Esther 9:1 - Now in the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, on the thirteenth day of the month, when the king’s commandment and his decree came near to be put in execution, on the day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to conquer them, (but it was turned out the opposite happened, that the Jews conquered those who hated them),

Generated Verse: Esther 9:1

What does "Esther 9:1" mean?


This verse from Esther 9:1 is a pivotal moment in the story of Esther and marks the turning of the tide for the Jewish people in Persia. Let's break it down:

"Now in the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, on the thirteenth day of the month..." - This sets the specific time frame. Adar is the last month of the Jewish religious year (roughly corresponding to February/March). The 13th of Adar was the day originally decreed for the extermination of the Jews, engineered by Haman.

"...when the king's commandment and his decree came near to be put in execution..." - This emphasizes the imminent danger. The royal decree authorizing the annihilation of the Jews was about to be carried out. The Jews were legally condemned and faced certain death.

"...on the day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to conquer them..." - This highlights the enemies' anticipation. Haman and his supporters were confident in their impending victory. They believed they had the legal right and the power to destroy the Jewish people.

"...(but it was turned out the opposite happened, that the Jews conquered those who hated them)..." - This is the crucial turning point. Instead of being annihilated, the Jews were granted the right by the king to defend themselves. Because of Esther's bravery and Mordecai's wisdom, a new decree was issued allowing the Jews to arm themselves and fight back against those who intended to harm them. This verse states that the tables were turned, and the Jews prevailed over their enemies.

In essence, this verse describes the day that was meant for the destruction of the Jews. But through divine providence and the courage of Esther and Mordecai, the day became a day of victory for the Jews over those who sought to destroy them.

The verse sets the stage for the events that follow in Esther 9, which describe the Jews' successful defense against their enemies and the establishment of the festival of Purim to commemorate this miraculous deliverance.