Esther 9:15

On the fourteenth day of the month of Adar, the Jews in Susa came together again and put to death three hundred men there, but they did not lay a hand on the plunder.

Study Bible

On the fourteenth day of the month of Adar
The month of Adar is the twelfth month in the Jewish calendar, typically falling in February or March. This specific timing is significant as it marks the culmination of the events of Purim, a festival celebrating the deliverance of the Jewish people from their enemies. The fourteenth day is a continuation of the defense against their adversaries, emphasizing the completeness of their victory and the divine providence that allowed them to protect themselves.

the Jews in Susa gathered together again
The gathering of the Jews in Susa, the capital of the Persian Empire, signifies unity and collective strength. This assembly is not just a physical gathering but a spiritual and communal act of solidarity. The repetition of their gathering "again" underscores their determination and the necessity of their actions to ensure their survival. Historically, Susa was a significant city, and the Jews' ability to defend themselves there highlights their resilience and God's favor upon them.

and killed 300 men there
The act of killing 300 men is a continuation of the defensive measures taken by the Jews. It is crucial to understand this within the context of self-defense rather than aggression. The number 300, while specific, also symbolizes a complete and decisive action against those who sought their harm. This reflects the justice and retribution that was permitted by the king's edict, allowing the Jews to protect themselves from annihilation.

but they did not lay their hands on the plunder
This phrase is repeated throughout the narrative and is significant in demonstrating the moral and ethical stance of the Jewish people. By refraining from taking the plunder, the Jews show that their actions were not motivated by greed or material gain but by the necessity of self-preservation. This restraint aligns with the biblical principle of justice and righteousness, emphasizing that their fight was purely for survival and not for personal enrichment. It also serves as a testament to their integrity and faithfulness to God's laws, setting a standard for ethical conduct even in times of conflict.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Esther
The Jewish queen of Persia who played a crucial role in saving her people from destruction.

2. Mordecai
Esther's cousin and guardian, who became a prominent leader among the Jews and was instrumental in the events leading to their deliverance.

3. Haman
The antagonist who plotted to annihilate the Jews, whose downfall led to the Jews' victory.

4. Susa
The capital city of the Persian Empire, where the events of Esther primarily take place.

5. The Jews in Susa
The Jewish community residing in the capital, who defended themselves against their enemies.

Teaching Points

Divine Providence and Protection
The events in Esther 9:15 highlight God's providential care and protection over His people, even in foreign lands and under oppressive regimes.

Obedience and Restraint
The Jews' decision not to take plunder demonstrates obedience to God's principles and a focus on justice rather than material gain.

Courage and Unity
The gathering of the Jews in Susa to defend themselves shows the importance of courage and unity in the face of adversity.

Historical Continuity
The Jews' actions in Esther reflect a continuation of God's commands throughout their history, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness to God's word.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the restraint shown by the Jews in not taking plunder reflect their understanding of justice and obedience to God?

2. In what ways can we see God's providence at work in our own lives, similar to how He protected the Jews in Esther?

3. How does the unity and courage of the Jews in Susa inspire us to face challenges in our communities today?

4. What lessons can we learn from the Jews' victory about the importance of relying on God's strength rather than our own?

5. How can the account of Esther encourage us to stand firm in our faith and convictions, even when facing opposition?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 17:8-16
The battle against the Amalekites, where God commands the Israelites to fight and not take plunder, similar to the restraint shown by the Jews in Esther.

1 Samuel 15
King Saul's failure to completely destroy the Amalekites, which contrasts with the Jews' obedience in not taking plunder in Esther.

Romans 12:19
The principle of leaving vengeance to God, which is reflected in the Jews' restraint from taking plunder.

Proverbs 21:31
The idea that victory comes from the Lord, emphasizing the divine providence in the Jews' victory.