Esther 9 3

Esther 9:3 kjv

And all the rulers of the provinces, and the lieutenants, and the deputies, and officers of the king, helped the Jews; because the fear of Mordecai fell upon them.

Esther 9:3 nkjv

And all the officials of the provinces, the satraps, the governors, and all those doing the king's work, helped the Jews, because the fear of Mordecai fell upon them.

Esther 9:3 niv

And all the nobles of the provinces, the satraps, the governors and the king's administrators helped the Jews, because fear of Mordecai had seized them.

Esther 9:3 esv

All the officials of the provinces and the satraps and the governors and the royal agents also helped the Jews, for the fear of Mordecai had fallen on them.

Esther 9:3 nlt

And all the nobles of the provinces, the highest officers, the governors, and the royal officials helped the Jews for fear of Mordecai.

Esther 9 verses

Esther 9 3 Meaning

Esther 9:3 states that all officials across the Persian empire, from high-ranking provincial officers to local administrators and those involved in the king's affairs, actively supported the Jewish people. This widespread assistance was prompted by the profound fear of Mordecai that had permeated among them. This verse highlights the dramatic shift in political dynamics and the protection extended to the Jews due to Mordecai's newly acquired authority and the royal decrees.

Esther 9 3 Context

Esther chapter 9 describes the pivotal day, the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, originally set for the extermination of the Jews as per Haman's decree. Instead, due to Esther's intercession, Mordecai's promotion, and King Ahasuerus's new decree, this day became one where the Jews were empowered to defend themselves and take vengeance upon their enemies. Verse 3 specifically details how the high-ranking Persian officials responded to this dramatic turn of events. Historically, the Persian Empire was vast, encompassing diverse peoples and complex administrative structures. Loyalty and fear were primary motivators for local officials to maintain order and demonstrate allegiance to the king and his most powerful servants, like Mordecai.

Esther 9 3 Word analysis

• And all the officials: Hebrew: v'chol-sarei (וְכָל-שָׂרֵי). "Sarim" (officials) denotes high-ranking functionaries, princes, or military commanders. It signifies that the support was comprehensive, extending to influential leaders at various levels. Significance: This emphasizes the widespread reach of Mordecai's influence and the king's new favor. It was not isolated support but a systemic backing.
• of the provinces: Referring to the 127 provinces of the Persian Empire mentioned in Esth 1:1. Significance: Highlights the vast geographical extent of the protection afforded to the Jews. It suggests an empire-wide shift in policy and attitude towards the Jewish people.
• and the satraps: Hebrew: v'ha'akhashdarpanim (וְהָאֲחַשְׁדַּרְפְּנִים). Derived from Old Persian khshathrapāvan, meaning "protector of the kingdom." These were the chief governors of the largest administrative divisions, possessing significant military and judicial power. Significance: Their involvement underscores the highest echelons of imperial authority aligning with the Jews, indicating a complete reversal of the previous genocidal decree. This reflects divine providence, turning powerful figures to favor God's people.
• and the governors: Hebrew: v'hapachot (וְהַפַּחוֹת). These were governors of smaller districts or provinces, under the satraps, or lower-ranking administrators. Significance: The enumeration of different ranks shows that the compliance and support cascaded down through the entire administrative hierarchy. This portrays the totality of the shift.
• and those who did the king's business: This phrase encompasses all royal agents, clerks, treasurers, scribes, or even judges, those directly involved in executing the king's commands and administering the empire. Significance: It implies not just governmental heads, but the working mechanisms of the empire, actively contributing to the Jewish cause, preventing obstruction and providing assistance where needed. This points to the thoroughness of the influence.
• helped: Hebrew: sa'adu (סָעֲדוּ). Means to sustain, support, strengthen, assist. Significance: This is an active verb, indicating concrete assistance rather than mere neutrality or passive permission. They actively came to the aid of the Jews, showcasing a complete paradigm shift from potential persecutors to protectors. This implies both moral and logistical support.
• the Jews; The beneficiaries of this massive bureaucratic shift. Significance: Highlights the fulfillment of God's covenantal promises to protect His people, even in diaspora, and to turn the plans of their enemies against them (Gen 12:3).
• for the fear of Mordecai: Hebrew: ki-yir'ath Mordekai (כִּי-יִרְאַת מָרְדְּכַי). "Yir'ah" typically refers to awe or reverence, often used for "fear of the Lord." Here, it signifies a profound dread, respect, and awe inspired by Mordecai's sudden elevation and the king's undeniable favor. Original Context: In ancient Near Eastern cultures, a ruler's favored official commanded immense authority and prestige. Displeasing such a figure could lead to swift and severe consequences. Significance: This fear was born from witnessing Mordecai's unprecedented rise, Haman's dramatic fall, and the knowledge that Mordecai now represented the king's power and intent. This illustrates the proverb "the fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is safe" (Prov 29:25) from the perspective of those experiencing the "fear," not the Jews. This fear acted as an instrumental force for God's protection.
• had fallen upon them. Hebrew: naghah aliehem (נָגְלָה עֲלֵיהֶם). Common idiom for something overwhelming and pervasive, like a sudden dread or terror that seizes individuals (e.g., Gen 15:12, Exod 15:16, 1 Sam 11:7). Significance: It implies that this fear was not merely a calculated political move, but an internal, powerful sensation that gripped these officials. It suggests a providential element, where circumstances aligned to inspire a terror that protected God's people. The invisible hand of God moved the hearts of men (Prov 21:1). Polemics: This contrasts sharply with the original fear of Haman's decree. The fear of Mordecai, the Jew, and his power (backed by God's providence), has replaced the fear of the oppressor, subtly asserting the superiority of God's chosen and His plans over human wickedness.

Esther 9 3 Bonus section

The concept of "fear" in this verse, while appearing to be politically motivated, subtly echoes the "fear of the Lord" often mentioned in the Bible. While it's fear of Mordecai's authority, this authority is clearly orchestrated by God. Thus, this worldly fear inadvertently served God's divine purpose, showcasing how God uses various means, including the worldly motivations of men, to accomplish His will. It presents a divine "checks and balances" system, where human ambition and fear are instrumental in preserving God's plan and His people, demonstrating that even earthly rulers and their subordinates are ultimately subject to divine oversight (Dan 2:21). The comprehensive list of officials highlights the systemic shift from oppression to protection, ensuring the reach of the new decree to every corner of the empire.

Esther 9 3 Commentary

Esther 9:3 provides a vivid testament to the dramatic turnaround in the fortune of the Jewish people within the Persian Empire. This verse underscores the pervasive impact of Mordecai's promotion and royal favor. The active "helping" by every level of Persian official demonstrates not mere passive acquiescence but proactive support, which was critical for the Jews' successful defense on the appointed day. The driving force behind this unprecedented assistance was the deep and widespread "fear of Mordecai." This fear was a practical acknowledgment of his immense power and the severe consequences of defying royal authority, especially when that authority was personified in someone so closely aligned with the king, following Haman's swift and brutal demise. It was God's unseen hand working through human mechanisms – in this case, fear and political expediency – to ensure the preservation of His covenant people. This event stands as a powerful reminder that God's sovereignty extends to all realms, even the political intrigues and bureaucratic workings of powerful empires, bending them to His purposes for the protection and flourishing of His chosen people.