Esther 9:18

KJV

But the Jews that [were] at Shushan assembled together on the thirteenth [day] thereof, and on the fourteenth thereof; and on the fifteenth [day] of the same they rested, and made it a day of feasting and gladness.

KJV (with Strong's)

But the Jews {H3064} that were at Shushan {H7800} assembled together {H6950} on the thirteenth {H7969}{H6240} day thereof, and on the fourteenth {H702}{H6240} thereof; and on the fifteenth {H2568}{H6240} day of the same they rested {H5118}, and made {H6213} it a day {H3117} of feasting {H4960} and gladness {H8057}.

Complete Jewish Bible

However, the Jews of Shushan assembled on both the thirteenth and fourteenth days of Adar, so it was on the fifteenth that they rested and made it a holiday for celebrating and rejoicing.

Berean Standard Bible

The Jews in Susa, however, had assembled on the thirteenth and the fourteenth days of the month. So they rested on the fifteenth day, making it a day of feasting and joy.

American Standard Version

But the Jews that were in Shushan assembled together on the thirteenth day thereof, and on the fourteenth thereof; and on the fifteenth day of the same they rested, and made it a day of feasting and gladness.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Esther 9:18 details the distinct observance of the Jews in the capital city of Shushan following their two-day defense against their adversaries. Unlike their counterparts in the provinces who rested and celebrated on the fourteenth day of Adar, the Jews in Shushan, having fought on both the thirteenth and fourteenth days, consecrated the fifteenth day of Adar as their time of rest, marked by profound feasting and gladness. This verse is pivotal, laying the specific groundwork for the annual commemoration of Purim within the capital, distinguishing its celebration from that of the wider Jewish diaspora.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a period of intense, divinely orchestrated conflict and victory for the Jewish people throughout the Persian Empire. [Esther 9:1-12](/esther/9-1 "Esther 9:1-12 - The Jews' Victory Over Their Enemies") describes the successful defense of the Jews on the thirteenth day of Adar, resulting in the destruction of their enemies. However, [Esther 9:13](/esther/9-13 "Esther 9:13 - Esther's Request for a Second Day of Battle") records Queen Esther's specific request to King Ahasuerus for an additional day of fighting in Shushan, and for Haman's ten sons to be hanged. Consequently, while Jews in the 127 provinces rested and celebrated on the fourteenth day ([Esther 9:16-17](/esther/9-16 "Esther 9:16-17 - Celebration in the Provinces")), the Jews in Shushan continued their defensive actions on the fourteenth, thus necessitating their day of rest and celebration to fall on the fifteenth, as detailed in this verse. This distinction is crucial for understanding the dual dates of Purim's observance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Esther take place during the reign of Ahasuerus (Xerxes I, 486-465 BC) in the vast Persian Empire, which stretched from India to Ethiopia. Shushan (Susa) was one of the empire's four capital cities, making the events there particularly significant due to its political and administrative prominence. The concept of a "day of feasting and gladness" was a common cultural practice in the ancient Near East, often associated with victory, royal decrees, or religious festivals. For the Jewish people in diaspora, such a celebration, sanctioned by the king and marking a miraculous deliverance, would have been an extraordinary and deeply meaningful event, solidifying their identity and demonstrating God's protective hand even in a foreign land. The timing, the 13th, 14th, and 15th of Adar, aligns with the Jewish lunar calendar, just before the spring new year.
* **Key Themes:** Esther 9:18 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Esther. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Deliverance and Reversal**, where a decree of annihilation is miraculously overturned into a day of triumph and celebration for the Jewish people, showcasing God's unseen but active providence. The verse also emphasizes **Rest and Celebration** as the natural and commanded response to such deliverance, transforming fear and mourning into profound joy and communal rejoicing. This specific observance in Shushan, distinct from the provinces, highlights the theme of **Commemoration and the Establishment of Tradition**, as it directly precedes and forms the basis for the annual festival of Purim, ensuring that future generations would remember God's faithfulness and the resilience of His people ([Esther 9:20-22](/esther/9-20 "Esther 9:20-22 - Mordecai Establishes Purim")). This act of remembering and celebrating is vital for the preservation of their identity and faith.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Shushan (Hebrew, _Shushan'_):** Refers to Susa, the capital city of the Persian Empire where the events of Esther primarily unfold. Its mention here highlights the specific, prolonged nature of the conflict and subsequent celebration within the empire's administrative heart, distinguishing the experience of the Jews there from those in the outlying provinces. The fact that the battle continued for an extra day in Shushan underscores the intensity of the threat and the magnitude of the victory in the very seat of power.
* **Rested (Hebrew, _nuach'_):** More than merely ceasing from labor, _nuach_ often carries connotations of settling down, finding peace, or entering a state of repose. In a biblical context, it can evoke the idea of Sabbath rest or the rest God provides for His people after struggle. Here, it signifies a profound transition from intense conflict and anxiety to a state of peace and security, a divinely granted respite after a period of existential threat.
* **Feasting and gladness (Hebrew, _mishteh v'simchah'_):** This compound phrase vividly describes the nature of the celebration. _Mishteh_ refers to a banquet or feast, often associated with joyous occasions, while _simchah_ denotes deep joy, mirth, or exuberant gladness. Together, they paint a picture of communal, unrestrained celebration, a stark and deliberate contrast to the fasting, mourning, and weeping that had characterized the Jewish community just days before ([Esther 4:3](/esther/4-3 "Esther 4:3 - Mourning of the Jews")). This transformation from sorrow to joy is a hallmark of divine deliverance in Scripture.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the Jews that [were] at Shushan assembled together on the thirteenth [day] thereof, and on the fourteenth thereof":** This clause establishes the unique circumstances for the Jews in the capital. Unlike their provincial counterparts who fought only on the thirteenth, the Jews in Shushan engaged in battle for two consecutive days. This was a direct result of Queen Esther's plea to the king, extending the decree of self-defense for an additional day in the capital, indicating a particularly concentrated and persistent threat in Shushan.
* **"and on the fifteenth [day] of the same they rested":** Because the conflict in Shushan extended through the fourteenth, the day of rest and cessation from battle for the Jews in the capital was necessarily delayed until the fifteenth of Adar. This detail is crucial for understanding the two distinct dates of Purim's observance (Purim and Shushan Purim) that would be established shortly thereafter. It signifies a divinely appointed end to their struggle and the beginning of their peace.
* **"and made it a day of feasting and gladness":** This final phrase describes the character of the fifteenth day in Shushan. It was not merely a day of rest, but a day transformed into one of profound celebration. The "feasting" (communal banquets) and "gladness" (exuberant joy) signify a complete reversal of their fortunes, from the brink of annihilation to triumphant survival and rejoicing. This communal celebration served as an outward expression of their gratitude and relief, solidifying the memory of their miraculous deliverance.

