Esther 9:20

KJV

¶ And Mordecai wrote these things, and sent letters unto all the Jews that [were] in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, [both] nigh and far,

KJV (with Strong's)

And Mordecai {H4782} wrote {H3789} these things {H1697}, and sent {H7971} letters {H5612} unto all the Jews {H3064} that were in all the provinces {H4082} of the king {H4428} Ahasuerus {H325}, both nigh {H7138} and far {H7350},

Complete Jewish Bible

Mordekhai recorded these events and sent letters to all the Jews in all the provinces of King Achashverosh, both near and far,

Berean Standard Bible

Mordecai recorded these events and sent letters to all the Jews in all the provinces of King Xerxes, both near and far,

American Standard Version

And Mordecai wrote these things, and sent letters unto all the Jews that were in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, both nigh and far,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Esther 9:20 marks the crucial initiative taken by Mordecai following the Jewish people's miraculous deliverance from Haman's genocidal plot. This verse details his systematic effort to document the recent events and disseminate this vital information through official letters dispatched to all Jewish communities scattered across the vast 127 provinces of King Ahasuerus's empire, reaching both those nearby and those in distant regions. This act of widespread communication was foundational for establishing a unified commemoration of their salvation, laying the groundwork for the annual festival of Purim.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the triumphant and decisive victory of the Jewish people over their enemies throughout the Persian Empire, as detailed in [Esther 9:1-19](/esther/9-1 "Esther 9:1-19 - The Jewish Victory"). The preceding chapters narrate Haman's plot, the issuance of the king's decree allowing the Jews to defend themselves, and the subsequent reversal of fortune. Having secured their physical safety and established a new position of strength within the empire, the narrative now shifts from conflict and defense to commemoration and institutionalization. Mordecai, now wielding significant authority as the [king's second-in-command](/esther/10-3 "Esther 10:3 - Mordecai's Exaltation"), takes the lead in ensuring that these momentous events—the divine intervention and the Jewish people's deliverance—are not merely remembered but formally documented and celebrated by all. This action directly sets the stage for the institution of the festival of Purim, which is explicitly detailed in the verses that follow, particularly [Esther 9:21-28](/esther/9-21 "Esther 9:21-28 - Institution of Purim").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Persian Empire, at its height under King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I), was the largest empire the world had yet seen, stretching from India to Ethiopia and encompassing [127 provinces](/esther/8-9 "Esther 8:9 - King Ahasuerus's Vast Empire"). Governing such a vast territory required an exceptionally efficient communication system. The Persians were renowned for their sophisticated postal network, often utilizing relays of horsemen to deliver royal decrees and official correspondence rapidly across the empire. Mordecai, as a high-ranking official, would have had direct access to and authority over this system. The Jewish people, dispersed throughout these provinces as a result of earlier exiles and migrations, formed a significant diaspora. This historical reality underscores the necessity and logistical challenge of Mordecai's undertaking to reach all segments of this scattered population. His actions reflect the ancient Near Eastern practice of formally documenting significant events and decrees to ensure their longevity and widespread adherence, often for religious or political purposes.
* **Key Themes:** Mordecai's act of writing and sending letters is central to several overarching themes within the Book of Esther and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Commemoration and Remembrance**, emphasizing the enduring importance of recording and recalling God's faithfulness and the Jewish people's profound deliverance. This act directly leads to the establishment of Purim, a perpetual reminder of divine providence. Secondly, it underscores **Leadership and Communication**. Mordecai, as a prominent and wise leader, understood that effective communication was vital to unify and inform the Jewish people across the vast empire, fostering a shared understanding and experience of their salvation. His letters served not only to inform but also to instruct and solidify a collective response. Lastly, the effort to reach Jews "both nigh and far" powerfully illustrates the theme of the **Unity of the Diaspora**. Despite geographical dispersion, Mordecai's initiative aimed to foster a strong sense of collective identity and shared destiny among the Jewish people, ensuring that the entire community, regardless of location, participated in this significant moment of celebration and remembrance, mirroring the call for unity found in passages like [Psalm 133:1](/psalms/133-1 "Psalm 133:1 - The Unity of Brothers").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **wrote (Hebrew, _katab'_):** This verb signifies a deliberate and authoritative act of inscription, not merely casual jotting. In the context of ancient Near Eastern cultures, writing was often associated with official decrees, legal documents, and historical records. Mordecai's act of "writing these things" implies a formal documentation of the miraculous events, lending them permanence and official weight. It underscores the importance of the written word in preserving history and establishing tradition, a theme echoed throughout the biblical narrative where God's covenant and laws are also "written."
* **letters (Hebrew, _sepharim'_):** This term refers to official dispatches, scrolls, or documents. In the Persian Empire, such "letters" carried the weight of royal authority, especially when sent by high-ranking officials like Mordecai. The use of this term indicates that these were not personal notes but formal communications intended for widespread public dissemination and adherence. Their official nature ensured they would be taken seriously and acted upon by the Jewish communities throughout the provinces.
* **nigh and far (Hebrew, _karov v'rachok'_):** This idiomatic phrase emphasizes the comprehensive and inclusive reach of Mordecai's communication. It signifies that no Jewish community, regardless of its proximity to the capital or its remote location within the vast empire, was to be excluded from receiving this vital information. This highlights the unity and interconnectedness of the Jewish diaspora, reinforcing the idea that their shared experience of deliverance transcended geographical boundaries.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Mordecai wrote these things,"**: This clause establishes Mordecai as the central figure initiating the documentation and dissemination. "These things" refer collectively to the entire narrative of deliverance: Haman's wicked plot, the king's decree allowing the Jews to defend themselves, the subsequent victory over their enemies, and the divine reversal of their fate. Mordecai, now elevated to a position of immense power and influence, takes responsibility for ensuring that this pivotal moment in Jewish history is formally recorded and remembered. This act is not merely historical chronicling but an authoritative step towards establishing a lasting tradition.
* **"and sent letters unto all the Jews that [were] in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus,"**: This phrase details the scope and recipient of Mordecai's communication. The "letters" (official dispatches) were addressed to "all the Jews," emphasizing the universal nature of the message within the Jewish community. The phrase "in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus" underscores the vast geographical reach of the Persian Empire, which comprised 127 provinces. This signifies a monumental undertaking to ensure that every segment of the Jewish diaspora received the news and instructions, highlighting the unity of the Jewish people despite their dispersion.
* **"[both] nigh and far,"**: This concluding phrase further emphasizes the thoroughness and inclusivity of Mordecai's outreach. It reiterates that the letters were sent to every Jewish community, regardless of how close or distant they were from Susa, the capital. This ensures that the message of deliverance and the subsequent instructions for commemoration would reach even the most remote Jewish settlements, fostering a collective identity and shared experience across the entire empire. It speaks to the deliberate effort to unify a scattered people around a common, divinely-orchestrated event.

