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No one could stand against them, because the people of all the other nationalities were afraid of them. <a href="/nlt/esther/9.htm">New Living Translation</a> The Jews gathered in their cities throughout all the king’s provinces to attack anyone who tried to harm them. But no one could make a stand against them, for everyone was afraid of them. <a href="/esv/esther/9.htm">English Standard Version</a> The Jews gathered in their cities throughout all the provinces of King Ahasuerus to lay hands on those who sought their harm. And no one could stand against them, for the fear of them had fallen on all peoples. <a href="/bsb/esther/9.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/kjv/esther/9.htm">King James Bible</a> The Jews gathered themselves together in their cities throughout all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, to lay hand on such as sought their hurt: and no man could withstand them; for the fear of them fell upon all people. <a href="/nkjv/esther/9.htm">New King James Version</a> The Jews gathered together in their cities throughout all the provinces of King Ahasuerus to lay hands on those who sought their harm. And no one could withstand them, because fear of them fell upon all people. <a href="/nasb_/esther/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> The Jews assembled in their cities throughout the provinces of King Ahasuerus to attack those who sought to harm them; and no one could stand against them, because the dread of them had fallen on all the peoples. <a href="/nasb/esther/9.htm">NASB 1995</a> The Jews assembled in their cities throughout all the provinces of King Ahasuerus to lay hands on those who sought their harm; and no one could stand before them, for the dread of them had fallen on all the peoples. <a href="/nasb77/esther/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a> The Jews assembled in their cities throughout all the provinces of King Ahasuerus to lay hands on those who sought their harm; and no one could stand before them, for the dread of them had fallen on all the peoples. <a href="/lsb/esther/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> The Jews assembled in their cities throughout all the provinces of King Ahasuerus to send forth their hand against those who sought their calamity; and no one could stand before them, for the dread of them had fallen on all the peoples. <a href="/amp/esther/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a> The Jews assembled in their cities throughout the provinces of King Ahasuerus (Xerxes) to apprehend those who wanted to do them harm; and no one could stand before them, for the fear of them [and their God] had fallen on all the peoples. <a href="/csb/esther/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> In each of King Ahasuerus’s provinces the Jews assembled in their cities to attack those who intended to harm them. Not a single person could withstand them; fear of them fell on every nationality. <a href="/hcsb/esther/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> In each of King Ahasuerus&#8217s provinces the Jews assembled in their cities to attack those who intended to harm them. Not a single person could withstand them; terror of them fell on every nationality. <a href="/asv/esther/9.htm">American Standard Version</a> the Jews gathered themselves together in their cities throughout all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, to lay hand on such as sought their hurt: and no man could withstand them; for the fear of them was fallen upon all the peoples. <a href="/cev/esther/9.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> and in the cities of every province they came together to attack their enemies. Everyone was afraid of the Jews, and no one could do anything to oppose them. <a href="/erv/esther/9.htm">English Revised Version</a> the Jews gathered themselves together in their cities throughout all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, to lay hand on such as sought their hurt: and no man could withstand them; for the fear of them was fallen upon all the peoples. <a href="/gwt/esther/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> The Jews assembled in their cities throughout all the provinces of King Xerxes to kill those who were planning to harm them. No one could stand up against them, because all the people were terrified of them. <a href="/gnt/esther/9.htm">Good News Translation</a> In the Jewish quarter of every city in the empire the Jews organized to attack anyone who tried to harm them. People everywhere were afraid of them, and no one could stand against them. <a href="/isv/esther/9.htm">International Standard Version</a> The Jewish people assembled in their towns throughout the provinces of King Ahasuerus to strike out against those who intended to harm them, and no one could oppose them because all the people had come to fear the Jews. <a href="/msb/esther/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/net/esther/9.htm">NET Bible</a> The Jews assembled themselves in their cities throughout all the provinces of King Ahasuerus to strike out against those who were seeking their harm. No one was able to stand before them, for dread of them fell on