Esther 8:13

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Esther 8:13 details the crucial dissemination of King Ahasuerus's second decree throughout the vast Persian Empire, a counter-edict meticulously crafted by Mordecai and Esther to neutralize Haman's genocidal plot. This pivotal communication ensured that all subjects, particularly the Jewish people, were fully informed of the updated royal mandate, which granted them the unprecedented right to assemble, defend themselves, and exact judicial retribution upon any who dared to attack them on the previously appointed day of destruction.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the dramatic reversal of fortunes in Susa, where Haman has been executed and Mordecai elevated to a position of immense power. However, Haman's original decree, sealed with the king's ring, remained legally binding because Persian law, once issued, was unchangeable, as highlighted in [Esther 8:8](/esther/8-8 "Esther 8:8 - The Unchangeable Persian Law"). Therefore, a new decree was necessary, not to revoke the first, but to empower the intended victims. Esther and Mordecai's ingenious solution was to issue a counter-decree that granted the Jews the right to defend themselves, effectively neutralizing the threat. This verse describes the widespread publication of this life-saving edict, setting the stage for the climactic events of [Esther chapter 9](/esther/9 "Esther 9 - The Day of Jewish Defense and Victory"), where the Jews successfully defended themselves against their enemies.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Persian Empire was vast, stretching from India to Ethiopia, encompassing 127 provinces, as noted in [Esther 8:9](/esther/8-9 "Esther 8:9 - The Scope of the Persian Empire"). Disseminating a royal decree across such an immense territory required an efficient communication system, which the Persians possessed through their extensive network of royal couriers and postal routes. The king's seal (his signet ring) conferred absolute authority, making any decree unchallengeable. The cultural understanding of "avenging themselves" in this context is crucial; it was not merely personal revenge but a divinely and legally sanctioned act of self-defense and judicial retribution against those who had initiated violence and sought their annihilation. This was a unique legal maneuver, demonstrating the king's favor and the extraordinary circumstances under which the Jewish people were granted such a right.
* **Key Themes:** Esther 8:13 powerfully underscores several key themes within the book. Firstly, it exemplifies **Divine Reversal and Providence**, showcasing how God, though unmentioned directly, orchestrates circumstances to turn a situation of impending doom into one of deliverance and triumph. What was intended for the destruction of God's people is miraculously transformed into an opportunity for their vindication, echoing the principle found in [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "God's Redemptive Purpose in Joseph's Suffering") where evil intentions are turned for good. Secondly, the verse highlights **Empowerment for Self-Defense**, granting the Jewish people the legal authority to protect their lives, families, and property. This authorization was critical for their survival and laid the groundwork for the events of [Esther 9:1](/esther/9-1 "Esther 9:1 - The Day of Jewish Victory"). Lastly, it speaks to **Justice and Retribution**, as the phrase "to avenge themselves on their enemies" signifies a legal and divinely sanctioned act of recompense against those who had actively plotted their annihilation. It was a just consequence for those who sought to execute Haman's wicked agenda, culminating in the establishment of the Feast of Purim, as described in [Esther 9:28](/esther/9-28 "Esther 9:28 - The Institution of Purim").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Published (Hebrew, _gâlâh'_):** This primitive root means "to denude," "to exile," or figuratively, "to reveal" or "to publish." In the context of Esther 8:13, it emphasizes the widespread and authoritative dissemination of the decree, ensuring it was "revealed" or "made known" across the vast Persian Empire. This was not a localized announcement but an empire-wide publication, ensuring every province and people group received the official copy of the new commandment, underscoring the thoroughness of the Persian administrative system and the urgency of the message.
* **Ready (Hebrew, _ʻâthîyd'_):** This term, derived from a root meaning "prepared," signifies being "prepared" or "skilful." In this verse, it conveys a sense of preparedness and organization. The Jewish people were not merely passive recipients of protection but were to be in a state of active readiness, fully equipped and organized to act on the authority granted to them by the decree. This readiness was crucial for their successful self-defense and survival on the appointed day.
* **Avenge (Hebrew, _nâqam'_):** This primitive root means "to grudge," "to avenge," or "to punish." While often translated as "revenge," the Hebrew term *nâqam* in biblical contexts frequently carries the connotation of judicial retribution, vindication, or the execution of justice, rather than mere personal vengeance driven by malice. Here, it refers to the legal right granted to the Jews to exact justice upon those who had intended them harm. It was a divinely permitted and legally sanctioned act of self-preservation and righteous recompense against those who had sought their destruction, aligning with the concept of a just consequence for a grievous wrong.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province [was] published unto all people":** This clause emphasizes the official nature and comprehensive reach of the new decree. "The copy of the writing" refers to the exact text of the royal edict, ensuring uniformity across the empire. Its publication "unto all people" signifies that its contents were made known to every ethnic group and inhabitant within the 127 provinces, leaving no one ignorant of its provisions. This widespread dissemination was crucial for both the Jews to know their rights and for their enemies to understand the new legal landscape.
* **"and that the Jews should be ready against that day":** This part of the verse highlights the specific instruction and empowerment given to the Jewish people. They were not merely passive recipients of protection but active participants in their deliverance. The phrase "against that day" refers to the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, Adar, the very day originally appointed for their annihilation. This underscores the dramatic reversal: the day of intended destruction became the day of authorized defense. Their readiness implies preparation, organization, and a willingness to act on the legal authority granted.
* **"to avenge themselves on their enemies":** This final clause specifies the nature of the action permitted to the Jews. As discussed in the key word analysis, "avenge themselves" (from *nâqam*) implies a legal and just retribution. It was not an open invitation to indiscriminate violence, but a specific authorization to defend themselves against those who would attack them in accordance with Haman's original, still-valid decree. This act of "avenging" was a defensive and judicial response to the existential threat they faced, ensuring their survival and the defeat of their adversaries.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of Esther 8:13 effectively employs several literary devices to heighten its impact. Most prominently, there is profound **Irony** at play. The very system of unchangeable Persian law, which Haman exploited to seal the Jews' doom, is now ingeniously used to secure their salvation. The king's authority, once wielded against them, is now the instrument of their deliverance. This creates a powerful sense of **Dramatic Reversal**, transforming a narrative of impending genocide into one of empowered self-defense and triumph. Furthermore, the verse serves as significant **Foreshadowing**, directly setting the stage for the violent but ultimately victorious confrontations detailed in [Esther chapter 9](/esther/9 "Esther 9 - The Day of Jewish Defense and Victory"). The careful preparation and widespread publication described here build suspense and anticipation for the climactic events that will unfold on the appointed day.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Esther 8:13 stands as a powerful testament to God's providential care for His people, even when His name is conspicuously absent from the text. The intricate web of events—Esther's courage, Mordecai's wisdom, and the king's changing favor—culminates in this decree, demonstrating that God is actively working behind the scenes, orchestrating circumstances to bring about His purposes. This verse reflects a divine principle of justice where the wicked's schemes are turned back upon their own heads, and the innocent are vindicated. It underscores that God's covenant faithfulness ensures the preservation of His people, even in the face of existential threats, and that His justice will ultimately prevail.

