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Esther 9

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‹ Chapter 8 Esther — All Chapters Chapter 10 ›

1 On the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar, the king’s command and edict were to be executed. On this day the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, but their plan was overturned and the Jews overpowered those who hated them. 2 In each of the provinces of King Xerxes, the Jews assembled in their cities to attack those who sought to harm them. No man could withstand them, because the fear of them had fallen upon all peoples. 3 And all the officials of the provinces, the satraps, the governors, and the king’s administrators helped the Jews, because the fear of Mordecai had fallen upon them. 4 For Mordecai exercised great power in the palace, and his fame spread throughout the provinces as he became more and more powerful. 5 The Jews put all their enemies to the sword, killing and destroying them, and they did as they pleased to those who hated them. 6 In the citadel of Susa, the Jews killed and destroyed five hundred men, 7 including Parshandatha, Dalphon, Aspatha, 8 Poratha, Adalia, Aridatha, 9 Parmashta, Arisai, Aridai, and Vaizatha. 10 They killed these ten sons of Haman son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews, but they did not lay a hand on the plunder. 11 On that day the number of those killed in the citadel of Susa was reported to the king, 12 who said to Queen Esther, “In the citadel of Susa the Jews have killed and destroyed five hundred men, including Haman’s ten sons. What have they done in the rest of the royal provinces? Now what is your petition? It will be given to you. And what further do you request? It will be fulfilled." 13 Esther replied, “If it pleases the king, may the Jews in Susa also have tomorrow to carry out today’s edict, and may the bodies of Haman’s ten sons be hanged on the gallows." 14 So the king commanded that this be done. An edict was issued in Susa, and they hanged the ten sons of Haman. 15 On the fourteenth day of the month of Adar, the Jews in Susa came together again and put to death three hundred men there, but they did not lay a hand on the plunder. 16 The rest of the Jews in the royal provinces also assembled to defend themselves and rid themselves of their enemies. They killed 75,000 who hated them, but they did not lay a hand on the plunder. 17 This was done on the thirteenth day of the month of Adar, and on the fourteenth day they rested, making it a day of feasting and joy. 18 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. 19 This is why the rural Jews, who live in the villages, observe the fourteenth day of the month of Adar as a day of joy and feasting. It is a holiday for sending gifts to one another. 20 Mordecai recorded these events and sent letters to all the Jews in all the provinces of King Xerxes, both near and far, 21 to establish among them an annual celebration on the fourteenth and fifteenth days of the month of Adar 22 as the days on which the Jews gained rest from their enemies and the month in which their sorrow turned to joy and their mourning into a holiday. He wrote that these were to be days of feasting and joy, of sending gifts to one another and to the poor. 23 So the Jews agreed to continue the custom they had started, as Mordecai had written to them. 24 For Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of all the Jews, had plotted against the Jews to destroy them and had cast the Pur (that is, the lot) to crush and destroy them. 25 But when it came before the king, he commanded by letter that the wicked scheme which Haman had devised against the Jews should come back upon his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows. 26 Therefore these days are called Purim, from the word Pur. Because of all the instructions in this letter, and because of all they had seen and experienced, 27 the Jews bound themselves to establish the custom that they and their descendants and all who join them should not fail to celebrate these two days at the appointed time each and every year, according to their regulation. 28 These days should be remembered and celebrated by every generation, family, province, and city, so that these days of Purim should not fail to be observed among the Jews, nor should the memory of them fade from their descendants. 29 So Queen Esther daughter of Abihail, along with Mordecai the Jew, wrote with full authority to confirm this second letter concerning Purim. 30 And Mordecai sent letters with words of peace and truth to all the Jews in the 127 provinces of the kingdom of Xerxes, 31 in order to confirm these days of Purim at their appointed time, just as Mordecai the Jew and Queen Esther had established them and had committed themselves and their descendants to the times of fasting and lamentation. 32 So Esther’s decree confirmed these regulations about Purim, which were written into the record.

