jews that were in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, both nigh and far, Mordecai wrote these things.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Esther 9:20
Mordecai wrote these things; either, 1. The letters here following. But that is distinctly mentioned in the next words. Or, 2. The history of these things, which was the ground of the feast; which Mordecai knew very well ought to be had in remembrance, and to be told to their children and posterity, through all ages, according to the many commands of God to that purpose, and the constant practice of the holy men of God in such cases.
Trapp's Commentary on Esther 9:20
Esther 9:20 And Mordecai wrote these things, and sent letters unto all the Jews that [were] in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, [both] nigh and far,Ver. 20. And Mordecai wrote these things] He wrote with authority, as a magistrate (say some), that the Jews should keep these days with greatest solemnity. He wrote the relation of these things mentioned before, say others, as the ground of this annual festivity. Or else it may be meant more generally that Mordecai was the penman of the Holy Ghost, in writing this whole Book of Esther, as was before hinted. And sent letters unto all the Jews … both nigh and far] Propinquis et longinquis, near and far, that they might all agree together about the time and manner of praising God; and so sing the great Hallelujah. See 2 Corinthians 1:11 2 Chronicles 20:26-28 Psalms 124:1-2; Psalms 126:1 Psalms 136:1-26, penned for a recorded public form, to praise God among the multitude, Psalms 109:30, and in the great congregation, Psalms 22:22; Psalms 22:25. David would go into the presses of people, and there praise the Lord, Psalms 116:18-19. This was to walk worthy of the Lord, Colossians 1:10. This was to make a proportionable return, for we are God’ s soil, and our thanks his crop.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Esther 9:20
Verse 20. Mordecai wrote these things] It has been supposed that thus far that part of the book of Esther, which was written by Mordecai extends: what follows to the end, was probably added either by Ezra, or the men of the Great Synagogue; though what is said here may refer only to the letters sent by Mordecai to the Jews of the provinces. From this to the end of the chapter is nothing else than a recapitulation of the chief heads of the preceding history, and an account of the appointment of an annual feast, called the feast of Purim, in commemoration of their providential deliverance from the malice of Haman.
Cambridge Bible on Esther 9:20
20–28. Mordecai’s injunctions for the keeping of Purim 20. And Mordecai wrote these things] Mordecai’s position as a Jew, who had attained to the office of grand vizier, seems to have been regarded as giving him, under the circumstances, a right to impose upon the Jews within the king of Persia’s dominions a new annual celebration. It is best to take ‘these things’ to mean so much of the story as appeared needful by way of explanation of the circumstances of the deliverance, as calling for a commemorative festival. We may notice that in this letter, unlike the second (Esther 9:29-32), there is no reference to any but the joyous side of the commemoration.
Whedon's Commentary on Esther 9:20
20. Mordecai wrote these things — Namely, the things or occurrences that transpired throughout the Persian empire on the thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth of Adar.
Sermons on Esther 9:20
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(Gospel in the Book of Esther) 5. Mordecai Speaks Peace to All His People by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the victory of Mordechai and the deliverance of the Jewish people as depicted in the book of Esther. The speaker emphasizes how Mordechai's en |
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Evangelism Conference - Part 2 by Henry Blackaby | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the songs we sing in worship. He shares his experience of being moved to tears by the hymns that describe the mighty deeds |
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The Standing Ordinances of Religion by J.H. Newman | J.H. Newman preaches about the importance of adhering to the Standing Ordinances of Religion, emphasizing the perpetuation of doctrines through ordinances, the embodiment of unseen |
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Thou Art Mine by James K. Boswell | In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing gratitude for the music and hymns that were sung, which he believes will touch the hearts of the listeners. He then recommends two |
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Matthew 6:34 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of not worrying about the future, as highlighted in Matthew 6:34. He explains that both the rich and the poor face the challenge of focusing t |
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On the Character of Paul, as a Man of Prayer. by Thomas Reade | Thomas Reade preaches on the character of Paul as a man of prayer and unbending integrity. He emphasizes the essence of prayer as a cry of the soul, a sign of penitence, and the br |
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Desperate Situations by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman preaches about God's miraculous deliverance in the darkest hours, citing examples from the Bible such as Peter's chains falling off in prison, Paul and Silas bein |