Esther 9:16

KJV

But the other Jews that [were] in the king's provinces gathered themselves together, and stood for their lives, and had rest from their enemies, and slew of their foes seventy and five thousand, but they laid not their hands on the prey,

KJV (with Strong's)

But the other {H7605} Jews {H3064} that were in the king's {H4428} provinces {H4082} gathered themselves together {H6950}, and stood {H5975} for their lives {H5315}, and had rest {H5118} from their enemies {H341}, and slew {H2026} of their foes {H8130} seventy {H7657} and five {H2568} thousand {H505}, but they laid {H7971} not their hands {H3027} on the prey {H961},

Complete Jewish Bible

The other Jews, those in the royal provinces, had assembled, defended their lives and won rest from their enemies, killing 75,000 of those who hated them, but without touching the spoil,

Berean Standard Bible

The rest of the Jews in the royal provinces also assembled to defend themselves and rid themselves of their enemies. They killed 75,000 who hated them, but they did not lay a hand on the plunder.

American Standard Version

And the other Jews that were in the king’s provinces gathered themselves together, and stood for their lives, and had rest from their enemies, and slew of them that hated them seventy and five thousand; but on the spoil they laid not their hand.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Esther 9:16 powerfully recounts the widespread and decisive victory of the Jewish people throughout the Persian Empire's provinces, beyond the capital city of Susa. On the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, Adar, these communities, having gathered and resolutely stood for their lives, successfully defended themselves against their adversaries, slaying seventy-five thousand of their foes. Crucially, and in a detail repeatedly emphasized, they deliberately refrained from taking any plunder, thereby underscoring that their actions were driven by self-preservation and justice rather than personal gain or vengeance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a pivotal summary, detailing the events across the vast Persian provinces on the same day the Jews in Susa first defended themselves (as described in [Esther 9:1-10](/esther/9-1-10 "Esther 9:1-10 - Jewish Victory in Susa")). It precedes the account of the second day of fighting in Susa (recorded in [Esther 9:11-15](/esther/9-11-15 "Esther 9:11-15 - Second Day of Fighting in Susa")), and the subsequent establishment of the Feast of Purim (detailed in [Esther 9:20-22](/esther/9-20-22 "Esther 9:20-22 - Establishment of Purim")). The narrative structure intentionally highlights the empire-wide scope of both the existential threat and the remarkable deliverance. While the Jews in Susa engaged in conflict for two days and also conspicuously refrained from plunder (a point emphasized in [Esther 9:10](/esther/9-10 "Esther 9:10 - Jews in Susa refrain from plunder") and [Esther 9:15](/esther/9-15 "Esther 9:15 - Second day in Susa, no plunder")), the Jewish communities in the provinces completed their defense on a single day. This verse thus functions as a comprehensive, unifying statement, emphasizing the consistent, unified action and the shared ethical choice regarding plunder across all Jewish communities, underscoring the miraculous nature of their coordinated survival.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Esther 9:16 are set within the sprawling Achaemenid Persian Empire during the 5th century BCE, a formidable superpower renowned for its sophisticated administrative structure and the absolute, often irrevocable, authority of its reigning monarch. Royal decrees, once issued and sealed with the king's signet ring, were considered immutable, as vividly demonstrated by Haman's original genocidal edict (compare [Esther 3:13](/esther/3-13 "Esther 3:13 - Haman's Decree for Annihilation")) and the subsequent counter-decree, orchestrated by Mordecai and Esther, which granted the Jews the right to self-defense (see [Esther 8:11](/esther/8-11 "Esther 8:11 - Mordecai's Counter-Decree")). The "king's provinces" encompassed an immense geographical area, stretching "from India even unto Ethiopia" ([Esther 8:9](/esther/8-9 "Esther 8:9 - The Vastness of the Persian Empire")), making the coordinated defense of the Jewish communities and the sheer scale of the conflict truly unprecedented. The phrase "had rest from their enemies" (Hebrew: נוּחַ מֵאֹיְבֵיהֶם, _nuach me'oyvehem_) carries significant weight in ancient Near Eastern thought, signifying a state of peace and security achieved through decisive military victory and the elimination of threats, often viewed as a divine blessing and a hallmark of a stable and secure kingdom.
