Esther 9 14

Esther 9:14 kjv

And the king commanded it so to be done: and the decree was given at Shushan; and they hanged Haman's ten sons.

Esther 9:14 nkjv

So the king commanded this to be done; the decree was issued in Shushan, and they hanged Haman's ten sons.

Esther 9:14 niv

So the king commanded that this be done. An edict was issued in Susa, and they impaled the ten sons of Haman.

Esther 9:14 esv

So the king commanded this to be done. A decree was issued in Susa, and the ten sons of Haman were hanged.

Esther 9:14 nlt

So the king agreed, and the decree was announced in Susa. And they impaled the bodies of Haman's ten sons.

Esther 9 verses

Esther 9 14 Meaning

This verse recounts the immediate fulfillment of Esther's request from the king. It confirms that the king's command for an extension of the defense decree was issued in the capital city of Susa, resulting in the public execution by hanging of Haman’s ten sons. This act solidified the victory of the Jewish people over their enemies and ensured the eradication of Haman's wicked lineage.

Esther 9 14 Context

Esther chapter 9 concludes the dramatic events of the Book of Esther, focusing on the Jews' self-defense and the subsequent establishment of the feast of Purim. Following the successful self-defense of the Jews on the 13th day of the twelfth month, Esther made an additional request to King Ahasuerus (Esth 9:13). She asked for two things: firstly, that the Jews in Susa be allowed to continue their defense for one more day (the 14th of Adar), and secondly, that the ten sons of Haman, who had already been executed, be publicly hanged on the gallows. This verse confirms the immediate execution of this command, showcasing the king’s continued favor towards Esther and the Jews, and providing a definitive end to the existential threat posed by Haman and his lineage, especially in the royal city of Susa.

Esther 9 14 Word analysis

• So the king commanded it to be done;
  • So: Denotes a direct consequence and immediate action following Esther's request in the preceding verse.
  • the king: Refers to Ahasuerus (Xerxes I), highlighting his supreme authority and willingness to grant Esther's requests, reinforcing the theme of divine providence working through human agency.
  • commanded it to be done: Illustrates the absolute power of the Persian monarch. A king's word was law, and immediate execution was expected, underscoring the finality and gravity of the decree.
• and a decree was issued in Susa,
  • a decree: From the Hebrew dat (דת), signifying a formal, legally binding royal edict. Once issued, such decrees were often considered unchangeable in Persian law (Dan 6:8, 12, 15), emphasizing the certainty of the action.
  • issued: Denotes the official publication and dissemination of the royal command, making it known to all in the capital city.
  • in Susa: The capital city of the Persian Empire, where the royal court resided and where Haman's plot originated. The specific mention highlights that this decisive action took place at the center of power and rebellion.
• and they hanged the ten sons of Haman.
  • they hanged: From the Hebrew talah (תלה), meaning "to hang, suspend, impale." This was a common form of execution, but often carried the additional connotation of public display, humiliation, and severe dishonor, particularly if the body remained exposed. According to Deut 21:22-23, anyone hanged was considered "cursed by God," signifying divine condemnation in the eyes of the onlookers. This served as a powerful deterrent and public affirmation of justice.
  • the ten sons of Haman: Emphasizes the completeness of the destruction of Haman's direct lineage. Haman was an Agagite, a descendant of Agag, the king of the Amalekites. This act served as a final, decisive blow against the ongoing spiritual and historical conflict with Amalek (Ex 17:14-16, Deut 25:17-19, 1 Sam 15). The number ten signifies fullness and completeness in a biblical sense. Their execution and public display represented total victory over the chief adversary and his "seed" or descendants.

Esther 9 14 Bonus section

The hanging of Haman's sons on the gallows, specifically requested by Esther after their initial death, emphasizes the symbolic weight of the act. In ancient cultures, the public display of executed criminals, especially those considered enemies of the state or perpetrating grave offenses, was a profound statement of absolute defeat, humiliation, and public shame for their entire family line. It ensured that no doubt remained regarding the victory and the fate of those who conspired against the Jews. This public spectacle not only served as a warning to potential future adversaries within the empire but also brought psychological comfort and vindication to the Jewish community, knowing their would-be oppressors faced full, inescapable justice. This echoes ancient Near Eastern treaties that sometimes specified public display of executed traitors as a sign of irreversible justice.

Esther 9 14 Commentary

Esther 9:14 is the definitive seal of divine justice and complete deliverance for the Jewish people in Persia. The immediate implementation of Esther's grim request for the public display of Haman's executed sons highlights the absolute reversal of fortune. What Haman intended for the Jews – public humiliation and extermination – befell him and his offspring instead. This verse not only signifies the physical eradication of a clear and present danger but also provides a powerful deterrent against future adversaries, establishing a terrifying example of the consequences of opposing God’s chosen people. It demonstrates God's sovereign hand, albeit subtly portrayed in the Book of Esther, in bringing about justice and protecting His covenant people even through secular authorities and the very laws initially intended for their harm. This final act ensures no remnant of Haman's power or influence remained to threaten the Jews again, marking a complete and undeniable victory.