What is the meaning of Esther 9:17? This was done • The verse looks back to the decisive action recorded in Esther 9:1-16, where the Jews “struck down all their enemies with the sword” (Esther 9:5). • God’s providence, previously hidden, now stands evident; what Haman meant for annihilation (Esther 3:13) became a victory orchestrated by the Lord, echoing Genesis 50:20 and Psalm 124:1-8. • The words “This was done” remind readers that Scripture records literal, historical events. As surely as God drowned Pharaoh’s army (Exodus 14:30-31), He preserved His covenant people in Persia. On the thirteenth day of the month of Adar • Adar is the twelfth month on the Jewish calendar, late winter/early spring. • The specific date highlights God’s perfect timing: the very day planned for Jewish destruction (Esther 3:13) becomes the day of their deliverance, much like the Passover timing in Exodus 12:12-14. • Details such as month and day underscore the factual accuracy of Scripture (Luke 1:3-4), assuring believers that God works within real history, not myth. And on the fourteenth day they rested • Rest followed conflict, fulfilling Deuteronomy 25:19, where God promised rest from surrounding enemies. • This rest is both physical—laying down weapons—and spiritual—recognizing safety provided by God (Psalm 46:9-11). • It prefigures the greater rest believers find in Christ (Hebrews 4:9-11), moving from striving to trusting. Making it a day of feasting and joy • The immediate response to deliverance is celebration, echoing the pattern in Exodus 15:1-2 and Nehemiah 8:10. • Feasting expresses gratitude; joy testifies to God’s faithfulness (Psalm 30:11-12). • This verse lays the foundation for the annual festival of Purim (Esther 9:26-28), ensuring future generations remember the Lord’s salvation, just as Passover commemorated Egypt’s exodus (Exodus 12:24-27). summary Esther 9:17 records a real, God-ordained turnaround: on the very date set for their extinction, the Jews triumphed; the next day they enjoyed God-given rest, turning the moment into lasting celebration. The verse proclaims God’s sovereignty over history, His faithfulness to protect His people, and His invitation to respond with grateful joy. |
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