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.

The Jews {H3064} gathered themselves together {H6950} in their cities {H5892} throughout all the provinces {H4082} of the king {H4428} Ahasuerus {H325}, to lay {H7971} hand {H3027} on such as sought {H1245} their hurt {H7451}: and no man {H376} could withstand {H5975} them {H6440}; for the fear {H6343} of them fell {H5307} upon all people {H5971}.

the Jews assembled in their cities throughout all the provinces of King Achashverosh to attack anyone who tried to do them harm; and no one was able to withstand them; because all the peoples were afraid of them.

In each of the provinces of King Xerxes, the Jews assembled in their cities to attack those who sought to harm them. No man could withstand them, because the fear of them had fallen upon all peoples.

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 was fallen upon all the peoples.

Commentary

Esther 9:2 marks a pivotal moment in the book of Esther, detailing the dramatic reversal of fortune for the Jewish people in the vast Persian Empire. After facing a decree of annihilation, this verse describes the day they were empowered to defend themselves against their enemies, a defense made effective by a supernatural dread that fell upon those who sought their harm.

Context

This verse takes place on the 13th day of the twelfth month, Adar, the very day Haman's wicked plot had designated for the destruction of all Jews throughout the 127 provinces of King Ahasuerus. However, through the courageous intervention of Queen Esther and the wisdom of Mordecai, the king's counter-decree had been issued, allowing the Jews to assemble, stand for their lives, and destroy any armed force that might attack them. Esther 9:2 describes the actual implementation of this defensive right, highlighting the effectiveness of their stand due to a pervasive fear among their adversaries.

Key Themes

  • Divine Reversal: The most prominent theme is the complete turnaround of the Jewish people's fate. From being marked for destruction, they become victorious defenders, demonstrating God's sovereign ability to change circumstances.
  • God's Unseen Providence: Although the name of God is famously absent from the book of Esther, His hand is undeniably evident. The phrase "no man could withstand them; for the fear of them fell upon all people" strongly suggests divine intervention, instilling a paralyzing terror in their enemies, much like God did for Israel in other Old Testament narratives.
  • Self-Defense and Justice: The Jews were not acting as aggressors but were exercising their right to self-preservation against those who sought to harm them. This was a response to an existential threat, sanctioned by the very authority that had initially allowed their peril.
  • Unity and Action: The verse emphasizes that "The Jews gathered themselves together in their cities," highlighting their collective effort and organized action in response to the threat.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the fear of them fell upon all people" is significant. In Hebrew, the word for "fear" (pachad or yirah) often carries connotations of a profound, even supernatural, dread. This is not merely natural apprehension but a divinely induced terror that incapacitated their enemies, preventing effective resistance. It echoes similar language used elsewhere in Scripture where God causes the enemies of His people to be filled with dread (Exodus 15:16, Deuteronomy 2:25), underscoring the unseen hand of God in the events of Esther.

Practical Application

Esther 9:2 offers powerful lessons for believers today:

  • God's Faithfulness in Unseen Ways: Even when circumstances seem bleak or God's presence feels distant, He is actively at work behind the scenes, orchestrating events for the good of His people.
  • Perseverance in Adversity: The Jews did not give up hope even when facing annihilation. Their example encourages us to stand firm in faith and to take appropriate action when confronted with challenges.
  • Hope in Reversal: This verse is a testament to the fact that God can turn any situation around, transforming despair into victory and danger into deliverance. It reminds us that our darkest moments can precede our greatest triumphs through His providence.

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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 8:17

    And in every province, and in every city, whithersoever the king's commandment and his decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a good day. And many of the people of the land became Jews; for the fear of the Jews fell upon them.

  • 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,

  • Psalms 71:13

    Let them be confounded [and] consumed that are adversaries to my soul; let them be covered [with] reproach and dishonour that seek my hurt.

  • Psalms 71:24

    My tongue also shall talk of thy righteousness all the day long: for they are confounded, for they are brought unto shame, that seek my hurt.

  • Joshua 11:20

    For it was of the LORD to harden their hearts, that they should come against Israel in battle, that he might destroy them utterly, [and] that they might have no favour, but that he might destroy them, as the LORD commanded Moses.

  • Deuteronomy 2:30

    But Sihon king of Heshbon would not let us pass by him: for the LORD thy God hardened his spirit, and made his heart obstinate, that he might deliver him into thy hand, as [appeareth] this day.

  • Esther 9:10

    The ten sons of Haman the son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews, slew they; but on the spoil laid they not their hand.