Esther 8:9-14 | The Way of Scripture

Esther 8:9-14

What does the second decree permit, and why is its wording difficult?

Berean Standard Bible

9 At once the royal scribes were summoned, and on the twenty-third day of the third month (the month of Sivan), they recorded all of Mordecai’s orders to the Jews and to the satraps, governors, and princes of the 127 provinces from India to Cush —writing to each province in its own script, to every people in their own language, and to the Jews in their own script and language. 10 Mordecai wrote in the name of King Xerxes and sealed it with the royal signet ring. He sent the documents by mounted couriers riding on swift horses bred from the royal mares. 11 By these letters the king permitted the Jews in each and every city the right to assemble and defend themselves, to destroy, kill, and annihilate all the forces of any people or province hostile to them, including women and children, and to plunder their possessions. 12 The single day appointed throughout all the provinces of King Xerxes was the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar. 13 A copy of the text of the edict was to be issued in every province and published to all the people, so that the Jews would be ready on that day to avenge themselves on their enemies. 14 The couriers rode out in haste on their royal horses, pressed on by the command of the king. And the edict was also issued in the citadel of Susa.

What is the context?

Mordecai’s orders are translated, sealed, and sent urgently throughout the provinces. They permit the Jews to assemble and defend themselves on the day appointed for their destruction.

The permission also uses sweeping language about destroying hostile forces, including women and children, and taking possessions. That wording belongs to the text and should not disappear from an explanation of the rescue.

The following chapter will stress that the Jews do not take plunder. The distinction between what this decree permits and what the later report explicitly records matters when assessing the violence.

How is this passage commonly understood?

Wesley emphasizes defense of life and argues that the decree’s reference to women and children is intended to frighten the attackers. He notes that the execution account does not expressly describe killing women and children. The first point is his explanation of the wording’s purpose; the silence of the later report does not prove the fate of every family.

What is our position?

We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.

Where can I study this further?

No deeper study linked yet.

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