Esther 9 1

Esther 9:1 kjv

Now in the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar, on the thirteenth day of the same, when the king's commandment and his decree drew near to be put in execution, in the day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to have power over them, (though it was turned to the contrary, that the Jews had rule over them that hated them;)

Esther 9:1 nkjv

Now in the twelfth month, that is, the month of Adar, on the thirteenth day, the time came for the king's command and his decree to be executed. On the day that the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, the opposite occurred, in that the Jews themselves overpowered those who hated them.

Esther 9:1 niv

On the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar, the edict commanded by the king was to be carried out. On this day the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, but now the tables were turned and the Jews got the upper hand over those who hated them.

Esther 9:1 esv

Now in the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar, on the thirteenth day of the same, when the king's command and edict were about to be carried out, on the very day when the enemies of the Jews hoped to gain the mastery over them, the reverse occurred: the Jews gained mastery over those who hated them.

Esther 9:1 nlt

So on March 7 the two decrees of the king were put into effect. On that day, the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, but quite the opposite happened. It was the Jews who overpowered their enemies.

Esther 9 verses

Esther 9 1 Meaning

Esther 9:1 vividly describes the dramatic turning point in the Book of Esther. It details that on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, Adar, the date previously set for the extermination of the Jews, a profound reversal occurred. Instead of the enemies of the Jews gaining dominance, it was the Jews who prevailed over their adversaries. This verse marks the shift from potential annihilation to triumphant deliverance, signaling the divine intervention that orchestrated the unexpected outcome. It highlights God's providence, turning intended evil into salvation for His people.

Esther 9 1 Context

Esther 9:1 immediately follows the climax of the book's narrative tension. Chapter 8 describes King Ahasuerus's reaction to Haman's treachery and his subsequent authorization for Mordecai and Esther to issue a counter-decree. Since Persian law could not revoke an existing decree, the new edict permitted the Jews to defend themselves, assemble, and destroy anyone who attacked them on the predetermined day. The twelve-month period between the first decree (Esther 3:7) and the day of execution (13th of Adar) was filled with fear and dread for the Jews. This verse explicitly identifies that fated day and reveals the miraculous reversal. It sets the stage for the dramatic self-defense and victory of the Jewish people, detailing the events that establish the Feast of Purim, celebrating God's deliverance from genocide.

Esther 9 1 Word analysis

• Now (וּבִשְׁנֵים ׀ עָשָׂר, uḇišnêm ‘āsār): A conjunction introducing a temporal clause, signaling a direct transition to the critical moment in time, shifting the narrative focus to the long-awaited, dreaded day. It marks the commencement of the dramatic action and resolution.

• in the twelfth month (בִּשְׁנֵים ׀ עָשָׂר חֹדֶשׁ): Establishes the precise time according to the Persian calendar, highlighting the extensive period of anxiety and preparation leading up to this day. The specific mention emphasizes the long anticipation for this fated day.

• which is the month Adar (הוּא חֹדֶשׁ אֲדָר, hū ḥōḏeš Adar): Provides the Jewish name for the month, ensuring clarity across cultures and connecting the events to a recognizable time for the original Hebrew audience. This specificity helps solidify the historical context.

• on the thirteenth day thereof (בִּשְׁלֹושָׁה עָשָׂר בּוֹ, bišlōšā ‘āśār bô): Precisely names the exact day initially appointed for the massacre, intensifying the tension. This detail underscores the critical nature of the specific date set by Haman's original lot.

• when the king’s commandment (כַּאֲשֶׁר קָרַב דְּבַר הַמֶּלֶךְ, kaʾăšer qarav dəḇar hammeleḵ): Refers to the first, terrible decree of Haman, highlighting that its execution was now imminent. It shows that the threat was not merely potential but had ripened into a clear and present danger.

• and his decree drew near to be put in execution (וְדָתוֹ לֵעָשׂוֹת, wəḏātō lē‘āśôṯ): Emphasizes the legal necessity and impending implementation of Haman's unrevocable edict. The term 'drew near' (קָרַב, qarav) implies proximity in time, the 'doing' (לֵעָשׂוֹת, leʿasoth) signifies action, stressing the critical moment.

