Esther 9:2 - the Jews gathered themselves together in their cities throughout all the provinces of the King Ahasuerus, to lay hands on those who wanted to harm them. No one could withstand them, because the fear of them had fallen on all the people.
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What does "Esther 9:2" mean?
Esther 9:2 describes the aftermath of the decree issued by King Ahasuerus (also known as Xerxes) in the Book of Esther. Let's break it down:
"The Jews gathered themselves together in their cities throughout all the provinces of the King Ahasuerus...": This means that Jews throughout the vast Persian empire, in their respective towns and cities, mobilized. They were responding to a new edict that allowed them to defend themselves. Previously, they had been under a decree calling for their extermination on a specific date. Now, they were preparing to protect themselves from those who sought to harm them.
"...to lay hands on those who wanted to harm them.": This describes the Jews' action to protect themselves by attacking those who intended to harm them, as permitted by the second decree.
"No one could withstand them, because the fear of them had fallen on all the people.": This is a key point. It means that the Jews were successful in their defense and that their enemies were unable to resist them. The reason for this success was not just their physical strength, but the fear they inspired in the population. Several factors contributed to this fear:
The reversal of the king's decree demonstrated the potential shift in royal favor. People were hesitant to oppose those who now had the king's implicit (or explicit) protection.
The Jews' unified and determined response. The fact that they were organized and willing to defend themselves intimidated their enemies.
Possibly, divine intervention. While not explicitly stated, the Book of Esther implies God's hand in the events. Many believe the "fear" was divinely instilled.
In essence, this verse depicts the Jews' successful defense against their enemies. The fear they instilled in the people contributed significantly to their ability to overcome their adversaries, who had originally planned to annihilate them. It marks a turning point in the story, where the Jews transition from being victims to being victors. This victory is celebrated during the Jewish holiday of Purim.
Esther 9:2 - the Jews gathered themselves together in their cities throughout all the provinces of the King Ahasuerus, to lay hands on those who wanted to harm them. No one could withstand them, because the fear of them had fallen on all the people.
What does "Esther 9:2" mean?
Esther 9:2 describes the aftermath of the decree issued by King Ahasuerus (also known as Xerxes) in the Book of Esther. Let's break it down:
"The Jews gathered themselves together in their cities throughout all the provinces of the King Ahasuerus...": This means that Jews throughout the vast Persian empire, in their respective towns and cities, mobilized. They were responding to a new edict that allowed them to defend themselves. Previously, they had been under a decree calling for their extermination on a specific date. Now, they were preparing to protect themselves from those who sought to harm them.
"...to lay hands on those who wanted to harm them.": This describes the Jews' action to protect themselves by attacking those who intended to harm them, as permitted by the second decree.
"No one could withstand them, because the fear of them had fallen on all the people.": This is a key point. It means that the Jews were successful in their defense and that their enemies were unable to resist them. The reason for this success was not just their physical strength, but the fear they inspired in the population. Several factors contributed to this fear:
The reversal of the king's decree demonstrated the potential shift in royal favor. People were hesitant to oppose those who now had the king's implicit (or explicit) protection.
The Jews' unified and determined response. The fact that they were organized and willing to defend themselves intimidated their enemies.
Possibly, divine intervention. While not explicitly stated, the Book of Esther implies God's hand in the events. Many believe the "fear" was divinely instilled.
In essence, this verse depicts the Jews' successful defense against their enemies. The fear they instilled in the people contributed significantly to their ability to overcome their adversaries, who had originally planned to annihilate them. It marks a turning point in the story, where the Jews transition from being victims to being victors. This victory is celebrated during the Jewish holiday of Purim.