Esther 9:17 - This was done on the thirteenth day of the month Adar; and on the fourteenth day of that month they rested and made it a day of feasting and gladness.

Generated Verse: Esther 9:17

What does "Esther 9:17" mean?


Esther 9:17 is a key verse in the Book of Esther that describes the origin of the holiday of Purim. Let's break it down:

"This was done on the thirteenth day of the month Adar...": "This" refers to the widespread slaying of their enemies by the Jews throughout the Persian empire. The 13th of Adar was the day the Jews were authorized to defend themselves against those who sought to destroy them, as decreed in Haman's initial plot.

"...and on the fourteenth day of that month they rested...": After successfully defending themselves and defeating their enemies on the 13th, the Jews in the city of Shushan (the capital) ceased fighting on the 14th.

"...and made it a day of feasting and gladness.": Because they had been victorious and saved from annihilation, they celebrated their victory by feasting and rejoicing.

In essence, this verse says that:

The fighting and repelling of the enemies happened on Adar 13.
The Jews of the capital city of Shushan celebrated on Adar 14 because they stopped fighting and rested from their victory.

Significance:

This verse, and the subsequent verses that describe similar celebrations on Adar 15 in other cities, is the historical basis for the Jewish holiday of Purim. It explains why Purim is celebrated on these days. The Jews celebrate their deliverance from Haman's plot to destroy them. It highlights the themes of:

Deliverance: God's protection of his people.
Reversal: The plot to destroy the Jews was turned against their enemies.
Joy: The transformation from mourning and despair to feasting and gladness.
Remembrance: The importance of remembering and celebrating God's saving acts.

In short, Esther 9:17 tells us when and why the celebration of Purim began in Shushan. It set the pattern for remembering and celebrating the Jewish people's deliverance.

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