all the peoples. <a href="/nheb/esther/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> the Jews gathered themselves together in their cities throughout all the provinces of the King Achshayarsh, to lay hands on those who wanted to harm them. No one could withstand them, because the fear of them had fallen on all the people. <a href="/wbt/esther/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> The Jews assembled in their cities throughout all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, to lay hand on such as sought their hurt: and no man could withstand them; for the fear of them fell upon all people. <a href="/web/esther/9.htm">World English Bible</a> the Jews gathered themselves together in their cities throughout all the provinces of the King Ahasuerus, to lay hands on those who wanted to harm them. No one could withstand them, because the fear of them had fallen on all the people. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/esther/9.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> the Jews have been assembled in their cities, in all provinces of King Ahasuerus, to put forth a hand on those seeking their evil, and no man has stood in their presence, for their fear has fallen on all the peoples. <a href="/ylt/esther/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> the Jews have been assembled in their cities, in all provinces of the king Ahasuerus, to put forth a hand on those seeking their evil, and no man hath stood in their presence, for their fear hath fallen on all the peoples. <a href="/slt/esther/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> The Jews were gathered together in their cities in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, to stretch forth the hand upon those seeking their evil: and a man stood not before them, for their fear fell upon all the peoples.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/esther/9.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And they gathered themselves together in every city, and town, and place, to lay their hands on their enemies, and their persecutors. And no one durst withstand them, for the fear of their power had gone through every people. <a href="/cpdv/esther/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> <V 14:2>And they gathered together throughout each city, and town, and place, so as to extend their hands against their enemies and their persecutors. And no one dared to resist them, because their great power had pierced all the peoples. <a href="/nabre/esther/9.htm">New American Bible</a> The Jews mustered in their cities throughout the provinces of King Ahasuerus to attack those who sought to do them harm, and no one could withstand them, for fear of them fell upon all the peoples. <a href="/nrsvce/esther/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> the Jews gathered in their cities throughout all the provinces of King Ahasuerus to lay hands on those who had sought their ruin; and no one could withstand them, because the fear of them had fallen upon all peoples.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/esther/9.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> The Jews gathered themselves together in their cities throughout all the provinces of King Akhshirash to attack such as sought their hurt; and no man could withstand them; for the fear of them fell upon all people. <a href="/hpbt/esther/9.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And the Jews assembled in their cities and in all the cities of King Akhashiresh, to reach a hand against the workers of their harm, and no man stood before them, because a fear of them had fallen on all the nations.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/esther/9.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> the Jews gathered themselves together in their cities throughout all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, to lay hand on such as sought their hurt; and no man could withstand them; for the fear of them was fallen upon all the peoples. <a href="/sep/esther/9.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> In that day the adversaries of the Jews perished: for no one resisted, through fear of them. <a href="/parallel/esther/9-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TRosJDhNG-8?start=1736" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/esther/9.htm">The Jews Destroy Their Enemies</a> 1On 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<a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: bə·ḵāl (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">In each</a> <a href="/hebrew/4082.htm" title="4082: mə·ḏî·nō·wṯ (N-fpc) -- A province. From diyn; properly, a judgeship, i.e. Jurisdiction; by implication, a district; generally, a region.">of the provinces</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: ham·me·leḵ (Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">of King</a> <a href="/hebrew/325.htm" title="325: ’o·ḥaš·wê·rō·wōš (N-proper-ms) -- King of Persia. Or pachashrosh; of Persian origin; Achashverosh, the title of a Persian king.">Xerxes,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3064.htm" title="3064: hay·yə·hū·ḏîm (Art:: N-proper-mp) -- Jewish. Patronymically from Yhuwdah; a Jehudite, or