* **Key Themes:** This verse profoundly contributes to several overarching themes within the Book of Esther, even in the absence of explicit divine mention. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Providence**, which subtly yet powerfully undergirds the entire narrative. The astonishing reversal of fortune, from the brink of annihilation to a decisive victory across a vast empire, strongly points to an unseen, guiding hand orchestrating events for the preservation of God's covenant people. This echoes the biblical truth that "the Lord reigns" and is sovereign over all circumstances, even those seemingly devoid of divine intervention (as affirmed in [Psalm 93:1](/psalm/93-1 "Psalm 93:1 - The Lord Reigns in Majesty")). Another prominent theme is **Self-Defense and Unity**, as the Jews "gathered themselves together, and stood for their lives," demonstrating active, unified resistance and solidarity rather than passive resignation. This highlights the vital importance of communal action and courage in the face of existential threat, a principle seen throughout biblical history (e.g., [Nehemiah 4:14](/nehemiah/4-14 "Nehemiah 4:14 - Fight for Your Brothers")). Finally, the repeated emphasis on **Restraint and Integrity**—"but they laid not their hands on the prey"—is a crucial ethical statement. Despite having royal permission to plunder (as explicitly granted in [Esther 8:11](/esther/8-11 "Esther 8:11 - The Counter-Decree Allowing Plunder")), the Jews' conscious choice to forgo spoil distinguishes their actions from mere vengeance or greed, affirming their primary motivation was justice and survival, not personal enrichment. This moral high ground further validates their defensive actions in the eyes of the Persian authorities and, implicitly, before God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **slew (Hebrew, _hârag'_):** From H2026, a primitive root meaning "to smite with deadly intent; destroy, out of hand, kill, murder(-er), put to (death), make (slaughter), slay(-er), [idiom] surely." This word emphasizes the decisive and lethal nature of the Jewish defense. It signifies a complete and thorough elimination of the threat, highlighting the gravity of the conflict and the effectiveness of their action in securing their lives.
* **five (Hebrew, _châmêsh'_):** From H2568, a primitive numeral meaning "five; fif(-teen), fifth, five ([idiom] apiece)." This numeral, combined with "seventy thousand," specifies the exact number of those slain. While large numbers in ancient texts can sometimes be generalized, its inclusion here contributes to the precise accounting of the victory's scale, underscoring the immense scope of the Jewish triumph across the provinces.
* **hands (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** From H3027, a primitive word meaning "a hand (the open one (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)." In the phrase "laid not their hands on the prey," _yâd_ signifies the physical action of taking possession. Its negation underscores a deliberate and conscious decision to abstain from exercising their legal right to plunder, highlighting their moral integrity and the purity of their motives beyond material gain.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the other Jews that [were] in the king's provinces":** This opening clause immediately distinguishes the Jewish communities residing outside the capital city of Susa from those whose actions were previously detailed. It underscores the immense geographical breadth of Haman's anti-Jewish plot and, consequently, the widespread, empire-wide nature of the Jewish defense. The phrase "king's provinces" emphasizes the vast reach of the Persian Empire's administration and the uniform application of the counter-decree across its numerous territories, from India to Cush.
* **"gathered themselves together, and stood for their lives":** This segment vividly describes the active, unified, and resolute response of the Jewish people. They did not passively await their fate but organized themselves, demonstrating remarkable solidarity and courage to confront their attackers. "Stood for their lives" is an idiomatic expression conveying the existential nature of the conflict; they were fighting with utmost determination for their very survival against those who sought their complete annihilation. This was a defensive, not an offensive, mobilization.
* **"and had rest from their enemies":** This clause proclaims the successful and definitive outcome of their defense. The "rest" (Hebrew: _nuach_) signifies a complete cessation of hostilities and the establishment of a state of security and peace achieved through their decisive victory. It marks the profound turning point where the day intended for their destruction was miraculously transformed into a day of deliverance and safety, thereby fulfilling the promise embedded within the counter-decree.
* **"and slew of their foes seventy and five thousand":** This provides the staggering numerical scale of the victory achieved across the provinces. The figure "seventy and five thousand" (75,000) indicates the immense magnitude of the threat they faced and the thoroughness of the Jewish defense throughout the diverse regions of the empire. While ancient numbers can sometimes be symbolic or rounded to convey vastness, it unequivocally communicates a massive, decisive triumph over a widespread and deeply entrenched conspiracy.
* **"but they laid not their hands on the prey":** This final clause is a profoundly significant moral and thematic statement, serving as a crucial ethical marker. Despite having explicit legal permission to plunder their enemies' goods (as granted in [Esther 8:11](/esther/8-11 "Esther 8:11 - Mordecai's Counter-Decree")), the Jews in the provinces, mirroring the actions of their counterparts in Susa, consciously and deliberately chose not to take any spoil. This act of remarkable restraint demonstrates their integrity, their singular focus on justice and self-preservation rather than vengeance or greed, and perhaps their desire to avoid any appearance of rebellion or self-enrichment, thereby unequivocally validating the defensive and righteous nature of their actions.