#### Literary Devices
Esther 9:20 employs several literary devices to convey its significance. The verse functions primarily as a **Narrative Transition**, shifting the focus from the intense conflict and resolution of the previous chapters to the institutionalization and commemoration of the events. This marks a pivot point where the story moves from action to the establishment of tradition. There is also a strong element of **Emphasis** achieved through repetition and comprehensive language. The phrases "all the Jews," "all the provinces," and "nigh and far" collectively underscore the universal scope of Mordecai's message within the empire, highlighting the unity and widespread nature of the Jewish diaspora. This comprehensive reach is crucial for the subsequent establishment of Purim. Furthermore, the verse serves as direct **Foreshadowing**, explicitly setting the stage for the detailed instructions regarding the annual observance of Purim that follow in the subsequent verses of [Esther 9](/esther/9 "Esther 9 - The Feast of Purim"). Mordecai's act of writing and sending letters is the foundational step for the perpetuation of this new festival.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Esther 9:20 speaks profoundly to the theological theme of divine providence and the importance of remembering God's acts of deliverance. Though God's name is conspicuously absent from the Book of Esther, His hidden hand is undeniably at work in the miraculous reversal of fortune for His people. Mordecai's initiative to document and disseminate "these things" is a human response to a divinely orchestrated salvation. It underscores the biblical imperative to remember God's faithfulness, not just for historical accuracy but for spiritual formation and the perpetuation of faith across generations. This act of formalizing the memory ensures that the lessons of reliance on God, courage in the face of adversity, and the power of intercession are not lost. It establishes a tradition of remembrance that will continue to nourish the Jewish people's faith, reminding them that even in seemingly secular circumstances, God is sovereignly at work for the preservation and blessing of His covenant people.

* [Deuteronomy 6:6-7](/deuteronomy/6-6 "Deuteronomy 6:6-7 - Teach Your Children")
* [Psalm 78:4](/psalms/78-4 "Psalm 78:4 - Tell the Next Generation")
* [Exodus 12:26-27](/exodus/12-26 "Exodus 12:26-27 - Remembering the Passover")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Esther 9:20 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers regarding the power of testimony and the importance of communal memory. Just as Mordecai ensured that the story of deliverance was formally recorded and widely shared, we too are called to remember and articulate God's faithfulness in our lives and in the life of the church. This practice of "writing these things" – whether through personal journaling, shared testimonies, or communal celebrations – builds faith, strengthens community bonds, and provides a spiritual heritage for future generations. In a world prone to forgetfulness, deliberately recalling God's interventions, His provision, and His protection serves as a powerful antidote to doubt and despair. Furthermore, Mordecai's effort to reach "all the Jews, both nigh and far," reminds us of the vital importance of unity and comprehensive communication within the body of Christ. Our shared experiences of God's grace, though diverse in form, bind us together across geographical and cultural divides, fostering a collective identity rooted in His unchanging character and redemptive work.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "things" has God done in your life or in the life of your community that you need to intentionally remember and record?**
* **How can we, as individuals and as a church, more effectively share our testimonies of God's faithfulness to strengthen and encourage others?**
* **In what practical ways can we foster a greater sense of unity and shared purpose among believers, especially those who are geographically distant?**