descendant of Jehudah.">the Jews</a> <a href="/hebrew/6950.htm" title="6950: niq·hă·lū (V-Nifal-Perf-3cp) -- To gather as an assembly or congregation. A primitive root; to convoke.">assembled</a> <a href="/hebrew/5892.htm" title="5892: bə·‘ā·rê·hem (Prep-b:: N-fpc:: 3mp) -- Excitement. Or par; or ayar; from uwr a city in the widest sense.">in their cities</a> <a href="/hebrew/7971.htm" title="7971: liš·lō·aḥ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To send. A primitive root; to send away, for, or out.">to attack</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: yāḏ (N-fs) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)"></a> <a href="/hebrew/1245.htm" title="1245: bim·ḇaq·šê (Prep-b:: V-Piel-Prtcpl-mpc) -- To seek. A primitive root; to search out; by implication, to strive after.">those who sought</a> <a href="/hebrew/7451.htm" title="7451: rā·‘ā·ṯām (N-fsc:: 3mp) -- Bad, evil. From ra'a'; bad or evil.">to harm them.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">No</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: wə·’îš (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">man</a> <a href="/hebrew/5975.htm" title="5975: ‘ā·maḏ (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To take one's stand, stand. A primitive root; to stand, in various relations.">could withstand</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: lip̄·nê·hem (Prep-l:: N-mpc:: 3mp) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">them,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">because</a> <a href="/hebrew/6343.htm" title="6343: paḥ·dām (N-msc:: 3mp) -- Dread. From pachad; a alarm.">the fear of them</a> <a href="/hebrew/5307.htm" title="5307: nā·p̄al (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To fall, lie. A primitive root; to fall, in a great variety of applications.">had fallen</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">upon</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">all</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: hā·‘am·mîm (Art:: N-mp) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">peoples.</a> 3And 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.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/exodus/23-22.htm">Exodus 23:22</a> But if you will listen carefully to his voice and do everything I say, I will be an enemy to your enemies and a foe to your foes. <a href="/deuteronomy/28-7.htm">Deuteronomy 28:7</a> The LORD will cause the enemies who rise up against you to be defeated before you. They will march out against you in one direction but flee from you in seven. <a href="/joshua/1-5.htm">Joshua 1:5</a> No one shall stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so will I be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. <a href="/2_chronicles/20-29.htm">2 Chronicles 20:29</a> And the fear of God came upon all the kingdoms of the lands when they heard that the LORD had fought against the enemies of Israel. <a href="/psalms/18-40.htm">Psalm 18:40</a> You have made my enemies retreat before me; I destroyed those who hated me. <a href="/psalms/37-12.htm">Psalm 37:12-13</a> The wicked scheme against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them, / but the Lord laughs, seeing that their day is coming. <a href="/psalms/44-5.htm">Psalm 44:5</a> Through You we repel our foes; through Your name we trample our enemies. <a href="/psalms/118-10.htm">Psalm 118:10-12</a> All the nations surrounded me, but in the name of the LORD I cut them off. / They surrounded me on every side, but in the name of the LORD I cut them off. / They swarmed around me like bees, but they were extinguished like burning thorns; in the name of the LORD I cut them off. <a href="/isaiah/41-11.htm">Isaiah 41:11-12</a> Behold, all who rage against you will be ashamed and disgraced; those who contend with you will be reduced to nothing and will perish. / You will seek them but will not find them. Those who wage war against you will come to nothing. <a href="/isaiah/54-17.htm">Isaiah 54:17</a> No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their vindication is from Me,” declares the LORD. <a href="/daniel/6-24.htm">Daniel 6:24</a> At the command of the king, the men who had falsely accused Daniel were brought and thrown into the den of lions—they and their children and wives. And before they had reached the bottom of the den, the lions overpowered them and crushed all their bones. <a href="/matthew/10-28.htm">Matthew 10:28</a> Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. <a href="/luke/1-74.htm">Luke 1:74</a> deliverance from hostile hands, that we may serve Him without fear, <a href="/luke/21-15.htm">Luke 21:15</a> For I will give you speech and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. <a href="/john/16-33.htm">John 16:33</a> I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>The Jews gathered themselves together in their cities throughout all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, to lay hand on such as sought their hurt: and no man could withstand them; for the fear of them fell on all people.gathered.