Esther 9:23

KJV

And the Jews undertook to do as they had begun, and as Mordecai had written unto them;

KJV (with Strong's)

And the Jews {H3064} undertook {H6901} to do {H6213} as they had begun {H2490}, and as Mordecai {H4782} had written {H3789} unto them;

Complete Jewish Bible

So the Jews took it upon themselves to continue what they had already begun to do, and as Mordekhai had written to them;

Berean Standard Bible

So the Jews agreed to continue the custom they had started, as Mordecai had written to them.

American Standard Version

And the Jews undertook to do as they had begun, and as Mordecai had written unto them;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Esther 9:23 records the pivotal moment when the Jewish people formally and voluntarily committed to observe the annual feast of Purim, solidifying a tradition that would commemorate their miraculous deliverance from Haman's genocidal plot. This verse highlights their enthusiastic embrace of the celebration, not merely as a response to Mordecai's directive, but as a heartfelt undertaking to perpetually remember God's providential hand in their salvation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Esther 9:23 is situated within the concluding chapters of the Book of Esther, which detail the triumphant aftermath of the Jewish people's successful defense against their enemies throughout the vast Persian Empire. The preceding verses in chapter 9 describe the bloody battles and victories (Esther 9:1-19) that followed the issuance of the counter-decree (Esther 8:11), which allowed the Jews to protect themselves. Immediately prior to verse 23, Mordecai had formally instituted the annual observance of Purim, instructing the Jews to celebrate these days of deliverance with feasting, joy, and the exchange of gifts (Esther 9:20-22). Verse 23 serves as the communal affirmation and acceptance of this new tradition, solidifying its place in their future observances and establishing its enduring legacy.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Esther unfold during the Persian Empire, likely under King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I, 486-465 BC). The Jewish people, many still in exile, were a vulnerable minority within this vast empire. Royal decrees, once issued, were irrevocable (Esther 8:8), making Haman's initial decree for their annihilation a dire threat. The unique solution—a counter-decree allowing self-defense—was a testament to God's unseen hand working through human instruments like Esther and Mordecai. The establishment of a new annual feast, like Purim, was a common ancient Near Eastern practice to commemorate significant national deliverances or victories, much like the Passover for Israel. This voluntary adoption of a new tradition by the entire Jewish community underscores their profound gratitude and desire to perpetuate the memory of their salvation for future generations.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes woven throughout the Book of Esther. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Providence**, where God's unseen hand orchestrates events, turning what was intended for evil into good (compare with [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Genesis 50:20 - God's Redemptive Purpose")). The Jews' deliverance from annihilation is a testament to God's faithfulness to His covenant people, even when His name is not explicitly mentioned. Another central theme is **Remembrance and Gratitude**, as the institution of Purim ensures that the miraculous salvation is never forgotten, fostering a perpetual spirit of thanksgiving. **Communal Solidarity and Action** are also evident, as the entire Jewish community "undertook" this commitment, demonstrating their unity and shared experience of deliverance. Finally, **Effective Leadership** is highlighted through Mordecai, whose wisdom and authority not only thwarted Haman's plot but also established a lasting legacy of remembrance, as seen in his written instructions (compare [Esther 10:3](/esther/10-3 "Esther 10:3 - Mordecai's Greatness and Service")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **undertook (Hebrew, _qabal'_):** This verb signifies "to receive," "to accept," or "to undertake." In this context, it conveys a profound sense of voluntary, enthusiastic, and communal acceptance. It's not merely passive compliance but an active commitment and embrace of Mordecai's instructions. The Jews "received upon themselves" the obligation, indicating a willing and binding agreement to observe Purim. This active "undertaking" highlights the depth of their gratitude and their desire to perpetuate the memory of God's deliverance.
* **written (Hebrew, _katab'_):** This word denotes the act of writing, emphasizing the formal, authoritative, and permanent nature of Mordecai's instructions. His "writing" ensured that the details of Purim's observance would be preserved accurately and consistently for generations, giving the feast a legal and enduring foundation. It underscores Mordecai's role not just as a deliverer, but as a foundational leader establishing a lasting tradition for his people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the Jews undertook to do as they had begun":** This clause emphasizes the voluntary and collective commitment of the Jewish people. The phrase "as they had begun" likely refers to their initial, spontaneous celebration of deliverance on the days of victory (Esther 9:18-19). Now, they formally and enthusiastically "undertook" to make this celebration a permanent, annual observance. This signifies a communal decision, born out of gratitude and a desire to remember God's mighty acts, transforming a spontaneous outburst of joy into an institutionalized tradition.
* **"and as Mordecai had written unto them":** This part of the verse highlights the authority and specific nature of Mordecai's instructions. His written decree (Esther 9:20) provided the framework and details for the observance of Purim, ensuring its consistency and widespread adoption throughout the Jewish communities in the Persian Empire. It underscores Mordecai's role as a wise and authoritative leader, whose foresight ensured the longevity and proper practice of this significant new feast.