#### Literary Devices
Esther 9:16 skillfully employs several significant literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Contrast** is prominently featured, particularly in the striking juxtaposition of the immense slaughter of 75,000 foes with the explicit and repeated detail that the Jews "laid not their hands on the prey." This stark contrast highlights the moral distinction of their actions, emphasizing that their motivation was not avarice, wanton destruction, or personal enrichment, but rather a justified act of self-defense and the pursuit of justice. The large number "seventy and five thousand" can be interpreted as **Hyperbole** or a rounded figure, serving to convey the overwhelming scale of the victory and the pervasive nature of the threat across the vast empire, rather than a precise census. This amplification serves to magnify the sense of divine deliverance and the magnitude of the Jewish triumph. Furthermore, the **Repetition** of the phrase "laid not their hands on the prey" (appearing in [Esther 9:10](/esther/9-10 "Esther 9:10 - Jews in Susa refrain from plunder"), [Esther 9:15](/esther/9-15 "Esther 9:15 - Jews in Susa again refrain from plunder"), and here in [Esther 9:16](/esther/9-16 "Esther 9:16 - Jews in the provinces refrain from plunder")) serves to underscore its profound ethical significance and to establish it as a defining characteristic of the Jewish response throughout the empire. This repeated detail powerfully reinforces the integrity, moral purpose, and defensive nature of their actions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Esther 9:16, though notably devoid of any explicit mention of God's name, profoundly illustrates the theme of divine providence and the unwavering preservation of God's covenant people. The miraculous reversal of fortune, transforming a day ordained for annihilation into one of decisive victory and "rest from their enemies," powerfully suggests an unseen, sovereign hand at work. This dramatic deliverance resonates deeply with God's historical faithfulness to Israel, demonstrating His enduring commitment to His promises and His people, even when they are in exile and seemingly abandoned. The unified action of the Jews and their remarkable moral restraint in not taking plunder also reflect a deeper understanding of justice and purpose that transcends mere survival, aligning with a covenantal ethic that prioritizes righteousness and integrity over personal gain. This event serves as a potent reminder that God is sovereign over all circumstances, even in the most secular-appearing narratives, meticulously working His purposes through human agency, political decrees, and the courageous choices of His people.