* [Deuteronomy 32:35](/deuteronomy/32-35 "Deuteronomy 32:35 - Vengeance Belongs to the Lord")
* [Psalm 7:16](/psalms/7-16 "Psalm 7:16 - The Wicked's Plot Returns on Themselves")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Esther 8:13 offers profound lessons for believers facing adversity. It reminds us that even when circumstances seem dire and God's presence feels hidden, His sovereign hand is at work, orchestrating events for the good of His people. The readiness of the Jews against "that day" teaches us the importance of spiritual preparedness and vigilance in the face of spiritual opposition. We are called to be courageous in our faith, like Esther and Mordecai, trusting that our actions, guided by divine wisdom, can be instruments of God's deliverance and justice in a fallen world. This passage encourages us to look beyond immediate threats and recognize that God can turn the very instruments of our intended destruction into means of our triumph, transforming days of dread into days of celebration.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the "unchangeable" nature of Persian law in Esther 8:8 highlight God's extraordinary providence in Esther 8:13?**
* **In what ways does the concept of "avenging themselves" in this verse differ from personal revenge, and what does this teach us about God's justice?**
* **How can we, like the Jews preparing for "that day," cultivate a spirit of readiness and vigilance in our own spiritual battles?**
* **What specific "Haman-like" threats or schemes might God be working to reverse in your life or community today?**

### FAQ

**Why couldn't the first decree simply be revoked, and what does this tell us about the nature of the new decree?**

Answer: The first decree, issued by King Ahasuerus and sealed with his signet ring, could not be revoked because Persian law, once written and enacted, was considered unchangeable and irrevocable, as explicitly stated in [Esther 8:8](/esther/8-8 "Esther 8:8 - The Unchangeable Persian Law"). This legal rigidity presented a unique challenge for Esther and Mordecai. Instead of revocation, the new decree served as a counter-edict. It didn't nullify the original command for the destruction of the Jews, but rather granted the Jews the legal right to assemble, defend themselves, and destroy those who attacked them on the very day the original decree was to be executed. This ingenious solution demonstrates a profound understanding of the legal system and highlights the extraordinary divine providence at work, turning a seemingly insurmountable legal barrier into an opportunity for deliverance.

**Was the "avenging themselves" in Esther 8:13 an act of personal revenge, or did it have a different meaning?**

Answer: The phrase "to avenge themselves" (Hebrew: *nâqam*) in Esther 8:13 should not be understood as personal, malicious revenge. Instead, it carries the connotation of judicial retribution, vindication, or the execution of justice. The Jews were granted a legal and divinely sanctioned right to defend their lives against those who would attack them in accordance with Haman's original, still-valid decree. This was a defensive measure against an existential threat, a just recompense against those who had plotted their annihilation. It was a legal authorization to engage in self-preservation and to exact consequences upon those who had sought to carry out a genocidal agenda, aligning with the principle of righteous judgment rather than individual vengeance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Esther 8:13, with its dramatic reversal and the empowerment of God's people to overcome their enemies, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate deliverance accomplished through Jesus Christ. The decree granted the Jews the right to "avenge themselves" against those who sought their destruction, a legal authorization for self-defense and judicial retribution. In Christ, we see the ultimate "avenging" of God's justice against sin, death, and the powers of darkness. Just as the Jews were given a new decree to stand against their adversaries, believers are given a new covenant in Christ, empowering them to overcome the spiritual enemies that seek to destroy them. Jesus, the true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), disarmed the spiritual forces of evil, triumphing over them by His cross, as described in [Colossians 2:14-15](/colossians/2-14-15 "Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers"). He delivered those who were held in slavery by the fear of death, destroying the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Christ's Victory Over Death and the Devil")). The victory of the Jews in Esther prefigures the decisive victory secured by Christ, who, through His suffering and resurrection, reversed humanity's condemnation and empowered His people to live in freedom and triumph over all spiritual opposition, ultimately casting down the accuser of the brethren ([Revelation 12:10-11](/revelation/12-10-11 "The Accuser Cast Down")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.