Esther 9:23

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

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

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

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

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

Esther 9:23 describes the Jewish people's resolute commitment to observing the newly established annual feast of Purim, commemorating their miraculous deliverance from annihilation under Haman's wicked plot.

Context of Esther 9:23

This verse falls within the concluding chapters of the Book of Esther, which detail the aftermath of the Jews' successful defense against their enemies throughout the Persian Empire. Following the royal decree that allowed them to protect themselves (Esther 8:11), the Jews achieved victory. The preceding verses in chapter 9 describe the institution of Purim by Mordecai, instructing the Jews to celebrate these days annually. Verse 23 confirms their willing and collective acceptance of this new tradition, solidifying its place in their future observances.

Key Themes and Messages

Commitment and Observance: The phrase "undertook to do as they had begun" highlights the Jews' voluntary and determined commitment to remembering God's intervention. This was not a forced observance but a heartfelt agreement to perpetuate the memory of their salvation.
Divine Deliverance and Providence: Although the name of God is famously absent from the Book of Esther, His providential hand is undeniably at work throughout the narrative, orchestrating events through Queen Esther's courage and Mordecai's wisdom to turn Haman's evil intentions into a day of joy and triumph.
Leadership and Legacy: Mordecai's leadership was crucial not only in thwarting Haman's plot but also in establishing a lasting tradition. His written instructions ensured the proper and consistent observance of Purim for generations to come.
Remembrance and Gratitude: The feast of Purim serves as a perpetual reminder of God's faithfulness and the Jewish people's deliverance. It underscores the importance of remembering historical acts of salvation and expressing gratitude for them.

Linguistic Insight

The Hebrew word translated "undertook" is qabal (קָבַל), which means "to receive," "to accept," or "to undertake." In this context, it signifies the Jews' enthusiastic and voluntary acceptance of Mordecai's decree to observe Purim, indicating a strong communal commitment rather than mere compliance.

Practical Application

Esther 9:23 reminds believers today of the importance of remembering and celebrating God's past faithfulness. Just as the Jews committed to observing Purim, we are called to remember God's deliverance in our own lives and in the history of His people. It encourages us to:

Acknowledge God's Hand: Recognize God's unseen hand working through circumstances, even when His presence isn't overtly declared.
Embrace Spiritual Disciplines: Voluntarily commit to practices and traditions that help us remember God's goodness and His covenant promises.
Pass on the Legacy: Share stories of God's faithfulness with future generations, ensuring that His mighty acts are not forgotten.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

No cross-references found for this verse.