Esther 9:13

Then said Esther, If it please the king, let it be granted to the Jews which [are] in Shushan to do to morrow also according unto this day's decree, and let Haman's ten sons be hanged upon the gallows.

Then said {H559} Esther {H635}, If it please {H2896} the king {H4428}, let it be granted {H5414} to the Jews {H3064} which are in Shushan {H7800} to do {H6213} to morrow {H4279} also according unto this day's {H3117} decree {H1881}, and let Haman's {H2001} ten {H6235} sons {H1121} be hanged {H8518} upon the gallows {H6086}.

Ester replied, "If it pleases the king, let the Jews in Shushan act again tomorrow in accordance with today's decree; also have Haman's ten sons hanged on the gallows."

Esther replied, “If it pleases the king, may the Jews in Susa also have tomorrow to carry out today’s edict, and may the bodies of Haman’s ten sons be hanged on the gallows.”

Then said Esther, If it please the king, let it be granted to the Jews that are in Shushan to do to-morrow also according unto this day’s decree, and let Haman’s ten sons be hanged upon the gallows.

Commentary

Esther 9:13 reveals Queen Esther's final, pivotal requests to King Ahasuerus following the initial day of the Jews' self-defense against their enemies.

Context of Esther 9:13

By this point in the Book of Esther, the Jewish people, empowered by a royal decree secured by Esther and Mordecai, had successfully defended themselves against those who sought their destruction, a plot initiated by Haman's malicious decree. The first day of fighting (13th of Adar) saw significant victories across the Persian empire. Esther's request in this verse specifically pertains to the capital city, Shushan, where the threat might have been more concentrated or to ensure a complete eradication of the threat. Her request for Haman's ten sons to be hanged serves as a stark public display of justice and a deterrent, emphasizing the complete reversal of Haman's fortunes, as Haman himself was hanged on them.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Providence and Justice: Esther's bold and strategic leadership continues to be a channel for God's protection of His people. The hanging of Haman's sons underscores the complete and public triumph of justice over evil schemes.
  • Reversal of Fortune: This verse highlights the dramatic turn of events. Those who plotted evil against the Jews now face the consequences of their own intentions, demonstrating that "the wicked is snared by the work of his own hands" (Psalm 9:16).
  • Public Deterrence: The public hanging of Haman's sons, despite their already being slain in battle (Esther 9:10), served as a powerful visual warning to any remaining enemies or future antagonists, cementing the Jewish victory.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "hanged upon the gallows" uses the Hebrew word ‘ets (עֵץ), which literally means "tree" or "wood." While often translated as "gallows" or "gibbet," it implies a public display, likely impalement or hanging on a wooden pole. This method of execution was considered particularly humiliating and was often reserved for criminals or enemies, emphasizing the disgrace of Haman's lineage and the absolute nature of their defeat.

Practical Application

Esther 9:13 offers several enduring lessons for believers:

  • Stand Firm Against Injustice: Like Esther, we are called to act decisively and courageously when faced with threats to truth and justice, relying on divine wisdom.
  • Trust in God's Deliverance: The narrative assures us that God is actively involved in history, protecting His people and orchestrating events for their good, even through human agents. This complete victory paved the way for the annual celebration of Purim.
  • Consequences of Evil: The swift and public judgment on Haman's family serves as a reminder that evil actions ultimately lead to destruction, both for the perpetrators and their legacy.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Esther 8:11

    Wherein the king granted the Jews which [were] in every city to gather themselves together, and to stand for their life, to destroy, to slay, and to cause to perish, all the power of the people and province that would assault them, [both] little ones and women, and [to take] the spoil of them for a prey,

  • Deuteronomy 21:23

    His body shall not remain all night upon the tree, but thou shalt in any wise bury him that day; (for he that is hanged [is] accursed of God;) that thy land be not defiled, which the LORD thy God giveth thee [for] an inheritance.

  • Galatians 3:13

    Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed [is] every one that hangeth on a tree:

  • 2 Samuel 21:6

    Let seven men of his sons be delivered unto us, and we will hang them up unto the LORD in Gibeah of Saul, [whom] the LORD did choose. And the king said, I will give [them].

  • Esther 9:15

    For the Jews that [were] in Shushan gathered themselves together on the fourteenth day also of the month Adar, and slew three hundred men at Shushan; but on the prey they laid not their hand.

  • 2 Samuel 21:9

    And he delivered them into the hands of the Gibeonites, and they hanged them in the hill before the LORD: and they fell [all] seven together, and were put to death in the days of harvest, in the first [days], in the beginning of barley harvest.