Esther 8:6

Verse

For how could I bear to see the disaster that would befall my people? How could I bear to see the destruction of my kindred?”

American Standard Version (1901)

for how can I endure to see the evil that shall come unto my people? or how can I endure to see the destruction of my kindred?

Bible in Basic English

For how is it possible for me to see the evil which is to overtake my nation? how may I see the destruction of my people?

Free Bible Version

For how can I bear to see the disaster about to fall on my people? How can I bear to see the destruction of my family?”

Geneva Bible 1599

For how can I suffer and see the euil, that shall come vnto my people? Or howe can I suffer and see the destruction of my kinred?

King James (Authorized) Version

For how can I endure to see the evil that shall come unto my people? or how can I endure to see the destruction of my kindred?

Translation for Translators

I cannot bear seeing all my family and all the rest of my people killed.”

Unlocked Literal Bible

For how could I bear to see disaster fall on my people? How could I endure watching the destruction of my relatives?”

Noah Webster Bible

For how can I endure to see the evil that will come to my people? or how can I endure to see the destruction of my kindred?

World English Bible

For how can I endure to see the evil that would come to my people? How can I endure to see the destruction of my relatives?”

Young's Literal Translation

for how do I endure when I have looked on the evil that doth find my people? and how do I endure when I have looked on the destruction of my kindred?'

Context

Esther Appeals for the Jews

⁵“If it pleases the king,” she said, “and if I have found favor in his sight, and the matter seems proper to the king, and I am pleasing in his sight, may an order be written to revoke the letters that the scheming Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, wrote to destroy the Jews in all the king’s provinces.⁶For how could I bear to see the disaster that would befall my people? How could I bear to see the destruction of my kindred?”

Summary

Esther 8:6 records King Xerxes granting Queen Esther and Mordecai the authority to counteract the decree to annihilate the Jews. This verse showcases the providential intervention of God in reversing the evil plans of Haman and ensuring the safety of His people. It demonstrates how God can use individuals like Esther and Mordecai to bring about His purposes and deliverance. The granting of this authority symbolizes the triumph of righteousness over wickedness and the ultimate victory of God's people. Esther 8:6 serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and sovereignty in protecting His chosen ones.

Commentary

Adam Clarke
John Gill

Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

To see the destruction of my kindred? - She had now informed the king that she was cousin to Mordecai, and consequently a Jewess; and though her own life and that of Mordecai were no longer in danger, Haman being dead, yet the decree that had gone forth was in full force against the Jews; and if not repealed, their destruction would be inevitable.

John Gill Bible Commentary

For how can I endure to see the evil that shall come unto my people?.... I cannot bear it; it will break my heart; I shall die to see all my people massacred throughout the realm; the thought of it is shocking and shuddering; to see it, intolerable: or "how can I endure to see the destruction of my kindred?" the same thing in different words, and somewhat more express and explanative. She explains the evil coming upon her people of the utter destruction of them, not barely an oppression, but an extermination of them; and she makes use of a word expressive of their relation to her, as more endearing, being her kindred; she and they being, as it were, of the same family, and with whom she could not but sympathize in distress. For how can I endure to see the evil that shall come unto my people?.... I cannot bear it; it will break my heart; I shall die to see all my people massacred throughout the realm; the thought of it is shocking and shuddering; to see it, intolerable: or "how can I endure to see the destruction of my kindred?" the same thing in different words, and somewhat more express and explanative. She explains the evil coming upon her people of the utter destruction of them, not barely an oppression, but an extermination of them; and she makes use of a word expressive of their relation to her, as more endearing, being her kindred; she and they being, as it were, of the same family, and with whom she could not but sympathize in distress. Esther 8:7 est 8:7 est 8:7 est 8:7Then the King Ahasuerus said unto Esther the queen, and to Mordecai the Jew,.... Who was present at the same time, either at the desire of Esther, or by virtue of his office, being now one of those that saw the king's face, Est 8:1, behold, I have given Esther the house of Haman; See Gill on Est 8:1, and him they have hanged upon the gallows; which he had prepared for Mordecai, Est 7:10 because he laid his hand upon the Jews; intended to do so, and had prepared for it, and wrote letters, ordering their destruction on such a day. Now as the king had shown favour to Esther and Mordecai, and had punished Haman for contriving mischief against them and the Jews, which was publicly known, the people would be fearful of doing anything against them, lest they should incur the king's displeasure, and therefore might make themselves easy about this matter; but, however, to give them all the satisfaction he could, he directs them to do as follows.