‹ Chapter 8 Esther — All Chapters Chapter 10 ›

Study Notes — Esther 9

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Chapter Summary

Esther 9 begins with the description of the Jews' victory over their enemies, as they are given permission to defend themselves on the 13th day of Adar. The chapter then explains how the Jews gathered together to destroy their enemies, and how they were successful in their efforts. The king's decree is also mentioned, which allowed the Jews to take revenge on their enemies. The chapter concludes with the establishment of the feast of Purim, which is still celebrated today by the Jewish people. Key verses include Esther 9:1, which describes the beginning of the Jews' victory, and Esther 9:24, which explains the reason for the feast of Purim.

Context for the Chapter

Esther 9 is part of the larger story of the book of Esther, which tells the story of the Jewish people in exile and their deliverance from the plots of their enemies. The chapter is also part of the larger biblical narrative, which describes God's relationship with His people and His plan to redeem and deliver them. The events of this chapter take place in the Persian Empire, during the reign of King Ahasuerus (also known as Xerxes I).

Heart Application

The deliverance of the Jews in Esther 9 is a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and care for His people. As believers in Christ, we can trust that God is always working to deliver us from our spiritual enemies and to bring us into a deeper relationship with Himself. We can apply this truth to our lives by trusting in God's sovereignty and providence, and by seeking to live in community with other believers.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Esther 9 tells the story of how the Jewish people were delivered from their enemies through the decree of the king. The chapter highlights God's sovereignty and care for His people, and reminds us that He is always working to deliver us from our spiritual enemies. As believers in Christ, we can trust in God's sovereignty and providence, and seek to live in community with other believers. Key verses include Esther 9:1 and Esther 9:24.

Voices from the Church

“The story of Esther is a remarkable illustration of the overruling providence of God, and the way in which He can take the weakest and most insignificant instruments and use them to accomplish His purposes.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The deliverance of the Jews in Esther 9 is a powerful reminder of God's mercy and grace towards His people, and the way in which He can take even the most difficult circumstances and turn them into opportunities for blessing and deliverance.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

  1. The Jews' Victory Over Their Enemies (Esther 9:1-10) — The chapter begins by describing the Jews' victory over their enemies, as they are given permission to defend themselves on the 13th day of Adar.
  2. The King's Decree (Esther 9:1-2) — The king's decree is mentioned, which allowed the Jews to take revenge on their enemies.
  3. The Establishment of the Feast of Purim (Esther 9:20-32) — The chapter concludes with the establishment of the feast of Purim, which is still celebrated today by the Jewish people.
  4. The Jewish People's Deliverance (Esther 9:24) — The deliverance of the Jewish people is a key theme in this chapter, as they are rescued from their enemies and allowed to defend themselves.
  5. The Significance of the Feast of Purim (Esther 9:26-28) — The feast of Purim is established to commemorate the Jews' deliverance from their enemies, and it is still celebrated today by the Jewish people.

Core Doctrines

The Sovereignty of God
Esther 9 highlights God's sovereignty and control over all events, including the deliverance of the Jews from their enemies.
The Importance of Community
The chapter emphasizes the importance of community and unity among the Jews, as they come together to defend themselves and celebrate their deliverance.
The Theme of Deliverance
The theme of deliverance is central to this chapter, as the Jews are rescued from their enemies and allowed to defend themselves.
The Providence of God
The chapter illustrates the providence of God, as He works to deliver the Jews from their enemies and to bring them into a deeper relationship with Himself.

Lessons from Esther 9

  1. Trust in God's Sovereignty — The story of Esther 9 teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty and providence, even in difficult circumstances.
  2. The Importance of Community — The chapter emphasizes the importance of community and unity among believers, as we come together to support and encourage one another.
  3. The Theme of Deliverance — The theme of deliverance is central to this chapter, and reminds us of God's power to rescue us from our spiritual enemies.
  4. The Providence of God — The chapter illustrates the providence of God, as He works to deliver the Jews from their enemies and to bring them into a deeper relationship with Himself.
  5. Celebrating God's Deliverance — The feast of Purim is established to commemorate the Jews' deliverance from their enemies, and reminds us to celebrate and give thanks for God's deliverance in our lives.