#### Literary Devices
Esther 9:18 employs several literary devices to convey its significant message. **Contrast** is prominent, highlighting the differing experiences of the Jews in Shushan versus those in the provinces regarding the duration of battle and the timing of their rest and celebration. This contrast underscores the unique intensity of the threat in the capital and the specific nature of its deliverance. **Repetition** of the numerical days ("thirteenth," "fourteenth," "fifteenth") emphasizes the precise chronological progression of events, lending a sense of historical accuracy and the deliberate establishment of a new tradition. The phrase "feasting and gladness" itself functions as a **Merism**, encompassing the full spectrum of joyful celebration, from communal meals to inner delight. Furthermore, the verse serves as a **Foundation** or **Establishment** narrative, laying the groundwork for the annual festival of Purim, particularly the observance of "Shushan Purim" on the fifteenth of Adar. The transformation from fear to joy, battle to rest, also embodies **Dramatic Irony** and **Reversal**, central themes in the book of Esther, where Haman's plot is turned back on his own head, and the day of destruction becomes a day of salvation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Esther 9:18 resonates deeply with the broader biblical narrative of God's faithfulness to His covenant people, even when His name is not explicitly mentioned. The transition from intense battle to a day of rest, feasting, and gladness powerfully illustrates the theme of divine deliverance and the transformation of mourning into joy, a recurring motif throughout Scripture. It underscores that God, in His unseen sovereignty, actively works behind the scenes to protect His people and reverse their fortunes, turning their darkest days into occasions for profound celebration. This verse, therefore, serves as a testament to the enduring truth that God's purposes for His people will prevail, and that their ultimate response to His salvation should be one of grateful, communal rejoicing and remembrance.