<a href="/esther/9-10.htm">Esther 9:10,16</a> The ten sons of Haman the son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews, slew they; but on the spoil laid they not their hand… <a href="/esther/8-11.htm">Esther 8:11</a> Wherein the king granted the Jews which were in every city to gather themselves together, and to stand for their life, to destroy, to slay, and to cause to perish, all the power of the people and province that would assault them, both little ones and women, and to take the spoil of them for a prey,as sought.<a href="/deuteronomy/2-30.htm">Deuteronomy 2:30</a> But Sihon king of Heshbon would not let us pass by him: for the LORD thy God hardened his spirit, and made his heart obstinate, that he might deliver him into thy hand, as appeareth this day.<a href="/joshua/11-20.htm">Joshua 11:20</a> For it was of the LORD to harden their hearts, that they should come against Israel in battle, that he might destroy them utterly, and that they might have no favour, but that he might destroy them, as the LORD commanded Moses.<a href="/psalms/71-13.htm">Psalm 71:13,24</a> Let them be confounded and consumed that are adversaries to my soul; let them be covered with reproach and dishonour that seek my hurt… the fear.<a href="/esther/8-17.htm">Esther 8:17</a> And in every province, and in every city, whithersoever the king's commandment and his decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a good day. And many of the people of the land became Jews; for the fear of the Jews fell upon them.<a href="/genesis/35-5.htm">Genesis 35:5</a> And they journeyed: and the terror of God was upon the cities that were round about them, and they did not pursue after the sons of Jacob.<a href="/exodus/23-27.htm">Exodus 23:27</a> I will send my fear before thee, and will destroy all the people to whom thou shalt come, and I will make all thine enemies turn their backs unto thee.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/esther/8-12.htm">Ahasuerus</a> <a href="/nehemiah/12-44.htm">Cities</a> <a href="/esther/8-17.htm">Fallen</a> <a href="/esther/8-17.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/esther/8-17.htm">Fell</a> <a href="/esther/2-19.htm">Gathered</a> <a href="/esther/8-7.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/esther/8-7.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/esther/7-7.htm">Harm</a> <a href="/ezra/4-22.htm">Hurt</a> <a href="/esther/9-1.htm">Jews</a> <a href="/esther/6-2.htm">Lay</a> <a href="/esther/8-17.htm">Peoples</a> <a href="/esther/8-12.htm">Provinces</a> <a href="/esther/6-2.htm">Sought</a> <a href="/esther/8-13.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/esther/8-12.htm">Throughout</a> <a href="/esther/8-11.htm">Together</a> <a href="/esther/2-13.htm">Wanted</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/20-6.htm">Withstand</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/esther/9-20.htm">Ahasuerus</a> <a href="/job/15-28.htm">Cities</a> <a href="/esther/9-3.htm">Fallen</a> <a href="/esther/9-3.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/esther/9-3.htm">Fell</a> <a href="/esther/9-15.htm">Gathered</a> <a href="/esther/9-10.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/esther/9-10.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/job/5-19.htm">Harm</a> <a href="/job/35-8.htm">Hurt</a> <a href="/esther/9-3.htm">Jews</a> <a href="/esther/9-10.htm">Lay</a> <a href="/job/12-23.htm">Peoples</a> <a href="/esther/9-3.htm">Provinces</a> <a href="/esther/10-3.htm">Sought</a> <a href="/esther/9-15.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/esther/9-4.htm">Throughout</a> <a href="/esther/9-15.htm">Together</a> <a href="/esther/9-5.htm">Wanted</a> <a href="/psalms/147-17.htm">Withstand</a><div class="vheading2">Esther 9</div>1. <a href="/esther/9-1.htm">The Jews slay their enemies, with the ten sons of Haman.</a> 12. <a href="/esther/9-12.htm">Xerxes, at the request of Esther, </a> 14. <a href="/esther/9-14.htm">grants another day of slaughter, and Haman's sons to be hanged.</a> 20. <a href="/esther/9-20.htm">The two days of Purim are instituted.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/esther/9.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/esther/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/esther/9.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>In each of the provinces of King Xerxes The Persian Empire under King Xerxes, also known as Ahasuerus, was vast, stretching from India to Ethiopia, encompassing 127 provinces. This extensive reach highlights the widespread nature of the events in Esther. The empire's administrative structure allowed for rapid communication, as seen in the swift dissemination of the king's edicts. The historical context of Xerxes' reign, marked by his campaigns against Greece, provides a backdrop of a powerful yet often challenged empire.the Jews assembled in their cities The gathering of the Jews in their cities signifies a unified response to the threat against them. This assembly was not just a physical gathering but also a spiritual and communal act of solidarity. The Jewish people, often dispersed and vulnerable, found strength in unity. This mirrors other biblical instances where God's people gather for protection and deliverance, such as the Israelites encamped together during their wilderness journey.to attack those who sought to harm them This phrase underscores the defensive nature of the