Esther 9:5

KJV

Thus the Jews smote all their enemies with the stroke of the sword, and slaughter, and destruction, and did what they would unto those that hated them.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus the Jews {H3064} smote {H5221} all their enemies {H341} with the stroke {H4347} of the sword {H2719}, and slaughter {H2027}, and destruction {H12}, and did {H6213} what they would {H7522} unto those that hated {H8130} them.

Complete Jewish Bible

The Jews put all their enemies to the sword; there was great slaughter and destruction, as they did whatever they wanted to those who hated them;

Berean Standard Bible

The Jews put all their enemies to the sword, killing and destroying them, and they did as they pleased to those who hated them.

American Standard Version

And the Jews smote all their enemies with the stroke of the sword, and with slaughter and destruction, and did what they would unto them that hated them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Esther 9:5 vividly describes the overwhelming and decisive victory of the Jewish people over their adversaries throughout the Persian Empire. This verse marks the climactic fulfillment of the royal decree that empowered the Jews to defend themselves against those who sought their annihilation, showcasing a dramatic reversal of fortune orchestrated by divine providence and resulting in the complete subjugation of their enemies through authorized self-defense.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the ninth chapter of Esther, which details the execution of the counter-decree issued by King Ahasuerus. Following Queen Esther's courageous intercession and Mordecai's wise counsel, the initial decree for the extermination of the Jews, instigated by Haman, was overturned. Esther 8:11-13 outlines the new edict, granting the Jews permission to assemble, defend their lives, and destroy any armed force that might attack them on the very day (the 13th of Adar) originally appointed for their destruction. Esther 9:1-4 sets the stage, describing how the fear of Mordecai and the Jews fell upon all the peoples, leading officials to support them. Verse 5 then presents the devastating effectiveness of this authorized self-defense, detailing the scale of the Jewish triumph and the complete subjugation of their aggressors, setting the stage for the subsequent establishment of the Purim festival.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Esther are set during the reign of King Ahasuerus, often identified with Xerxes I (486-465 BC), in the vast Persian Empire. The narrative unfolds against a backdrop of imperial power, court intrigue, and the precarious position of diaspora communities. The cultural context includes the absolute authority of royal decrees, which, once issued, could not be revoked, necessitating a counter-decree rather than a simple cancellation. The concept of "enemies" here refers to those within the empire who, fueled by anti-Jewish sentiment (like Haman's animosity, rooted in ancient ethnic conflicts, cf. [Numbers 24:7](/numbers/24-7 "Numbers 24:7 - Agag and Amalekites") and [1 Samuel 15:8](/1_samuel/15-8 "1 Samuel 15:8 - Saul's defeat of Agag")), rose up to execute Haman's original genocidal plot. The Jewish response, though violent, was a legally sanctioned act of self-preservation against a pre-meditated attack, not an unprovoked offensive.

* **Key Themes:** Esther 9:5 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Esther. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Deliverance and Providence**. Although God's name is conspicuously absent from the entire book, His sovereign hand is undeniably evident in the miraculous reversal of fortunes, transforming a day of decreed death into one of decisive victory for His people. This highlights God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, even when His presence seems hidden (cf. [Isaiah 43:1-2](/isaiah/43-1 "Isaiah 43:1-2 - God's Promise of Deliverance")). Another prominent theme is **Justice and Retribution**. The enemies of the Jews, who had conspired for their total annihilation, ultimately faced the very destruction they had planned for others, embodying the biblical principle that the wicked often fall into the pit they themselves dug ([Psalm 7:15](/psalms/7-15 "Psalm 7:15 - The Wicked's Own Trap")). Finally, the verse underscores the theme of **Authorized Self-Defense**. The Jews were not acting lawlessly but under royal authority, legitimately defending themselves against those who rose up to attack them, demonstrating a sanctioned act of self-preservation in the face of existential threat.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Smote (Hebrew, _nakah'_):** This verb (נָכָה) is a common and versatile term in Hebrew, meaning "to strike," "to hit," or "to smite." In contexts of warfare, as here, it frequently implies a decisive, often fatal, blow. Its use emphasizes the direct, forceful, and effective action taken by the Jews against their enemies, indicating not merely a skirmish but a comprehensive military engagement resulting in significant casualties for the aggressors.
* **Slaughter (Hebrew, _hereg'_):** The noun (הֶרֶג) specifically denotes "slaughter," "killing," or "massacre." It intensifies the meaning of "smote," specifying the outcome of the striking as widespread death. This term conveys the severity and scale of the defeat inflicted upon the enemies, underscoring that the Jewish victory was not merely a repulse but a thorough and deadly suppression of the threat.
* **Destruction (Hebrew, _avdan'_):** This word (אַבְדָן) is derived from the root אָבַד (_avad_), meaning "to perish" or "to destroy." It signifies utter ruin, annihilation, or complete eradication. Its inclusion alongside "smote" and "slaughter" emphasizes the totality of the Jewish triumph, indicating that their enemies were not just defeated but utterly undone, their power and threat completely neutralized.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus the Jews smote all their enemies":** This opening clause immediately establishes the subject (the Jews) and their primary action (smoting). The adverb "Thus" connects this action directly to the preceding narrative of the royal decree and the fear that fell upon the adversaries. "All their enemies" highlights the comprehensive nature of the conflict and the broad scope of the Jewish response, indicating that the victory was widespread across the empire where enemies arose.
* **"with the stroke of the sword, and slaughter, and destruction":** This phrase details the means and extent of the Jewish victory. "Stroke of the sword" indicates direct, physical combat and the use of weaponry, signifying a real and violent confrontation. The addition of "slaughter" and "destruction" serves as a powerful hendiatris, emphasizing the absolute and devastating nature of the defeat inflicted upon their foes—it was a comprehensive, deadly, and annihilating blow.
* **"and did what they would unto those that hated them":** This concluding clause underscores the complete reversal of power dynamics and the absolute authority granted to the Jews. "Did what they would" (וַיַּעֲשׂוּ בְּשֹׂנְאֵיהֶם כִּרְצוֹנָם, _vayya'asu b'soneihem kir'tzonam_) signifies that the Jews were given full liberty and power to deal decisively with their aggressors, without restraint or limitation, within the bounds of the royal decree. This phrase encapsulates the total triumph and the freedom from oppression that the Jewish people experienced on this day.

