Esther 3:13

And the letters were sent by posts into all the king's provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day, [even] upon the thirteenth [day] of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, and [to take] the spoil of them for a prey.

And the letters {H5612} were sent {H7971} by {H3027} posts {H7323} into all the king's {H4428} provinces {H4082}, to destroy {H8045}, to kill {H2026}, and to cause to perish {H6}, all Jews {H3064}, both young {H5288} and old {H2205}, little children {H2945} and women {H802}, in one {H259} day {H3117}, even upon the thirteenth {H7969}{H6240} day of the twelfth {H8147}{H6240} month {H2320}, which is the month {H2320} Adar {H143}, and to take the spoil {H7998} of them for a prey {H962}.

Letters were sent by courier to all the royal provinces "to destroy, kill and exterminate all Jews, from young to old, including small children and women, on a specific day, the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar, and to seize their goods as plunder."

And the letters were sent by couriers to each of the royal provinces with the order to destroy, kill, and annihilate all the Jews—young and old, women and children—and to plunder their possessions on a single day, the thirteenth day of Adar, the twelfth month.

And letters were sent by posts into all the king’s provinces, to destroy, to slay, and to cause to perish, all Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day, even upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, and to take the spoil of them for a prey.

Esther 3:13 describes the chilling details of the decree issued by Haman, the antagonist in the book of Esther, for the annihilation of the Jewish people throughout the vast Persian Empire. This verse marks a critical turning point, escalating Haman's personal vendetta into a full-scale genocidal plot.

Context of Haman's Decree

Following Mordecai's refusal to bow down to Haman, Haman's pride was so wounded that he sought not only to destroy Mordecai but to eradicate his entire people. He cast lots (Pur) to determine an auspicious day for this mass extermination (Esther 3:7). Having secured King Ahasuerus's approval and the royal seal (Esther 3:10), Haman wasted no time in dispatching the edict.

The "posts" refer to the highly efficient royal messenger system of Persia, capable of rapidly delivering official decrees across the empire's 127 provinces. This system ensured that Haman's terrible order would reach every corner, setting the stage for a coordinated, widespread act of violence against the Jews.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Genocidal Intent: The verse explicitly details the horrific scope of Haman's plan: "to destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all Jews, both young and old, little children and women." This was a comprehensive plan for ethnic cleansing, leaving no one alive.
  • Vulnerability of the Innocent: The inclusion of "little children and women" highlights the utter ruthlessness of the decree, targeting the most defenseless members of society. It underscores the profound threat faced by the Jewish community.
  • Anti-Semitism's Early Manifestation: This decree is one of the earliest and most vivid biblical accounts of organized anti-Jewish hatred, driven by prejudice and a desire for total annihilation. It serves as a stark reminder of the enduring nature of such animosity throughout history.
  • The Lure of Spoil: The clause "and to take the spoil of them for a prey" was a chilling incentive, encouraging the general populace to participate in the massacre by promising them the victims' possessions. This element reveals Haman's cunning in manipulating human greed.
  • Divine Providence (Implicit): While the decree itself is a testament to human malice, the specific date chosen (the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, Adar) becomes highly significant later in the narrative. It is on this very day that the Jews are miraculously delivered, underscoring the subtle yet powerful hand of divine providence at work behind the scenes, even when God's name is not explicitly mentioned in the book of Esther.

Linguistic Insight

The Hebrew terms translated as "destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish" (לְהַשְׁמִיד, לַהֲרֹג, וּלְאַבֵּד - lehashmid, laharog, ule'abbed) are strong, overlapping verbs that collectively emphasize the absolute and total nature of the intended annihilation. They paint a picture of utter devastation, leaving no remnant.

Practical Application

Esther 3:13 serves as a powerful reminder of:

  • The dangers of unchecked hatred and prejudice, which can escalate into horrific acts.
  • The importance of vigilance against injustice and the need to stand up for the vulnerable.
  • The reality of spiritual warfare, where forces of evil seek to destroy God's people and His purposes.
  • The enduring hope in God's sovereignty, even when circumstances appear bleak and His intervention seems hidden. The ultimate reversal of this decree, leading to the feast of Purim, is a testament to God's faithfulness in protecting His covenant people (Esther 9:20-22).
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Esther 9:10

    The ten sons of Haman the son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews, slew they; but on the spoil laid they not their hand.

  • 2 Chronicles 30:6

    So the posts went with the letters from the king and his princes throughout all Israel and Judah, and according to the commandment of the king, saying, Ye children of Israel, turn again unto the LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, and he will return to the remnant of you, that are escaped out of the hand of the kings of Assyria.

  • 1 Samuel 15:3

    Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass.

  • Esther 8:10

    And he wrote in the king Ahasuerus' name, and sealed [it] with the king's ring, and sent letters by posts on horseback, [and] riders on mules, camels, [and] young dromedaries:

  • Esther 8:14

    [So] the posts that rode upon mules [and] camels went out, being hastened and pressed on by the king's commandment. And the decree was given at Shushan the palace.

  • James 2:13

    For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.

  • Romans 3:15

    Their feet [are] swift to shed blood:

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