Themes from Esther 9

  1. Deliverance — The theme of deliverance is central to this chapter, as the Jews are rescued from their enemies and allowed to defend themselves.
  2. Sovereignty — The chapter highlights God's sovereignty and control over all events, including the deliverance of the Jews from their enemies.
  3. Community — The importance of community and unity among the Jews is emphasized, as they come together to defend themselves and celebrate their deliverance.
  4. Providence — The chapter illustrates the providence of God, as He works to deliver the Jews from their enemies and to bring them into a deeper relationship with Himself.
  5. Celebration — The feast of Purim is established to commemorate the Jews' deliverance from their enemies, and reminds us to celebrate and give thanks for God's deliverance in our lives.

Questions for Meditation

  1. How does the story of Esther 9 illustrate the sovereignty of God?
  2. What is the significance of the feast of Purim, and how is it still celebrated today?
  3. How does the deliverance of the Jews in Esther 9 relate to the deliverance of believers in Christ?
  4. What role does community play in the story of Esther 9, and how can we apply this to our lives as believers?
  5. How does the chapter illustrate the providence of God, and what can we learn from this about God's care for us?

Detailed Chapter Outline

1. The Jews' Victory Over Their Enemies (Esther 9:1-10)

9:1 The chapter begins by describing the Jews' victory over their enemies, as they are given permission to defend themselves on the 13th day of Adar.
9:2 The king's decree is mentioned, which allowed the Jews to take revenge on their enemies.
9:3 The Jewish people are described as being in a state of fear and uncertainty, but they are ultimately delivered from their enemies.
9:4 The Jewish people are given permission to defend themselves, and they take advantage of this opportunity to destroy their enemies.
9:5 The Jewish people are successful in their efforts to destroy their enemies, and they are ultimately delivered from their foes.

2. The Establishment of the Feast of Purim (Esther 9:20-32)

9:20 Mordecai writes a letter to the Jewish people, establishing the feast of Purim to commemorate their deliverance from their enemies.
9:21 The Jewish people are instructed to celebrate the feast of Purim on the 14th and 15th days of Adar, and to give gifts to one another.
9:22 The Jewish people are also instructed to provide for the poor and to feast with one another.
9:23 The Jewish people agree to celebrate the feast of Purim, and it becomes an annual tradition.
9:24 The reason for the feast of Purim is explained, as a commemoration of the Jews' deliverance from their enemies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the feast of Purim?

The feast of Purim is established to commemorate the Jews' deliverance from their enemies, and it is still celebrated today by the Jewish people. It is a time of feasting, gift-giving, and celebration, and it reminds us of God's power to deliver us from our spiritual enemies (Esther 9:24-28).

How does the story of Esther 9 relate to the deliverance of believers in Christ?

The deliverance of the Jews in Esther 9 is a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and care for His people, and it foreshadows the ultimate deliverance of believers in Christ from their spiritual enemies (Esther 9:1, Romans 11:25-26).

What role does community play in the story of Esther 9?

The importance of community and unity among the Jews is emphasized, as they come together to defend themselves and celebrate their deliverance (Esther 9:1-10). This reminds us of the importance of community and unity among believers, as we come together to support and encourage one another.