* [Psalm 30:11](/psalm/30-11 "Psalm 30:11 - Turning Mourning into Dancing")
* [Nehemiah 8:9-12](/nehemiah/8-9 "Nehemiah 8:9-12 - The Joy of the Lord is Your Strength")
* [Deuteronomy 16:13-15](/deuteronomy/16-13 "Deuteronomy 16:13-15 - Feast of Tabernacles, Rejoicing Before the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Esther 9:18 offers a profound lesson for believers today: the imperative to intentionally mark and celebrate God's deliverances in our lives. Just as the Jews in Shushan, after a harrowing period of existential threat and intense battle, consecrated a specific day for rest, feasting, and gladness, we too are called to pause, reflect, and rejoice in the ways God has intervened, protected, and provided for us. This verse reminds us that true spiritual rest often follows spiritual warfare, and that the appropriate response to God's victory is not merely relief, but exuberant, communal gratitude. By remembering and celebrating His past mercies, we strengthen our faith for future challenges, cultivate a spirit of thankfulness, and bear witness to His unfailing faithfulness. It encourages us to transform our personal and corporate "mourning" into "dancing," recognizing that joy in the Lord is a source of strength and a powerful testimony.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do we intentionally create "days of feasting and gladness" in our lives to remember God's deliverance?**
* **What past "battles" or periods of adversity has God brought you through, and how can you better commemorate His faithfulness in those instances?**
* **In what ways can our personal and communal celebrations of God's work strengthen our faith for future challenges and inspire others?**
* **How does the concept of "rest" after a period of struggle apply to your spiritual life today?**

### FAQ
**Why did the Jews in Shushan fight for an extra day compared to those in the provinces?**

Answer: The Jews in Shushan fought for an additional day, the fourteenth of Adar, because Queen Esther made a specific request to King Ahasuerus in [Esther 9:13](/esther/9-13 "Esther 9:13 - Esther's Request for an Extra Day of Battle"). She asked that the decree allowing the Jews to defend themselves be extended for one more day in the capital city of Shushan, and that Haman's ten sons (who had already been killed) be hanged on the gallows. This suggests that the threat in the capital was particularly concentrated or that Esther desired a more thorough eradication of the enemies of the Jews in the seat of power. Consequently, their day of rest and celebration was shifted to the fifteenth of Adar.

**What is the significance of "feasting and gladness" in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "feasting and gladness" (Hebrew: _mishteh v'simchah_) signifies a complete and profound reversal of fortune for the Jewish people. Just days before, they were facing a decree of annihilation, leading to widespread mourning, fasting, and weeping ([Esther 4:3](/esther/4-3 "Esther 4:3 - Mourning of the Jews")). This transformation into exuberant communal celebration underscores the magnitude of their deliverance. It's not just a cessation of fighting, but an active, joyful commemoration of God's unseen hand turning sorrow into joy and death into life. It sets the tone for the annual Purim celebration, emphasizing joy, communal solidarity, and gratitude.

**How does this verse relate to the festival of Purim?**

Answer: [Esther 9:18](/esther/9-18 "Esther 9:18 - The Establishment of Purim in Shushan") is foundational to the establishment of the festival of Purim. It explicitly details the distinct day of rest and celebration for the Jews in Shushan (the fifteenth of Adar), which is different from the fourteenth of Adar observed by Jews in the provinces. This distinction leads directly to the two-day observance of Purim: "Purim" on the fourteenth and "Shushan Purim" on the fifteenth. The subsequent verses, [Esther 9:20-22](/esther/9-20 "Esther 9:20-22 - Mordecai Establishes Purim"), formally establish these days as an annual festival of feasting, gladness, and sending gifts to one another and to the poor, ensuring the memory of God's deliverance would endure for generations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The deliverance, rest, and gladness experienced by the Jews in Shushan, as described in Esther 9:18, serve as a powerful foreshadowing of the ultimate and eternal deliverance found in Jesus Christ. The temporary victory over physical enemies points to Christ's definitive triumph over sin, death, and the powers of darkness. Just as the Jews found "rest" after their battle, believers find true spiritual rest and peace in Christ, who has accomplished all that is necessary for our salvation, inviting us to lay down our burdens and find solace in Him ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). The "feasting and gladness" of Purim, born from a reversal of fortune, anticipates the profound and unending joy that is the inheritance of those redeemed by the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). This earthly celebration culminates in the heavenly reality of the "marriage supper of the Lamb" ([Revelation 19:9](/revelation/19-9 "Revelation 19:9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")), where believers will feast in eternal gladness in the presence of their Savior, having received the ultimate deliverance and the "peace of God, which surpasses all understanding" ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")) through His finished work on the cross.

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 9:21

To stablish [this] among them, that they should keep the fourteenth day of the month Adar, and the fifteenth day of the same, yearly,

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.

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.

Esther 9:1

¶ Now in the twelfth month, that [is], the month Adar, on the thirteenth day of the same, when the king's commandment and his decree drew near to be put in execution, in the day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to have power over them, (though it was turned to the contrary, that the Jews had rule over them that hated them;)

Esther 9:11

On that day the number of those that were slain in Shushan the palace was brought before the king.