Esther 9:5
Thus the Jews smote all their enemies with the stroke of the sword, and slaughter, and destruction, and did what they would unto those that hated them.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּכּ֤וּ
smote
H5221
וַיַּכּ֤וּ
smote
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
1 of 11
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
הַיְּהוּדִים֙
Thus the Jews
H3064
הַיְּהוּדִים֙
Thus the Jews
Strong's:
H3064
Word #:
2 of 11
a jehudite (i.e., judaite or jew), or descendant of jehudah (i.e., judah)
בְּכָל
H3605
בְּכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
3 of 11
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
מַכַּת
with the stroke
H4347
מַכַּת
with the stroke
Strong's:
H4347
Word #:
5 of 11
a blow (in 2 chronicles 2:10, of the flail); by implication, a wound; figuratively, carnage, also pestilence
חֶ֥רֶב
of the sword
H2719
חֶ֥רֶב
of the sword
Strong's:
H2719
Word #:
6 of 11
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
וַיַּֽעֲשׂ֥וּ
and did
H6213
וַיַּֽעֲשׂ֥וּ
and did
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
9 of 11
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
Historical Context
On the 13th of Adar (March 473 BC), the day Haman had chosen for Jewish extermination, the tables turned completely. The Persian Empire's legal system, which made royal edicts irrevocable (1:19, 8:8), meant both Haman's genocide decree and Mordecai's defense decree remained in force. Jews exercised their legal right to self-defense.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's providence turn evil plots against His people into opportunities for His glory?
- What does this historical deliverance teach about God's faithfulness to preserve His covenant people through all generations?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Thus the Jews smote all their enemies with the stroke of the sword (וַיַּכּוּ הַיְּהוּדִים בְּכָל־אֹיְבֵיהֶם מַכַּת־חֶרֶב)—The Hebrew makkāt-ḥereb ('stroke of the sword') describes decisive military action. And did what they would unto those that hated them (שׂנְאֵיהֶם, śōnĕ'êhem)—this phrase emphasizes the complete reversal: those who plotted the Jews' destruction now face judgment themselves.
This is not random violence but judicial execution under Persian law (8:11). The edict gave Jews the right to defend themselves and execute judgment on those who sought their genocide. God's providence works through human governments to preserve His covenant people, foreshadowing how He will ultimately judge those who persecute His church (Rev 19:11-21).