Jews' actions. The decree allowed them to protect themselves against their enemies, a reversal of the earlier edict that permitted their annihilation. This self-defense aligns with the biblical principle of justice and protection of the innocent. The historical context of Persian law, which could not be revoked, necessitated this counter-decree.No man could withstand them The inability of their enemies to withstand the Jews points to divine intervention and favor. Throughout the Bible, God empowers His people to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds, as seen in the stories of David and Goliath or Gideon's victory over the Midianites. This phrase emphasizes the theme of God's providence and protection over His chosen people.because the fear of them had fallen upon all peoples The fear that fell upon the peoples can be seen as a fulfillment of God's promise to make His people a formidable presence among the nations. This fear is reminiscent of the dread that fell upon the inhabitants of Canaan when the Israelites approached, as recorded in Joshua. It also reflects the awe and respect that God's power can instill, serving as a type of Christ, who inspires reverence and awe through His authority and victory over sin and death.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/k/king_xerxes.htm">King Xerxes</a> The Persian king during the time of Esther, also known as Ahasuerus. His reign set the stage for the events in the Book of Esther. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_jews.htm">The Jews</a> The people of God living in exile in Persia, who were under threat of annihilation due to Haman's plot but were given the right to defend themselves. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_provinces_of_persia.htm">The Provinces of Persia</a> The vast empire ruled by King Xerxes, encompassing many different peoples and cultures, where the Jews were scattered. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_assembly_of_the_jews.htm">The Assembly of the Jews</a> The gathering of the Jewish people in their cities to defend themselves against their enemies, as permitted by the king's edict. 5. <a href="/topical/f/fear_of_the_jews.htm">Fear of the Jews</a> A divinely inspired dread that fell upon the peoples of the empire, preventing them from attacking the Jews.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/d/divine_protection.htm">Divine Protection</a> God’s providence is evident in the protection of His people. Just as He instilled fear in the hearts of the Jews' enemies, He can protect us in our spiritual battles today. <a href="/topical/u/unity_and_community.htm">Unity and Community</a> The Jews assembled together, highlighting the importance of unity and community in facing challenges. Believers today should gather in fellowship and support one another. <a href="/topical/c/courage_in_adversity.htm">Courage in Adversity</a> The Jews' courage to stand against their enemies is a reminder that God empowers us to face our fears and challenges with boldness. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God’s Sovereignty</a> The events in Esther demonstrate God’s sovereignty over nations and rulers. Trusting in His control can bring peace amidst uncertainty. <a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_fear.htm">The Power of Fear</a> The fear of the Jews that fell upon the people shows how God can use fear as a tool for His purposes. It reminds us to have a healthy fear of the Lord, which leads to wisdom.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_esther_9.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Esther 9</a> <a href="/q/how_did_esther_save_her_people.htm">How did Esther save her people from Xerxes' decree?</a> <a href="/q/does_esther_9_10_conflict_with_accountability.htm">Esther 9:10: Does executing Haman’s sons conflict with any biblical principles on individual accountability or moral responsibility?</a> <a href="/q/could_a_jewish_foreigner_become_queen.htm">Esther 5:1 - How plausible is it that a Jewish foreigner could have risen to queen with no corroborating Persian records?</a> <a href="/q/does_esther_4_16's_fast_conflict_historically.htm">Does the three-day fast in Esther 4:16 conflict with known historical or cultural practices of the time?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/esther/9.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(2) To lay hand on such as sought their hurt.--How far the Jews acted according to the strict letter of the edict, and "stood for their lives" only when attacked, is perhaps to be doubted. They had on their side all the executive of the empire (<a href="/esther/9-3.htm" title="And all the rulers of the provinces, and the lieutenants, and the deputies, and officers of the king, helped the Jews; because the fear of Mordecai fell on them.">Esther 9:3</a>), and evidently to all intents and purposes the second edict was considered virtually to repeal the first. The Jews, therefore, being in favour at Court, and, as was not unnatural after their alarm, being now full of indignation and vengeance, were probably resolved to use their opportunities while they had the chance. If so, who could object so long as they did nothing against the authorities? and they, we have seen, were on their side. That they did make a bloody use of their opportunity is shown clearly by <a href="/esther/9-16.htm" title="But the other Jews that were in the king's provinces gathered themselves together, and stood for their lives, and had rest from their enemies, and slew of their foes seventy and five thousand, but they laid not their hands on the prey,">Esther 9:16</a>.