Esther 9:16 Meaning and Explanation
“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,”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Across the provinces the Jews defend themselves, gain rest, and once more refuse the spoil.
What Does Esther 9:16 Mean?
Beyond the capital, the Jews throughout the provinces gather and stood for their lives. The phrase names the heart of the matter: this was defense against attackers who came on the appointed day. They prevail over a great number of their foes and at last have rest from their enemies, the threat that hung over them finally lifted.
A third time the narrator notes that they laid not their hands on the prey. The refusal is now a settled pattern across the whole empire, in capital and province alike. The people who were marked for plunder and death take neither plunder nor vengeance beyond their defense, and in restraint they find rest.
Frequently Asked Questions About Esther 9:16
What does Esther 9:16 mean?
Across the provinces the Jews defend themselves, gain rest, and once more refuse the spoil.