the Jews killed and destroyed
This phrase indicates the defensive actions taken by the Jews against their enemies. The context of Esther 9 is the reversal of the edict that Haman had issued, which allowed for the annihilation of the Jewish people. The Jews were given the right to defend themselves, and this phrase underscores their successful efforts in doing so. The language of "killed and destroyed" reflects the complete victory over those who sought their harm, emphasizing the deliverance and protection provided by God. This event is a fulfillment of the divine promise to protect His people, as seen throughout the Old Testament.

five hundred men
The specific number of five hundred men indicates the scale of the conflict within the citadel of Susa. This number, while significant, also suggests that the Jews were selective in their defense, targeting those who actively sought their destruction. The restraint shown by the Jews, as they did not take plunder (as noted in the following verses), highlights their focus on justice rather than greed. This restraint can be seen as a reflection of their commitment to righteousness and adherence to the moral and ethical standards set forth in the Law. The victory over these men serves as a testament to God's providence and the faithfulness of His people.

The Spirit directs our attention first to the strategic setting: the fortified palace complex that housed the Persian throne (Esther 1:2). What happens here reverberates throughout the empire.

• A seat of power becomes the scene of God’s reversal. Earlier, Haman plotted the Jews’ destruction “while sitting in the king’s gate” (Esther 3:1–6), yet now the very heart of the capital witnesses their deliverance.

• Similar moments of divine intervention in royal centers appear in Nehemiah 1:1 and Daniel 8:2, reminding us that no political stronghold is beyond God’s reach (Proverbs 21:1).

• By specifying the citadel, Scripture underscores that the Jews were not carrying out vigilante violence in the streets; they acted under the authority of the king’s second decree (Esther 8:11).

The language echoes word-for-word the decree issued by Mordecai: “to destroy, kill, and annihilate any army of any people or province that might attack them” (Esther 8:11).

• Self-defense, not aggression. Esther 9:1–5 clarifies that “no one could stand against them” because the fear of the Jews fell on all peoples. The attackers were routed, fulfilling Exodus 17:16 that “the LORD will be at war with Amalek from generation to generation.”

• Divine justice. What Haman intended for evil returns on his own followers (Esther 7:10; Psalm 7:15-16). This anticipates New-Covenant promises that God “will repay with affliction those who afflict you” (2 Thessalonians 1:6).

• Covenant faithfulness. Centuries earlier Saul failed to finish the task against Agag (1 Samuel 15), yet Mordecai, a Benjaminite like Saul, completes it, showing God’s persistent faithfulness to His word (Numbers 23:19).

The number is strikingly restrained when compared with the empire-wide threat against an entire people.

• Targeted retribution. Only those “who hated them” (Esther 9:1) are counted among the dead. The Jews did not plunder their enemies (Esther 9:10), signaling moral discipline.

• Demonstration of God’s control. Though hostilities erupted inside a densely populated fortress, casualties were limited to 500. Psalm 33:16 reminds us, “The king is not saved by a large army,” highlighting that victory belongs to the LORD.

• Historical credibility. The specific figure, repeated in Esther 9:12, anchors the narrative in real events, inviting confidence that Scripture reports history, not legend (Luke 1:3-4).

Esther 9:6 records a decisive moment in which God turns a royal stronghold of persecution into a showcase of His providence. Within the citadel of Susa, the Jews—armed by royal decree—lawfully defend themselves, eliminating 500 aggressors. The verse affirms that:

• God rules over every seat of earthly power.

• He vindicates His covenant people and repays evil justly.

• Even in judgment, His hand restrains and directs events with precision.

Believers today can rest assured that the same sovereign Lord guards His people, overturns hostile schemes, and fulfills every promise of His unerring Word.