This verse from Esther 9:12 (likely referencing the Greek additions to Esther, also known as the Septuagint) continues the narrative following the massacre of the enemies of the Jews in Persia. Let's break it down:
"And the king said to Esther, The Jews have slain five hundred men in the city Susa...": The king (Ahasuerus/Xerxes) is acknowledging that the Jews, under Esther's implicit permission, have killed 500 people in the capital city, Susa. These were people identified as enemies of the Jews who had planned to kill them (as per Haman's decree).
"...and how, think you, have they used them in the rest of the country?": This is the key question. The king is essentially asking Esther how much more widespread the killing was outside of Susa. He's implying that if they killed 500 just in Susa, the total number of deaths throughout the provinces must be staggering. It's a loaded question, potentially suggesting concern about the scale of the violence. Alternatively, it could be curiosity, as he gave the initial decree.
"What then do you yet ask, that it may be done for you?": This is the clincher. Despite the high death toll, the king is still offering Esther further concessions. He's saying, "Even after all this, what more do you want? I'm still willing to grant you requests." This highlights:
The king's favor towards Esther: He clearly values her and is willing to go to great lengths to please her.
The extent of his power: He has the authority to grant further requests, even after such widespread violence.
The power dynamics: Esther, a Jew and a queen, has enormous influence over the king and the kingdom.
In Summary:
The verse shows the aftermath of the Jews' self-defense. The king, aware of the considerable bloodshed, inquires about the extent of the violence outside the capital. However, he remains so devoted to Esther that he offers to grant her further requests, highlighting her power and his willingness to accommodate her. The verse raises questions about the morality of the violence, the king's true feelings about it, and the complex political landscape of the time. It sets the stage for whatever further action Esther might take to protect her people.
This verse from Esther 9:12 (likely referencing the Greek additions to Esther, also known as the Septuagint) continues the narrative following the massacre of the enemies of the Jews in Persia. Let's break it down:
"And the king said to Esther, The Jews have slain five hundred men in the city Susa...": The king (Ahasuerus/Xerxes) is acknowledging that the Jews, under Esther's implicit permission, have killed 500 people in the capital city, Susa. These were people identified as enemies of the Jews who had planned to kill them (as per Haman's decree).
"...and how, think you, have they used them in the rest of the country?": This is the key question. The king is essentially asking Esther how much more widespread the killing was outside of Susa. He's implying that if they killed 500 just in Susa, the total number of deaths throughout the provinces must be staggering. It's a loaded question, potentially suggesting concern about the scale of the violence. Alternatively, it could be curiosity, as he gave the initial decree.
"What then do you yet ask, that it may be done for you?": This is the clincher. Despite the high death toll, the king is still offering Esther further concessions. He's saying, "Even after all this, what more do you want? I'm still willing to grant you requests." This highlights:
The king's favor towards Esther: He clearly values her and is willing to go to great lengths to please her.
The extent of his power: He has the authority to grant further requests, even after such widespread violence.
The power dynamics: Esther, a Jew and a queen, has enormous influence over the king and the kingdom.
In Summary:
The verse shows the aftermath of the Jews' self-defense. The king, aware of the considerable bloodshed, inquires about the extent of the violence outside the capital. However, he remains so devoted to Esther that he offers to grant her further requests, highlighting her power and his willingness to accommodate her. The verse raises questions about the morality of the violence, the king's true feelings about it, and the complex political landscape of the time. It sets the stage for whatever further action Esther might take to protect her people.
