Esther 9:20

Authorized King James Version

And Mordecai wrote these things, and sent letters unto all the Jews that were in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, both nigh and far,

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּכְתֹּ֣ב

H3789

wrote

to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)

מָרְדֳּכַ֔י

H4782

And Mordecai

mordecai, an israelite

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַדְּבָרִ֖ים

H1697

these things

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

הָאֵ֑לֶּה

H428

these or those

וַיִּשְׁלַ֨ח

H7971

and sent

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

סְפָרִ֜ים

H5612

letters

properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#10

הַיְּהוּדִ֗ים

H3064

unto all the Jews

a jehudite (i.e., judaite or jew), or descendant of jehudah (i.e., judah)

#11

אֲשֶׁר֙

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#12

בְּכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#13

מְדִינוֹת֙

H4082

that were in all the provinces

properly, a judgeship, i.e., jurisdiction; by implication, a district (as ruled by a judge); generally, a region

#14

הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ

H4428

of the king

a king

#15

אֲחַשְׁוֵר֔וֹשׁ

H325

Ahasuerus

achashverosh (i.e., ahasuerus or artaxerxes, but in this case xerxes), the title (rather than name) of a persian king

#16

הַקְּרוֹבִ֖ים

H7138

both nigh

near (in place, kindred or time)

#17

וְהָֽרְחוֹקִֽים׃

H7350

and far

remote, literally or figuratively, of place or time; specifically, precious; often used adverbially (with preposition)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Esther chapter 9 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

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