Top Cross References

ReferenceConnection
1 Esther 9:1 → Genesis 45:7 The deliverance of the Jews in Esther 9 is reminiscent of the deliverance of Joseph and his family in Genesis 45:7, where God uses the evil intentions of others to bring about good.
2 Esther 9:24 → Deuteronomy 32:4 The reason for the feast of Purim is explained in Esther 9:24, which is similar to the reason for the feast of the Passover in Deuteronomy 32:4, where God's power and deliverance are commemorated.
3 Esther 9:1 → Psalm 124:2-3 The deliverance of the Jews in Esther 9 is similar to the deliverance of the psalmist in Psalm 124:2-3, where God's power and sovereignty are highlighted.
4 Esther 9:20 → Matthew 26:26-30 The establishment of the feast of Purim in Esther 9:20 is reminiscent of the establishment of the Lord's Supper in Matthew 26:26-30, where Jesus institutes a new covenant and a new tradition of commemoration.
5 Esther 9:24 → John 1:1 The deliverance of the Jews in Esther 9:24 is a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and care for His people, which is also seen in the person and work of Jesus Christ in John 1:1.
6 Esther 9:1 → Romans 11:25-26 The deliverance of the Jews in Esther 9 is a reminder of God's sovereignty and care for His people, which is also seen in the plan of salvation for both Jews and Gentiles in Romans 11:25-26.
7 Esther 9:20 → 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 The establishment of the feast of Purim in Esther 9:20 is similar to the establishment of the Lord's Supper in 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, where the church comes together to commemorate the death and resurrection of Christ.
8 Esther 9:24 → Revelation 19:1-10 The deliverance of the Jews in Esther 9:24 is a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and care for His people, which is also seen in the ultimate deliverance of believers in Christ from their spiritual enemies in Revelation 19:1-10.
9 Esther 9:1 → Isaiah 45:7 The deliverance of the Jews in Esther 9 is reminiscent of the deliverance of God's people in Isaiah 45:7, where God's power and sovereignty are highlighted.
10 Esther 9:20 → Hebrews 12:1-3 The establishment of the feast of Purim in Esther 9:20 is similar to the encouragement to run the race of faith with perseverance in Hebrews 12:1-3, where the church is reminded to trust in God's sovereignty and care.

Sermons on Esther 9

SermonDescription
Roy Hession (Gospel in the Book of Esther) 5. Mordecai Speaks Peace to All His People by Roy Hession In this sermon, the speaker discusses the victory of Mordechai and the deliverance of the Jewish people as depicted in the book of Esther. The speaker emphasizes how Mordechai's en
David Guzik The Story of Esther by David Guzik In this sermon, the speaker begins by asking the congregation what God has been arranging in their lives and what they are being set up for. He emphasizes the importance of being i
Carter Conlon Willing in the Day of Power by Carter Conlon This sermon emphasizes the importance of being willing in the day of God's power, calling for a readiness to step out in faith and experience freedom, healing, and vision from God.
Rolfe Barnard Often Reproved by Rolfe Barnard In this sermon, the preacher talks about a series of events that occurred over three days. He mentions that there was a great fear that came upon the community and that the spirit
Zac Poonen (Through the Bible) Nehemiah & Esther by Zac Poonen This sermon delves into the stories of Nehemiah and Esther, highlighting the contrast between those who are willing to sacrifice for God's work and those who seek comfort and compr
F.B. Meyer The Jews Had Rule Over Them That Hated Them. by F.B. Meyer F.B. Meyer emphasizes the impending reversal of power where the current rulers, who oppose God's people, will be overthrown. He draws parallels between the historical plight of the
Peter Hammond Bible Survey - Esther by Peter Hammond Peter Hammond preaches on the powerful drama and historical significance of the book of Esther, highlighting the colossal conflict between continents during Xerxes' reign and the c

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Esther 9

In Esther 9, we see the remarkable deliverance of the Jewish people from their enemies, as God works through the king's decree to bring about their salvation. This chapter is a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and care for His people, and it highlights the importance of trust and obedience in the face of adversity. As Matthew Henry notes, the deliverance of the Jews is a type of the greater deliverance that God has provided for all people through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The establishment of the feast of Purim is also a reminder of the importance of commemorating and celebrating God's deliverance in our lives, and of the need to trust in His sovereignty and care in all circumstances. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?

The Sovereignty of God

The chapter highlights God's sovereignty and control over all events, including the deliverance of the Jews from their enemies. This is seen in the way that the king's decree is used to protect the Jews, and in the ultimate defeat of their enemies.

The Importance of Community

The chapter emphasizes the importance of community and unity among the Jews, as they come together to defend themselves and celebrate their deliverance.

The Theme of Deliverance

The theme of deliverance is central to this chapter, as the Jews are rescued from their enemies and allowed to defend themselves. This theme is also relevant to believers in Christ, who are delivered from their spiritual enemies through His death and resurrection.

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