### FAQ
**What "things" did Mordecai write about in these letters?**

Answer: The "things" Mordecai wrote about encompassed the entire miraculous chain of events that led to the Jewish people's deliverance. This included Haman's wicked plot to annihilate them, Queen Esther's courageous intercession, King Ahasuerus's subsequent decrees that allowed the Jews to defend themselves, and their ultimate triumphant victory over their enemies throughout the [127 provinces of the Persian Empire](/esther/8-9 "Esther 8:9 - King Ahasuerus's Vast Empire"). These letters served as an official historical record and laid the foundational instructions for the annual commemoration of the festival of Purim, as detailed in [Esther 9:21-28](/esther/9-21 "Esther 9:21-28 - Institution of Purim").

**Why was it so important for Mordecai to send letters to Jews "both nigh and far"?**

Answer: It was critically important for Mordecai to send letters to Jews "both nigh and far" to ensure comprehensive communication across the vast and diverse Persian Empire. The Jewish people were dispersed throughout all [127 provinces](/esther/8-9 "Esther 8:9 - King Ahasuerus's Vast Empire"), and a unified response and commemoration required that every community be informed. This widespread dissemination served several purposes: it ensured that all Jews were aware of the great deliverance God had wrought, it provided official instructions for the institution of the annual festival of Purim ([Esther 9:21](/esther/9-21 "Esther 9:21 - Institution of Purim")), and it fostered a sense of collective identity and unity among the scattered diaspora, reminding them of their shared heritage and God's ongoing protection.

**What was the significance of Mordecai, as opposed to someone else, writing and sending these letters?**

Answer: Mordecai's role in writing and sending these letters was highly significant due to his elevated position and authority. Having been appointed as the [king's second-in-command](/esther/10-3 "Esther 10:3 - Mordecai's Exaltation"), he possessed the necessary power and access to the imperial postal system to ensure that these official dispatches reached every corner of the empire. His personal involvement lent immense credibility and weight to the message, transforming a mere historical account into an authoritative decree for communal observance. This act solidified his leadership and demonstrated his commitment to preserving the memory of God's deliverance and establishing a lasting tradition for his people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Esther 9:20, with Mordecai's initiative to document and disseminate the news of deliverance to "all the Jews, both nigh and far," powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and universal message of salvation found in Jesus Christ. Just as Mordecai ensured the good news of physical deliverance reached every corner of the Persian Empire, so too does the "good news" (Gospel) of spiritual deliverance through Christ extend to "all nations" ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")). Jesus is the true and ultimate Deliverer, whose sacrifice on the cross provides liberation from sin and death for all who believe, fulfilling the temporary deliverance seen in Esther. The "things" Mordecai wrote about were a historical record of God's hidden providence; the New Testament, however, explicitly records the life, death, and resurrection of Christ, the very Word of God made flesh, whose story is to be proclaimed to the ends of the earth ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Witnesses to the Ends of the Earth")). The unity of the scattered Jewish diaspora, brought together by Mordecai's letters, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the church—a new community comprised of believers from "every tribe and language and people and nation" ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - Redeemed from Every Nation")), united not by ethnic lineage or geographical proximity, but by their shared faith in the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). The message of Christ, like Mordecai's letters, is sent "nigh and far" to gather God's people into one body, transcending all earthly boundaries and distinctions ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - One in Christ Jesus")).

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

Deuteronomy 31:19

Now therefore write ye this song for you, and teach it the children of Israel: put it in their mouths, that this song may be a witness for me against the children of Israel.

Deuteronomy 31:22

¶ Moses therefore wrote this song the same day, and taught it the children of Israel.

Esther 3:12

Then were the king's scribes called on the thirteenth day of the first month, and there was written according to all that Haman had commanded unto the king's lieutenants, and to the governors that [were] over every province, and to the rulers of every people of every province according to the writing thereof, and [to] every people after their language; in the name of king Ahasuerus was it written, and sealed with the king's ring.

Psalms 124:1

¶ A Song of degrees of David. If [it had not been] the LORD who was on our side, now may Israel say;

Psalms 124:3

Then they had swallowed us up quick, when their wrath was kindled against us:

Esther 1:22

For he sent letters into all the king's provinces, into every province according to the writing thereof, and to every people after their language, that every man should bear rule in his own house, and that [it] should be published according to the language of every people.

Esther 1:1

¶ Now it came to pass in the days of Ahasuerus, (this [is] Ahasuerus which reigned, from India even unto Ethiopia, [over] an hundred and seven and twenty provinces:)