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Esther 9

32 verses

TL;DR

In Esther 9 the Jews defeat Haman’s sons, the king orders their execution, and the Jews celebrate their deliverance by establishing the festival of Purim.

Summary

The chapter recounts the Jews’ decisive victory over Haman’s sons and other enemies in the provinces, aided by the fear of Mordecai. The king, upon being informed, commands that the ten sons of Haman be hanged and grants Esther’s petition. The Jews in Shushan and throughout the empire slaughter many enemies but leave the spoils untouched, then rest on the 13th and 14th of Adar and celebrate with feasting and giving. Mordecai writes letters to all Jews, instructing them to observe the 14th and 15th of Adar annually as days of thanksgiving and joy, thereby instituting the festival of Purim. The decree of Esther and the king’s confirmation record the event, ensuring the memory of the deliverance is preserved for future generations.

Outline
  1. The Jews defeat Haman’s sons and the king orders their execution
  2. The Jews celebrate their deliverance with feasting and gift‑giving
  3. Mordecai and Esther establish the annual festival of Purim through letters and decrees
Themes
Deliverance and protection of the peopleThe power of divine and royal decreesThe celebration of communal joy and remembrance
Keywords
deliverancepurimdecreegallowsfeastlettersAdarHamanMordecaiEsther
People
EstherMordecaiAhasuerus (the king)Hamanthe ten sons of HamanShushan citizensprovinces’ rulers and officers
Places
Shushanthe king’s palacevarious provinces of Ahasuerus
Things
decreelettersgallowsfeastPurimAdar
Key Verses
  • Esther 9:3: Shows how Mordecai’s reputation induces fear and cooperation across the empire.
  • Esther 9:13: Esther’s plea for the execution of Haman’s sons demonstrates the political power of the queen.
  • Esther 9:15-17: Details the day of rest and celebration, establishing the pattern of Purim feasting.
  • Esther 9:20-22: Mordecai’s letters set the foundation for the annual observance of Purim.
Questions
  • What does the establishment of Purim reveal about the Jewish community’s response to threat?
  • How does the text portray the relationship between divine providence and human action?
  • Why is the king’s involvement significant in the context of the story?
  • In what ways does the narrative emphasize both vengeance and celebration?
  • How does the creation of annual letters influence Jewish collective memory?
  • What is the importance of the 14th and 15th of Adar in this narrative?
Sentiment

positive
The chapter celebrates deliverance and communal joy, though it also contains acts of vengeance.