Esther 9:18 - But the Jews who were in Shushan assembled together on the thirteenth and on the fourteenth days of the month; and on the fifteenth day of that month, they rested, and made it a day of feasting and gladness.

Generated Verse: Esther 9:18

What does "Esther 9:18" mean?


This verse from Esther 9:18 describes the observance of the holiday of Purim by the Jews living in the walled city of Shushan (Susa), the capital of the Persian Empire. Here's a breakdown:

"But the Jews who were in Shushan assembled together on the thirteenth and on the fourteenth days of the month...": This refers to the days of Adar (a month in the Jewish calendar) when the Jews throughout the Persian empire were authorized to defend themselves and retaliate against their enemies, who were plotting to annihilate them. The Jews in Shushan fought on both the 13th and 14th.

"...and on the fifteenth day of that month, they rested...": After successfully defending themselves and defeating their enemies, the Jews in Shushan ceased fighting on the 15th of Adar.

"...and made it a day of feasting and gladness.": Because they completed their battle on the 15th and were victorious, they declared that day as a time for celebration, feasting, and rejoicing.

In essence, this verse explains why Purim is celebrated on different days in different locations:

Unwalled cities (like the provinces): Celebrated Purim on the 14th of Adar because they only fought on the 13th.
Walled cities (like Shushan): Celebrated Purim on the 15th of Adar (known as "Shushan Purim") because they fought on both the 13th and 14th.

The key takeaway is that the verse highlights the special celebration of Purim in Shushan on the 15th of Adar, a day of rest and rejoicing after a period of intense fighting and victory over their enemies. This distinction in dates remains a part of Purim observance to this day.

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