* [Deuteronomy 28:7](/deuteronomy/28-7 "Deuteronomy 28:7 - Victory Over Enemies")
* [Psalm 124:1-8](/psalm/124-1-8 "Psalm 124 - If the Lord Had Not Been on Our Side")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Esther 9:16 offers profound and enduring insights for believers today, serving as a powerful reminder that even in the absence of overt divine intervention or explicit mention of God's name, His providential hand is actively at work, meticulously orchestrating circumstances for the protection and ultimate deliverance of His people. This narrative calls us to cultivate a robust faith that recognizes God's sovereignty even in the mundane, the politically charged, or the seemingly chaotic, trusting implicitly that He is working all things for good, as promised in [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good"). The Jews' courageous decision to "stand for their lives" teaches us the vital importance of active faith and righteous action in the face of injustice, oppression, or existential threat; we are not called to passive resignation but to courageous and unified engagement within ethical boundaries. Furthermore, their remarkable restraint from plunder, despite having the legal right to it, serves as a compelling model of integrity and purity of motive. It challenges us to critically examine our own motivations in moments of victory, vindication, or success, ensuring that our actions are consistently driven by justice, truth, and a desire for God's glory, rather than by greed, vengeance, or self-enrichment. This verse ultimately celebrates a comprehensive deliverance, secured by divine providence and courageous human action, leading to true rest and the establishment of a lasting memorial.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can we discern God's providential hand at work in our lives, even when His presence feels unstated or indirect, or when circumstances seem purely human?**
* **In what situations are we called to "stand for our lives" or for what is right, demonstrating courage, unity, and active resistance rather than passive acceptance?**
* **What does the Jews' remarkable restraint from plunder teach us about integrity and motivation when we experience victory, vindication, or success in our own lives?**
* **How can we ensure our pursuit of justice remains pure, untainted by desires for personal gain, vengeance, or the accumulation of worldly spoils?**

### FAQ
**Why did the Jews not take plunder, even though the decree allowed it?**

Answer: The Book of Esther repeatedly emphasizes that the Jews "laid not their hands on the prey" ([Esther 9:10](/esther/9-10 "Esther 9:10 - Jews in Susa refrain from plunder"), [Esther 9:15](/esther/9-15 "Esther 9:15 - Second day in Susa, no plunder"), [Esther 9:16](/esther/9-16 "Esther 9:16 - Jews in the provinces refrain from plunder")), despite the counter-decree explicitly granting them permission to plunder the goods of their enemies ([Esther 8:11](/esther/8-11 "Esther 8:11 - The Counter-Decree Allowing Plunder")). This deliberate act of restraint is highly significant and likely served several crucial purposes. First, it unequivocally underscored that their actions were purely defensive and motivated by self-preservation and justice, not by greed or a desire for personal enrichment. This would have helped to legitimize their actions in the eyes of the Persian authorities and the general populace, demonstrating that they were not rebellious, opportunistic, or seeking to enrich themselves at the expense of others. Second, it profoundly distinguished their victory from typical ancient warfare, where plunder was a common and expected outcome, thereby highlighting a moral integrity that transcended the norms of the day. This moral high ground could also be seen as an implicit act of faithfulness, demonstrating that their ultimate focus was on deliverance and the preservation of life rather than material gain, even if God's name is not explicitly mentioned in the narrative.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Esther 9:16, with its account of widespread deliverance and the profound "rest from their enemies" experienced by the Jewish people, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The Jewish nation's astonishing triumph over Haman's genocidal plot, orchestrated by an unseen yet undeniably providential divine hand, powerfully foreshadows the cosmic victory achieved by the true King, Jesus, over the ultimate adversaries: sin, death, and the devil. Just as the Jews "stood for their lives" against those who sought to utterly destroy them, humanity was utterly helpless against its spiritual foes until Christ, through His sacrificial death on the cross and His glorious resurrection, decisively "disarmed the powers and authorities" and "made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross" ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). The "rest from their enemies" experienced by the Jews in the provinces points forward to the eternal peace and spiritual rest that believers find exclusively in Christ, who graciously invites all who are weary and burdened by the weight of sin and spiritual conflict to come to Him for true rest for their souls ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). Furthermore, the remarkable integrity of the Jews in not taking plunder, despite their legal right to do so, resonates deeply with Christ's selfless and pure motivation. He came not to be served, nor to gain earthly spoils or personal enrichment, but rather "to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). The victory in Esther, though temporal and specific to a historical moment, prefigures the complete, eternal, and universal salvation offered through the Lamb of God, who definitively "takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), thereby providing ultimate deliverance from all spiritual adversaries and securing for His people an everlasting inheritance in His kingdom.

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

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,

Esther 9:2

The Jews gathered themselves together in their cities throughout all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, to lay hand on such as sought their hurt: and no man could withstand them; for the fear of them fell upon all people.

Leviticus 26:7

And ye shall chase your enemies, and they shall fall before you by the sword.

Leviticus 26:8

And five of you shall chase an hundred, and an hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight: and your enemies shall fall before you by the sword.