#### Literary Devices
Esther 9:5 employs several potent literary devices to convey the magnitude of the Jewish victory. The use of **Climax** is evident, as this verse represents the peak of the action, the decisive moment where the long-brewing conflict culminates in the triumph of the Jews. The phrase "stroke of the sword, and slaughter, and destruction" utilizes a form of **Tricolon** or **Accumulation**, where three distinct but related terms are used to build intensity and emphasize the comprehensive and devastating nature of the defeat. This creates a sense of overwhelming force and totality. Furthermore, the entire narrative, especially this verse, is a powerful example of **Irony** and **Reversal**. What was intended by Haman as a day of Jewish destruction became, through divine providence, a day of their enemies' destruction, showcasing a dramatic turn of events where the victims become the victors, and the perpetrators face their own intended fate.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Esther 9:5 is a profound testament to God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people, even when His name is not explicitly mentioned. It powerfully illustrates the principle of divine justice, where the wicked's schemes are turned back upon their own heads, and God's faithfulness ensures the preservation of His chosen nation. This moment of decisive victory, achieved through divinely authorized self-defense, underscores that God works through human means and political decrees to accomplish His sovereign purposes, transforming despair into triumph and demonstrating His hidden hand guiding history for the good of His people and the fulfillment of His promises.

* [Psalm 7:15](/psalms/7-15 "Psalm 7:15 - The Wicked's Own Trap")
* [Proverbs 26:27](/proverbs/26-27 "Proverbs 26:27 - He who digs a pit will fall into it")
* [Isaiah 54:17](/isaiah/54-17 "Isaiah 54:17 - No weapon formed against you shall prosper")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The triumphant account in Esther 9:5 offers profound encouragement for believers today. It reminds us that even in seemingly dire and hopeless circumstances, when evil appears to have the upper hand, God's sovereign plan is at work behind the scenes. Just as the Jews were empowered to overcome their physical enemies, believers are called to stand firm against spiritual adversaries, knowing that God provides the means for victory. While our battles are primarily spiritual and not against flesh and blood ([Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Our Spiritual Warfare")), the principle of divine enablement for overcoming opposition remains. This verse inspires us to trust in God's hidden providence, to act courageously within His will, and to anticipate His ultimate triumph over all forces of darkness, transforming our moments of vulnerability into testimonies of His delivering power. It challenges us to reflect on where we might feel overwhelmed and to remember that God is capable of turning the tide.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the "hiddenness" of God in the book of Esther challenge or affirm your understanding of His providence in your own life?**
* **In what ways do you see God turning what was meant for evil into good, either in your personal experience or in the broader world?**
* **While our battles are spiritual, what does the authorized self-defense of the Jews teach us about standing firm and actively resisting spiritual attacks?**

### FAQ

**Was the violence described in Esther 9:5 justified?**

Answer: The violence described in Esther 9:5 was presented as a legally sanctioned act of self-defense, not an unprovoked attack. The Jews were granted a royal decree to "assemble and protect their lives, to destroy, to kill, and to annihilate any armed force of any people or province that might attack them" ([Esther 8:11](/esther/8-11 "Esther 8:11 - The Counter-Decree")). This was a direct response to Haman's genocidal plot, which had already been legally enacted and threatened the complete annihilation of the Jewish people. Therefore, from the perspective of the narrative and the legal framework of the Persian Empire, the actions taken were a legitimate exercise of self-preservation against those who had risen up to attack them on the appointed day. It reflects a principle of justice where the aggressors faced the consequences of their own malicious intent.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Esther 9:5 describes a historical, physical victory of God's people over their earthly enemies, it foreshadows the ultimate and decisive triumph achieved through Jesus Christ. Just as the Jews were empowered to "smote all their enemies" and "did what they would unto those that hated them," Christ, through His death and resurrection, utterly defeated the spiritual enemies of humanity: sin, death, and the devil. The "stroke of the sword" finds its ultimate fulfillment in the spiritual warfare waged by the [Word of God, which is sharper than any two-edged sword](/hebrews/4-12 "Hebrews 4:12 - The Living and Active Word"), piercing to the division of soul and spirit. The "slaughter and destruction" of the enemies of God's people are spiritually realized in Christ's triumph over the powers of darkness, [disarming principalities and powers and making a public spectacle of them](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers"). Through His sacrifice, Jesus secured a victory that allows all who believe in Him to be delivered from the dominion of darkness and transferred into His kingdom ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Deliverance from Darkness")). This ultimate deliverance is not through physical violence but through the 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")), establishing a new covenant of peace and eternal life for all who trust in Him.

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

Psalms 18:34

He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms.

Psalms 18:40

Thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies; that I might destroy them that hate me.

Jeremiah 18:21

Therefore deliver up their children to the famine, and pour out their [blood] by the force of the sword; and let their wives be bereaved of their children, and [be] widows; and let their men be put to death; [let] their young men [be] slain by the sword in battle.

Psalms 20:7

Some [trust] in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.

Psalms 20:8

They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright.

2 Thessalonians 1:6

Seeing [it is] a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;

Psalms 18:47

[It is] God that avengeth me, and subdueth the people under me.