• on the day that the enemies of the Jews hoped (בַּיּוֹם אֲשֶׁר שִׁבְּרוּ אֹיְבֵי הַיְּהוּדִים, bāyyôm ʾăšer šibbərû ʾôyəḇê hayyəhûḏîm): Reveals the malicious anticipation and expectation of the adversaries. The word "hoped" (šibbərû, literally 'broken hope' but in context means 'eagerly expected') points to their confident, wicked intent to overpower and destroy.

• to have power over them (לִשְׁלֹוט בָּהֶם, lišlōṭ bāhem): Indicates the desired dominance and control that the enemies intended to assert over the Jews. This phrase signifies the absolute authority and mastery they expected to achieve.

• though it was turned to the contrary (וְנַהֲפוֹךְ הוּא, wənahafôḵ hû): This is a pivotal phrase signifying a complete and ironic reversal of fortune. It introduces the profound turning of events, demonstrating divine irony and intervention.

• that the Jews had rule over them that hated them (אֲשֶׁר הֵמָּה יִשְׁלְטוּ בְּשֹׂנְאֵיהֶם, ʾăšer hēmâ yišləṭû bəśōnʾêhem): A powerful affirmation of the Jews' ultimate triumph. It mirrors the language used for the enemies' previous ambition, showing that the power relationship was entirely inverted. The word 'rule' (yišləṭû) directly opposes the earlier 'to have power' and indicates their authority and command over their foes.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "on the thirteenth day... when the king’s commandment and his decree drew near to be put in execution": This passage highlights the specific, dreadful immediacy of the threat. The meticulous dating reinforces the pressure and certainty of the impending doom. It underscores that the situation was not theoretical but about to become reality.
  • "on the day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to have power over them; though it was turned to the contrary, that the Jews had rule over them that hated them": This masterful use of antithesis reveals the core theme of reversal in Esther. It portrays the divine irony where the wicked's eager expectation is completely overturned, and their intended victims become their victors. This emphasizes God's sovereign control over seemingly unchangeable human decrees and evil plots.

Esther 9 1 Bonus section

The profound reversal described in Esther 9:1 is often termed venahafoch hu, "and it was turned to the contrary." This phrase becomes a defining characteristic of the Book of Esther, serving as its literary and theological backbone. It points not to human ingenuity alone but to a higher, unseen force at work. The specific detailing of the date emphasizes the immutability of Persian law and thus magnifies the miracle of the Jews' survival and victory, as no kingly decree could typically be reversed. This also demonstrates God's consistent protection of His elect throughout history, fulfilling His promises and ensuring the lineage through which the Messiah would eventually come, even through what appeared to be coincidences and political maneuvering. The verse introduces the 'war of defense' which morphs into a significant punitive action against the persecutors.

Esther 9 1 Commentary

Esther 9:1 serves as the highly anticipated culmination of the Book of Esther’s central conflict, articulating the dramatic pivot from grave danger to glorious deliverance. It starkly presents the stark reversal of Haman's wicked plot: the very day intended for the annihilation of the Jews became the day of their ascendancy over their enemies. This verse underscores a crucial biblical principle: divine sovereignty can overturn human malevolence, even through seemingly secular or "hidden" means. Although God's name is not explicitly mentioned in the Book of Esther, His powerful hand is evident in this dramatic turnaround, ensuring the survival of His covenant people. It is a testament to God's providence, reminding us that His purposes will prevail despite the most formidable human opposition. This established the historical foundation for the joyous Feast of Purim, commemorating this divine deliverance and the reversal of fortune.

• Example for practical usage: When faced with a seemingly irreversible decree of despair or a planned assault by an adversary, this verse offers hope that God can "turn it to the contrary," making the day of anticipated defeat into a day of surprising victory. It encourages faithful perseverance, trusting that even when circumstances appear fixed, God has the ultimate say.