Esther 9:16

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,

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},

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,

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.

And the other Jews that were in the kingโ€™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

Commentary on Esther 9:16 (KJV)

Esther 9:16 describes the widespread victory of the Jewish people throughout the vast Persian Empire, beyond the capital city of Susa. This verse highlights the successful outcome of the counter-decree issued by King Ahasuerus, influenced by Queen Esther and Mordecai, which permitted Jews to defend themselves against those who sought to destroy them.

Context

Following Haman's original decree to annihilate all Jews on the 13th day of the twelfth month (Esther 3:13), Queen Esther bravely intervened. As a result, a new royal edict was sent out, granting the Jews permission to gather, stand for their lives, and destroy any armed groups from any province or people who might attack them, along with their wives and children, and to plunder their goods (Esther 8:11). This verse specifically focuses on the Jews in the "king's provinces" โ€“ all areas outside Susa โ€“ executing this right of self-defense on the appointed day, the thirteenth day of the month Adar.

Key Themes

  • Divine Protection and Deliverance: Although God's name is not explicitly mentioned in the Book of Esther, His providential hand is evident throughout. The ability of the Jews to "stand for their lives" and gain "rest from their enemies" clearly points to a divine intervention that turned a day of intended destruction into a day of salvation. This echoes themes of God's faithfulness to His covenant people, even when they are in exile.
  • Self-Defense and Unity: The phrase "gathered themselves together, and stood for their lives" emphasizes the coordinated effort and unity among the Jewish communities across the empire. They were not passive victims but actively defended themselves, empowered by the king's decree. This unity was crucial for their survival against a widespread threat.
  • Restraint from Plunder: The notable detail, "but they laid not their hands on the prey," is a significant aspect of this victory. Unlike the decree which allowed for plunder (Esther 8:11), the Jews in the provinces chose not to take spoil. This contrasts with the account of the Jews in Susa, who also refrained from plunder (Esther 9:10 and Esther 9:15). This restraint underscores that their primary motivation was survival and justice, not personal gain or vengeance. It highlights their adherence to a higher principle or perhaps a desire to avoid any appearance of rebellion or greed, further validating their defensive actions.
  • Magnitude of Victory: The slaying of "seventy and five thousand" foes across the provinces indicates the widespread nature of the threat and the decisive victory achieved by the Jews. This large number testifies to the scale of the conspiracy against them and the thoroughness of their deliverance.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase for "stood for their lives" (ืขึธืžึฐื“ึฃื•ึผ ืขึทืœึพื ึทืคึฐืฉืึธึ‘ื, 'amdu 'al-nafsham) literally means "stood upon their soul/life." This conveys a sense of taking a firm stand, exerting themselves with all their might, and fighting for their very existence. It's a powerful idiom for self-preservation and determined resistance.

Practical Application

Esther 9:16 offers several practical insights for believers today:

  • God's Providence in Crisis: Even when circumstances seem dire and God's presence is not explicitly stated, His sovereign hand can turn tables and bring deliverance. This story reminds us of the truth that God works all things for the good of those who love Him.
  • Courage and Action: The Jews did not passively await their fate but acted decisively within the bounds of the law to defend themselves. There are times when faith calls for bold, righteous action to protect what is right and just.
  • Integrity in Victory: The choice not to take plunder, despite having the legal right, demonstrates integrity and a focus on justice rather than greed. This teaches us that even in victory, our actions should reflect honorable motives and a commitment to righteousness. It's a powerful example of restraint and magnanimity.

This verse, leading into the establishment of the Feast of Purim (Esther 9:20-22), celebrates not just survival, but a comprehensive deliverance from an existential threat, secured by divine providence and courageous human action.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” 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,

  • 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.