Esther 9:18

But the Jews that [were] at Shushan assembled together on the thirteenth [day] thereof, and on the fourteenth thereof; and on the fifteenth [day] of the same they rested, and made it a day of feasting and gladness.

But the Jews {H3064} that were at Shushan {H7800} assembled together {H6950} on the thirteenth {H7969}{H6240} day thereof, and on the fourteenth {H702}{H6240} thereof; and on the fifteenth {H2568}{H6240} day of the same they rested {H5118}, and made {H6213} it a day {H3117} of feasting {H4960} and gladness {H8057}.

However, the Jews of Shushan assembled on both the thirteenth and fourteenth days of Adar, so it was on the fifteenth that they rested and made it a holiday for celebrating and rejoicing.

The Jews in Susa, however, had assembled on the thirteenth and the fourteenth days of the month. So they rested on the fifteenth day, making it a day of feasting and joy.

But the Jews that were in Shushan assembled together on the thirteenth day thereof, and on the fourteenth thereof; and on the fifteenth day of the same they rested, and made it a day of feasting and gladness.

Commentary

Esther 9:18 describes the specific actions of the Jews residing in the capital city of Shushan following their successful defense against their enemies. While Jews in the provinces had fought and rested on the fourteenth day of Adar, those in Shushan engaged in battle for an additional day, the fourteenth, and therefore observed their day of rest and celebration on the fifteenth day of the same month. This verse marks the establishment of a distinct aspect of the festival known as Purim.

Context

This verse follows the intense period of conflict described in Esther chapter 9, where the Jews were granted permission by King Ahasuerus to defend themselves against those who sought their destruction. This was a direct reversal of Haman's wicked plot, orchestrated by Queen Esther and Mordecai. The Jewish people, empowered by a royal decree (Esther 8:11), decisively defeated their adversaries. The account notes a difference in the duration of the fighting: while Jews throughout the 127 provinces fought on the thirteenth day of Adar and rested on the fourteenth, the Jews in Shushan, at Queen Esther's request (Esther 9:13), continued fighting on the fourteenth, thus requiring their day of rest and rejoicing to be on the fifteenth.

Key Themes

  • Divine Deliverance and Victory: The verse highlights the overwhelming triumph of the Jewish people over their enemies, a victory orchestrated by God's unseen hand, turning a day of potential annihilation into a day of salvation.
  • Rest and Celebration: After the intense struggle, the emphasis shifts to a well-deserved period of rest and profound joy. The "feasting and gladness" signify a deep sense of relief, gratitude, and communal rejoicing for their preservation.
  • Commemoration and Tradition: This specific day of rest for the Jews in Shushan, along with the fourteenth for those in the provinces, forms the bedrock for the annual celebration of Purim, a tradition formally established in the subsequent verses (Esther 9:20-22). It underscores the importance of remembering God's faithfulness.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "feasting and gladness" (Hebrew: mishteh v'simchah) conveys a deep sense of communal joy and celebration. Mishteh refers to a banquet or feast, often associated with joyous occasions, while simchah denotes joy, mirth, or gladness. Together, they paint a picture of exuberant celebration, a stark contrast to the fear and mourning that had gripped the Jewish community just days before. This transformation from sorrow to joy is a recurring theme in biblical narratives of deliverance, as seen in Psalm 30:11, "Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing."

Practical Application

Esther 9:18 reminds believers today of the importance of celebrating God's deliverance and faithfulness in our lives. Just as the Jews found joy and rest after a period of intense struggle, we too can find comfort and joy in God's provision and protection, even amidst adversity. It encourages us to take time to acknowledge and commemorate the significant ways God has worked for us, fostering a spirit of gratitude and hope. This verse also implicitly teaches the value of communal celebration and remembering God's past mercies as a source of strength for future challenges.

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Cross-References

  • Esther 9:21 (3 votes)

    To stablish [this] among them, that they should keep the fourteenth day of the month Adar, and the fifteenth day of the same, yearly,

  • Esther 9:15 (2 votes)

    For the Jews that [were] in Shushan gathered themselves together on the fourteenth day also of the month Adar, and slew three hundred men at Shushan; but on the prey they laid not their hand.

  • Esther 9:13 (2 votes)

    Then said Esther, If it please the king, let it be granted to the Jews which [are] in Shushan to do to morrow also according unto this day's decree, and let Haman's ten sons be hanged upon the gallows.

  • Esther 9:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ Now in the twelfth month, that [is], the month Adar, on the thirteenth day of the same, when the king's commandment and his decree drew near to be put in execution, in the day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to have power over them, (though it was turned to the contrary, that the Jews had rule over them that hated them;)

  • Esther 9:11 (1 votes)

    On that day the number of those that were slain in Shushan the palace was brought before the king.