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/esther/9.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 2. - The Jews gathered themselves together. Acting on the first clause of the edict (<a href="/esther/8-11.htm">Esther 8:11</a>). In their cities. By "their cities" the writer means not cities exclusively Jewish, but cities where Jews formed an element in the population, as Susa, Babylon, Damascus - perhaps Rhages and Ecbatana - and no doubt many others. Cities exclusively Jewish, like Nearda, in later times (Joseph., 'Ant. Jud.,' 18:9, § 1), scarcely existed as yet out of Palestine. To lay hand on such as sought their hurt. The defensive character of the Jews' action is again noted. Only if their hurt was sought (comp. <a href="/psalms/71-13.htm">Psalm 71:13, 24</a>) did they lay hand on any; only against those who sought their hurt did they lift a finger. The fear of them. Not now such fear as is mentioned in <a href="/esther/8-17.htm">Esther 8:17</a>, ad fin., but a downright coward fear of their prowess. Fell upon all people. Rather, "all the people," i.e. all the many subject nations of the Persian empire among which the Jews were scattered. <a href="/commentaries/esther/9-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>In each בְּכָל־ (bə·ḵāl) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every of the provinces מְדִינוֹת֙ (mə·ḏî·nō·wṯ) Noun - feminine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4082.htm">Strong's 4082: </a> A judgeship, jurisdiction, a district, a region of King הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> A king Xerxes, אֳחַשְׁוֵר֔וֹשׁ (’o·ḥaš·wê·rō·wōš) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_325.htm">Strong's 325: </a> Ahasuerus -- king of Persia the Jews הַיְּהוּדִ֜ים (hay·yə·hū·ḏîm) Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3064.htm">Strong's 3064: </a> Jews -- Jewish assembled נִקְהֲל֨וּ (niq·hă·lū) Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6950.htm">Strong's 6950: </a> To gather as an assembly or congregation in their cities בְּעָרֵיהֶ֗ם (bə·‘ā·rê·hem) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5892.htm">Strong's 5892: </a> Excitement to attack לִשְׁלֹ֣חַ (liš·lō·aḥ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7971.htm">Strong's 7971: </a> To send away, for, out those who sought בִּמְבַקְשֵׁ֖י (bim·ḇaq·šê) Preposition-b | Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1245.htm">Strong's 1245: </a> To search out, to strive after to harm them. רָֽעָתָ֑ם (rā·‘ā·ṯām) Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7451.htm">Strong's 7451: </a> Bad, evil No לֹא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no man וְאִישׁ֙ (wə·’îš) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> A man as an individual, a male person could withstand עָמַ֣ד (‘ā·maḏ) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5975.htm">Strong's 5975: </a> To stand, in various relations them, לִפְנֵיהֶ֔ם (lip̄·nê·hem) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> The face because כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction the fear of them פַּחְדָּ֖ם (paḥ·dām) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6343.htm">Strong's 6343: </a> A, alarm had fallen נָפַ֥ל (nā·p̄al) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5307.htm">Strong's 5307: </a> To fall, lie upon עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against all כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every peoples. הָעַמִּֽים׃ (hā·‘am·mîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/esther/9-2.htm">Esther 9:2 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/esther/9-2.htm">Esther 9:2 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/esther/9-2.htm">Esther 9:2 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/esther/9-2.htm">Esther 9:2 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/esther/9-2.htm">Esther 9:2 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/esther/9-2.htm">Esther 9:2 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/esther/9-2.htm">Esther 9:2 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/esther/9-2.htm">Esther 9:2 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/esther/9-2.htm">Esther 9:2 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/esther/9-2.htm">Esther 9:2 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/esther/9-2.htm">OT History: Esther 9:2 The Jews gathered themselves together in their (Est Esth. Es) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/esther/9-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Esther 9:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Esther 9:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/esther/9-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Esther 9:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Esther 9:3" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>