#### Literary Devices
Esther 9:23 employs several literary techniques to convey its message. The verse functions as a powerful act of **Confirmation** and **Communal Affirmation**, solidifying the institution of Purim that was first proposed in the preceding verses. It provides a sense of **Narrative Resolution** for the immediate conflict, showing the positive and lasting outcome of the Jews' deliverance. The phrase "undertook to do as they had begun" utilizes **Repetition** of action, emphasizing the continuity and intentionality of their commitment. Furthermore, there is an **Implied Contract** or covenant between Mordecai's written instructions and the people's willing acceptance, establishing a foundational tradition for future generations. The verse's concise nature, yet profound implication, creates a sense of finality and establishment for this pivotal Jewish holiday.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Esther 9:23, though seemingly a simple declaration of commitment, resonates with profound theological implications regarding God's faithfulness and the importance of communal remembrance. Even without explicit mention of God's name, the establishment of Purim is a testament to His sovereign providence, turning a decree of death into a celebration of life. This act of "undertaking" to remember parallels God's own covenantal faithfulness to His people, ensuring their survival and flourishing. It underscores that gratitude for divine deliverance should lead to intentional, communal practices that perpetuate the memory of God's mighty acts, fostering a corporate identity rooted in His saving power.

* [Deuteronomy 6:6-7](/deuteronomy/6-6 "Deuteronomy 6:6-7 - Teaching the Commands to Your Children")
* [Psalm 105:5](/psalms/105-5 "Psalm 105:5 - Remember His Wonderful Deeds")
* [Exodus 12:26-27](/exodus/12-26 "Exodus 12:26-27 - Explaining the Passover")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Esther 9:23 offers a compelling model for believers today: the active, voluntary commitment to remember and celebrate God's faithfulness. Just as the Jews embraced Purim to recall their miraculous deliverance, we are called to intentionally remember God's past interventions in our lives and in the grand narrative of salvation. This remembrance is not passive; it's an "undertaking," an active choice to integrate gratitude and recognition of God's providence into our daily lives and communal practices. It encourages us to establish personal and corporate disciplines that help us acknowledge God's unseen hand working through all circumstances, turning potential despair into profound joy. By remembering, we strengthen our faith, cultivate a spirit of thanksgiving, and ensure that the legacy of God's goodness is passed on to future generations, inspiring them to trust in His unfailing love.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I actively "undertake" to remember God's faithfulness in my personal life and in the life of my community?**
* **What specific practices or traditions can I establish or reinforce to help me and my family remember God's past deliverances and provisions?**
* **In what ways can I recognize and celebrate God's providential hand at work, even in circumstances where His presence might not be immediately obvious?**
* **How am I contributing to passing on the stories of God's faithfulness to the next generation?**

### FAQ
**Why is the Book of Esther unique for not mentioning God's name, yet still emphasizing His providence?**

Answer: The Book of Esther is indeed unique in the biblical canon for its complete absence of any direct mention of God's name, prayer, or explicit divine intervention. However, this absence paradoxically highlights God's pervasive and subtle providence. The narrative meticulously details a series of "coincidences" and reversals—Esther's ascent to queen, Mordecai's timely discovery of a plot, the king's sleepless night leading to Mordecai's honor, Haman's gallows being used for himself—all of which point to an unseen, sovereign hand orchestrating events for the deliverance of His people. The human agency of Esther and Mordecai is central, but the outcome is clearly beyond human control, demonstrating that God works through ordinary people and seemingly ordinary circumstances to accomplish His extraordinary purposes. This literary choice may serve to emphasize that God is at work even when He seems hidden or silent, reminding us that His faithfulness does not depend on our perception of His presence, but on His unchanging character and covenant promises. The establishment of Purim, as described in [Esther 9:20-22](/esther/9-20 "Esther 9:20-22 - Institution of Purim"), is the people's recognition of this divine intervention, even if God's name is not spoken.

**What is the significance of Purim for Jewish people today?**

Answer: For Jewish people worldwide, Purim remains a joyous and highly celebrated annual holiday. It commemorates the miraculous deliverance of the Jewish people from the genocide planned by Haman in ancient Persia. The significance extends beyond historical remembrance; it is a vibrant celebration of Jewish survival, resilience, and the enduring faithfulness of God. Observances typically include reading the Megillah (Book of Esther) publicly, often with boisterous noise-making to drown out Haman's name; exchanging gifts of food and drink (Mishloach Manot); giving charity to the poor (Matanot La'Evyonim); and enjoying a festive meal (Seudat Purim). The holiday emphasizes themes of joy, unity, and the reversal of fortune, serving as a powerful reminder that even in times of great threat, God's providence can turn sorrow into gladness and mourning into celebration, as highlighted in [Esther 9:22](/esther/9-22 "Esther 9:22 - Days of Feasting and Joy").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Esther 9:23, with its emphasis on the Jewish people's voluntary "undertaking" to commemorate their deliverance, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The reversal of fortune experienced by the Jews—from a decree of death to a celebration of life—powerfully foreshadows the greater reversal accomplished through Christ's atoning sacrifice. Just as Mordecai's written decree brought salvation to his people, so the "written" word of God, culminating in the person of Jesus, brings ultimate deliverance. Humanity, under the sentence of death due to sin (as seen in [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin is Death")), faced an annihilation far more dire than Haman's plot. Yet, through the ultimate "Lamb of God" who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), God orchestrated a divine reversal. Christ, by becoming a curse for us ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeems Us from the Curse of the Law")), cancelled the record of debt that stood against us ([Colossians 2:14](/colossians/2-14 "Colossians 2:14 - Cancellation of Debt")), transforming our spiritual death into eternal life. The joy of Purim, born out of a specific historical deliverance, points to the boundless and eternal joy found in salvation through Christ, who makes all things new ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")). Believers "undertake" to remember this ultimate deliverance through baptism, communion, and lives of worship, celebrating the One who ensures that for those who love Him, all things work together for good ([Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works for Good")).

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.