Esther 8:9

Then were the king's scribes called at that time in the third month, that [is], the month Sivan, on the three and twentieth [day] thereof; and it was written according to all that Mordecai commanded unto the Jews, and to the lieutenants, and the deputies and rulers of the provinces which [are] from India unto Ethiopia, an hundred twenty and seven provinces, unto every province according to the writing thereof, and unto every people after their language, and to the Jews according to their writing, and according to their language.

Then were the king's {H4428} scribes {H5608} called {H7121} at that time {H6256} in the third {H7992} month {H2320}, that is, the month {H2320} Sivan {H5510}, on the three {H7969} and twentieth {H6242} day thereof; and it was written {H3789} according to all that Mordecai {H4782} commanded {H6680} unto the Jews {H3064}, and to the lieutenants {H323}, and the deputies {H6346} and rulers {H8269} of the provinces {H4082} which are from India {H1912} unto Ethiopia {H3568}, an hundred {H3967} twenty {H6242} and seven {H7651} provinces {H4082}, unto every province {H4082} according to the writing {H3791} thereof, and unto every people {H5971} after their language {H3956}, and to the Jews {H3064} according to their writing {H3791}, and according to their language {H3956}.

The king's secretaries were summoned at that time, on the twenty-third day of the third month, the month of Sivan; and a decree was written according to everything Mordekhai ordered concerning the Jews, to the army commanders, governors and officials of the provinces from India to Ethiopia, 127 provinces, to each province in its script and to each people in their language, also to the Jews in their script and language.

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.

Then were the king’s scribes called at that time, in the third month, which is the month Sivan, on the three and twentiethday thereof; and it was written according to all that Mordecai commanded unto the Jews, and to the satraps, and the governors and princes of the provinces which are from India unto Ethiopia, a hundred twenty and seven provinces, unto every province according to the writing thereof, and unto every people after their language, and to the Jews according to their writing, and according to their language.

Commentary

Context of Esther 8:9

Esther 8:9 marks a pivotal moment in the book of Esther, detailing the issuance of a new, counter-decree by King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I) of the Achaemenid Persian Empire. This verse comes after the dramatic downfall of Haman, the antagonist who had previously convinced the king to issue a decree authorizing the annihilation of all Jews throughout the empire (Esther 3:12). With Haman executed and Mordecai elevated to a position of great authority in the king's court (Esther 8:2), this new edict was crucial to reversing the dire threat to the Jewish people. It was written in the third month, Sivan, approximately two months after the initial decree of destruction, highlighting the urgency and swift action taken by Mordecai and Queen Esther.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Reversal of Fortune: This verse powerfully illustrates the dramatic reversal of fortune for the Jewish people. What was intended for their destruction was now being overturned by a royal command, showcasing divine providence at work, even if God's name is not explicitly mentioned in the book.
  • Royal Authority and Administration: The passage emphasizes the immense power and administrative reach of the Persian king. The decree, commanded by Mordecai and issued by the king, was dispatched to "an hundred twenty and seven provinces, from India unto Ethiopia," demonstrating the vastness of the empire and the intricate system required to govern it.
  • Importance of Communication: The meticulous detail of sending the decree "unto every province according to the writing thereof, and unto every people after their language, and to the Jews according to their writing, and according to their language" underscores the critical role of clear and widespread communication in the ancient world. This ensured the message of hope and permission to defend themselves reached every Jew and official.
  • Justice and Deliverance: The new decree represents the triumph of justice over Haman's wicked plot. It is a testament to the deliverance of God's people through the courageous actions of Esther and the wisdom of Mordecai.

Linguistic Insights

The mention of "the month Sivan" refers to the third month of the Jewish calendar, corresponding to late May or early June. This specific dating highlights the administrative precision of the Persian Empire. The phrase "according to every people after their language" (or "according to their language") is a key administrative detail, showing the sophisticated approach to governance in the diverse Achaemenid Empire. The Persian administration understood that for decrees to be effective, they had to be intelligible to the local populace, including the Jewish communities.

Practical Application

Esther 8:9 offers several enduring lessons for believers today:

  • God's Sovereign Hand: Even when circumstances seem dire, this verse reminds us that God can orchestrate extraordinary reversals. He works through human agents and political structures to achieve His purposes and protect His people.
  • The Power of Advocacy: Mordecai, empowered by the king, acted as an advocate for his people. This encourages us to speak up for justice and truth, especially for those who are vulnerable.
  • Hope in Adversity: The swift and comprehensive nature of this new decree brought immense hope to a people facing annihilation. It teaches us that even in the darkest valleys, there is always hope for deliverance and a turn of events through God's faithfulness.
  • Effective Communication: The emphasis on communicating the decree in every language reinforces the value of clear, accessible communication in all aspects of life, particularly when conveying important truths or instructions.
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Cross-References

  • Esther 1:22

    For he sent letters into all the king's provinces, into every province according to the writing thereof, and to every people after their language, that every man should bear rule in his own house, and that [it] should be published according to the language of every people.

  • Esther 1:1

    ¶ Now it came to pass in the days of Ahasuerus, (this [is] Ahasuerus which reigned, from India even unto Ethiopia, [over] an hundred and seven and twenty provinces:)

  • Daniel 6:1

    ¶ It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom;

  • Esther 3:12

    Then were the king's scribes called on the thirteenth day of the first month, and there was written according to all that Haman had commanded unto the king's lieutenants, and to the governors that [were] over every province, and to the rulers of every people of every province according to the writing thereof, and [to] every people after their language; in the name of king Ahasuerus was it written, and sealed with the king's ring.

  • 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.

  • 2 Kings 18:26

    Then said Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, and Shebna, and Joah, unto Rabshakeh, Speak, I pray thee, to thy servants in the Syrian language; for we understand [it]: and talk not with us in the Jews' language in the ears of the people that [are] on the wall.

  • 1 Corinthians 14:9

    So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air.