Esther 8:13

The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province [was] published unto all people, and that the Jews should be ready against that day to avenge themselves on their enemies.

The copy {H6572} of the writing {H3791} for a commandment {H1881} to be given {H5414} in every province {H4082} was published {H1540} unto all people {H5971}, and that the Jews {H3064} should be ready {H6264}{H6259} against that day {H3117} to avenge {H5358} themselves on their enemies {H341}.

A copy of the edict was to be issued as a decree in every province and proclaimed to all the peoples, and the Jews were to be ready on that day to take vengeance against their enemies.

A copy of the text of the edict was to be issued in every province and published to all the people, so that the Jews would be ready on that day to avenge themselves on their enemies.

A copy of the writing, that the decree should be given out in every province, was published unto all the peoples, and that the Jews should be ready against that day to avenge themselves on their enemies.

Esther 8:13 marks a pivotal moment in the Book of Esther, detailing the widespread publication of King Ahasuerus's new decree that reversed Haman's genocidal plot against the Jewish people.

Context

Following the exposure and execution of Haman, the Jewish people were still under threat from Haman's original decree, which mandated their destruction on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, Adar. Because Persian law, once written and sealed with the king's ring, could not be revoked (Esther 8:8), Queen Esther and Mordecai had to devise a new decree that would counteract the first. This verse describes the effective distribution of that counter-edict throughout the vast Persian Empire, ensuring that all people, including the Jews, were aware of its provisions. It empowered the Jews to defend themselves and avenge any attacks.

Key Themes

  • Divine Reversal and Providence: This verse highlights God's sovereignty in turning a situation of impending doom into one of deliverance. What was intended for destruction became an opportunity for the Jewish people to defend themselves and their honor. It's a powerful illustration of how God can turn evil intentions for good.
  • Empowerment for Self-Defense: The new decree did not revoke the original one but granted the Jews the right to assemble, stand for their lives, and destroy those who attacked them. This was a crucial authorization for survival, preventing widespread massacre and laying the groundwork for the events recounted in Esther chapter 9.
  • Justice and Retribution: The phrase "to avenge themselves on their enemies" signifies a legal and divinely sanctioned act of retribution against those who had plotted their annihilation. It was not merely personal revenge but a judicial consequence for those who sought to carry out Haman's wicked agenda.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "avenge themselves" (*naqam*) often carries the connotation of judicial retribution or vindication, rather than mere personal vengeance. In this context, it emphasizes the legal right granted to the Jews to exact justice upon those who had intended them harm, aligning with the concept of a just recompense for a grievous wrong.

Practical Application

Esther 8:13 serves as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness to His people, even when He is not explicitly mentioned in the text. It teaches us about:

  • Hope in Adversity: Even in the face of seemingly insurmountable threats, God can orchestrate a dramatic turnaround.
  • Courageous Action: Esther and Mordecai's courageous intercession led to this decree, reminding us that our actions, guided by God, can bring about significant change.
  • God's Protection: The narrative assures us of God's protective hand over His covenant people, ensuring their preservation despite intense opposition. This historical event is foundational to the Feast of Purim.
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.

  • Revelation 6:10

    And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?

  • Esther 3:14

    The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published unto all people, that they should be ready against that day.

  • Psalms 68:23

    That thy foot may be dipped in the blood of [thine] enemies, [and] the tongue of thy dogs in the same.

  • Psalms 149:6

    ¶ [Let] the high [praises] of God [be] in their mouth, and a twoedged sword in their hand;

  • Psalms 149:9

    To execute upon them the judgment written: this honour have all his saints. Praise ye the LORD.

  • Judges 16:28

    And Samson called unto the LORD, and said, O Lord GOD, remember me, I pray thee, and strengthen me, I pray thee, only this once, O God, that I may be at once avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes.

  • Psalms 37:14

    The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, [and] to slay such as be of upright conversation.

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