Esther 9

Esther 9:1-19

As both decrees continued in force, we have here, 1. The contempt and victory of the Jews over their enemies on the appointed day, vers. 1—19. 2. The memory of it preserved by an annual feast, vers. 20—32.

1. NOW in the twelfth month (that is the month Aidar) on the thirteenth day of the same, when the king’s commandment and his decree drew near to be put in execution, in the day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to have power over them, (though it was turned to the contrary, that the Jews had rule over them that hated them). 2. The Jews gathered themselves together in their cities throughout all the provinces of the king Ahafuerus, to lay hand on such as fought their hurt; and no man could withstand them: for the fear of them fell upon all the people. 3. And all the rulers of the provinces, and the lieutenants, and the deputies, and officers of the king, helped the Jews: because the fear of Mordecai fell upon them. 4. For Mordecai was great in the king’s house, and his fame went out throughout all the provinces: for this man Mordecai was greater and greater. 5. Thus the Jews’ smote all their enemies with the stroke of the sword, and slaughter and destruction, and did what they would unto those that hated them. 6. And in Shulhan the palace the Jews flew and destroyed five hundred men. 7. And Parthandatha, and Dalphon, and Alipatha, 8. And Poratha, and Adallah, and Aridatha, 9. And Parmatha, and Arifai, and Aridai, and Vajeazatha, 10. The ten sons of Haman, the son of Hammadatha, the enemy of the Jews, flew they; but on the spoil laid they not their hand. 11. On that day the number of those that were slain in Shulhan the palace, was brought before the king. 12. ¶ And the king said unto Esther the queen, The Jews have slain and destroyed five hundred men in Shulhan the palace, and the ten sons of Haman; what have they done in the rest of the king’s provinces? now what is thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: or what is thy request for thee? and it shall be done. 13. Then said Esther, If it please the king, let it be granted to the Jews which are in Shulhan, to do to morrow also according unto this day’s decree, and let Haman’s ten sons be hanged upon the gallows. 14. And the king commanded it so to be done; and the decree was given at Shulhan, and they hanged Haman’s ten sons. 15. For the Jews that were in Shulhan, gathered themselves together on the fourteenth day also of the month Aidar,

and Before Chall of = Vir. 10. Phil. xli. 3. Deut. vii. 11, 14. Chap. 10, 11. Neb. viii. 12, 13. and flavi there humbled men at Shufan; but “or the prey they laid not their hand. 16. But the other Jews that were in the king’s provinces, gathered themselves together, and flood for their lives, and had rest from their enemies, and flow of their foes’ leewing and five thousand; but they laid not their hands on the prey. 17. On the thirteenth day of the month Adar, and on the fourteenth day of the same, reflect day, and made it a day of feasting and gladness. 18. But the Jews that were at Shufan, assembled together on the thirteenth day thereof, and on the fourteenth thereof; and on the fifteenth day of the same they rested, and made it a day of feasting and gladness. 19. Therefore the Jews of the villages, that dwelt in the unsealed towns, made the fourteenth day of the month Adar, “a day of gladness and feasting, and a good day, and of ‘sending portions one to another. The day now approached when the great controverly between the Jews and their enemies must be decided; both being countenanced by law, and therefore at full liberty to use their utmost efforts. 1. The enemies of the Jews, not discouraged by the repuls their chieftain had met with, prepared to revenge his death. The sons of Haman and his friends supported the faction, and hoped by numbers still to crush these feeble Jews, notwithhanding the hand of God so evidently had appeared for their protection. Note, (1.) God often infatuates his enemies to their own destruction. (2.) Chillinate revenge is dead to admonition. 2. The Jews assembled in their own defence; not desiring bloodthirst, but prepared to repel force by force. Note, Though some injuries must be born submissively, it is often both lawful and becoming to stand up in self-defence. 3. The governors of the provinces assisted them. By these opposites decrees left at liberty, they chose to side with those who had now evidently the king’s ear and favour; Mordecai’s greatness overrued them; and as through him they could only now hope for advancement, they will carry favour with his friends. Note, Many are friends to God’s people for the sake of advantage, who have no regard for their religion. 4. The consequence of the contest was a decisive victory, in favour of the Jews. God had struck their enemies with a panic, so that though they assembled themselves, it was only as fluffy for the slaughter. Seventy-five thousand of their sons fell in the different provinces, on the 13th of Adar, and even in the royal city Shufan five hundred, together with Haman’s ten sons; who, whilst they fought to avenge their father, perished in the strange. The 14th, the Jews every where rested, and kept a great feast for their deliverance, except at Shufan; where, at Either’s request, the ten sons of Haman were hanged as correces, and another day was given the Jews to be avenged of their enemies, and execute God’s judgments on the inveterate loss of his church and people. Three hundred more were shall on that day, and then they rested also on the 15th, and kept a feast with great gladness. The food of their enemies, though given them for a prey, they nobly refused; as they aimed at nothing but self-preservation, and rather chose to recommend themselves to the king’s favour, by leaving it to go into the royal treasury, than they enrich themselves. Note, (1.) The people of God should ever appear disinterested. (2.) God’s rich America demand our passion, and should warm our hearts with love and joy. Phil. Hearst. 6. 2. Neb. vii. 3b. Phil. xci. 11. Neb. viii. 10.