And in Shushan the palace the Jews slew and destroyed five hundred men.
And in Shushan {H7800} the palace {H1002} the Jews {H3064} slew {H2026} and destroyed {H6} five {H2568} hundred {H3967} men {H376}.
in Shushan the capital, the Jews slaughtered 500 men.
In the citadel of Susa, the Jews killed and destroyed five hundred men,
And in Shushan the palace the Jews slew and destroyed five hundred men.
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Esther 3:15
The posts went out, being hastened by the king's commandment, and the decree was given in Shushan the palace. And the king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city Shushan was perplexed.
Esther 9:6 marks a pivotal moment in the book of Esther, detailing the decisive victory of the Jewish people over their enemies in Shushan, the capital city of the Persian Empire.
Context
This verse describes the events of the 13th day of the month Adar, the very day originally appointed by Haman's decree for the annihilation of the Jews. However, through Queen Esther's courageous intercession and Mordecai's wisdom, King Ahasuerus issued a counter-decree, granting the Jews the right to assemble and defend themselves against any who attacked them (Esther 8:11). Esther 9:6 highlights the immediate and significant impact of this reversal in the heart of the empire, where the threat was most concentrated. The battle here was not one of aggression, but of desperate self-preservation against those who were intent on their destruction.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew phrase translated "slew and destroyed" uses two distinct verbs: harag (to kill, slay) and abad (to destroy, cause to perish). This dual emphasis conveys the thoroughness and decisiveness of the Jewish victory over their adversaries in Shushan. It wasn't just a skirmish but a complete neutralization of the threat posed by those who intended their demise.
Practical Application
Esther 9:6 reminds believers that even in the face of overwhelming odds and seemingly insurmountable threats, divine intervention can bring about remarkable deliverance. It speaks to the power of courage, intercession, and standing firm in the face of evil. The story of Purim, initiated by these events, serves as a lasting testament to God's faithfulness in protecting His people, often through unexpected means. It encourages us to trust in God's sovereignty, knowing that He can turn the tables on those who devise mischief against the righteous.