And he sent the letters unto all the Jews, to the hundred twenty and seven provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, [with] words of peace and truth,
And he sent {H7971} the letters {H5612} unto all the Jews {H3064}, to the hundred {H3967} twenty {H6242} and seven {H7651} provinces {H4082} of the kingdom {H4438} of Ahasuerus {H325}, with words {H1697} of peace {H7965} and truth {H571},
He sent copies of it to all the Jews, to the 127 provinces of the kingdom of Achashverosh, ensuring their peace and security
And Mordecai sent letters with words of peace and truth to all the Jews in the 127 provinces of the kingdom of Xerxes,
And he sent letters unto all the Jews, to the hundred twenty and seven provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, with words of peace and truth,
-
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:) -
Esther 8:9
Then were the king's scribes called at that time in the third month, that [is], the month Sivan, on the three and twentieth [day] thereof; and it was written according to all that Mordecai commanded unto the Jews, and to the lieutenants, and the deputies and rulers of the provinces which [are] from India unto Ethiopia, an hundred twenty and seven provinces, unto every province according to the writing thereof, and unto every people after their language, and to the Jews according to their writing, and according to their language. -
Isaiah 39:8
Then said Hezekiah to Isaiah, Good [is] the word of the LORD which thou hast spoken. He said moreover, For there shall be peace and truth in my days. -
Zechariah 8:19
Thus saith the LORD of hosts; The fast of the fourth [month], and the fast of the fifth, and the fast of the seventh, and the fast of the tenth, shall be to the house of Judah joy and gladness, and cheerful feasts; therefore love the truth and peace.
Esther 9:30 marks a significant moment in the Book of Esther, serving as part of the official communication regarding the newly established festival of Purim, ensuring its widespread recognition and remembrance.
Context
Following the dramatic reversal of fortune for the Jewish people in the Persian Empire, where they were saved from annihilation and empowered to defend themselves (Esther 8:11), this verse describes the widespread dissemination of new letters. These letters, sent by Mordecai and Queen Esther, were crucial for officially establishing the annual celebration of Purim (Esther 9:20-22) across all 127 provinces of King Ahasuerus's vast empire. The previous decree, instigated by Haman, had intended to destroy all Jews (Esther 3:13), making these new letters a testament to their miraculous deliverance and the triumph of good over evil.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew word for "peace" is shalom (שָׁלוֹם), which encompasses far more than just tranquility. It implies completeness, welfare, prosperity, and a harmonious state of being. In this context, it speaks to the restoration of the Jews' security and flourishing after a period of intense persecution. "Truth" comes from the Hebrew word emeth (אֱמֶת), meaning firmness, reliability, faithfulness, and veracity. It emphasizes that the events were real, the decree was binding, and God's faithfulness to His people was undeniably evident.
Practical Application
Esther 9:30 reminds us of the importance of clear and consistent communication, especially when it involves significant events or divine directives. It highlights God's providence in reversing seemingly irreversible decrees and bringing about peace and truth even in the face of grave danger. The story of Esther, through its emphasis on these widely distributed letters, encourages believers to remember and proclaim God's faithfulness in their own lives and communities. The "words of peace and truth" serve as a timeless reminder that God ultimately prevails, bringing order out of chaos and establishing His righteous purposes for His people.