Esther 9:6

  1. Home
  2. KJV Bible
  3. Esther 9
  4. Esther 9:6

Old Testament

Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy Joshua Judges Ruth 1 Samuel 2 Samuel 1 Kings 2 Kings 1 Chronicles 2 Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Esther Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Solomon Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi

New Testament

Matthew Mark Luke John Acts Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians 1 Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians 1 Timothy 2 Timothy Titus Philemon Hebrews James 1 Peter 2 Peter 1 John 2 John 3 John Jude Revelation

Chapter

Esther 1 Esther 2 Esther 3 Esther 4 Esther 5 Esther 6 Esther 7 Esther 8 Esther 9 Esther 10

Verse

Esther 9:1 Esther 9:2 Esther 9:3 Esther 9:4 Esther 9:5 Esther 9:6 Esther 9:7 Esther 9:8 Esther 9:9 Esther 9:10 Esther 9:11 Esther 9:12 Esther 9:13 Esther 9:14 Esther 9:15 Esther 9:16 Esther 9:17 Esther 9:18 Esther 9:19 Esther 9:20 Esther 9:21 Esther 9:22 Esther 9:23 Esther 9:24 Esther 9:25 Esther 9:26 Esther 9:27 Esther 9:28 Esther 9:29 Esther 9:30 Esther 9:31 Esther 9:32

Esther 9:6 KJV

And in Shushan the palace the Jews slew and destroyed five hundred men.

Previous Verse
« Esther 9:5
Next Verse
Esther 9:7 »

Esther 9:6 Bible Commentary

Commentary on Esther 9:6

Verse Context: Esther 9:6 states, "And in Shushan the palace the Jews slew and destroyed five hundred men." This verse emerges in the dramatic climax of the book of Esther, highlighting the tension and resolution of the Jewish people's struggle for survival against their enemies.

Historical Background

The events of Esther occur during the reign of King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I) of Persia, a time when Jews were living in exile. The decree from Haman, the king's advisor, had commanded the annihilation of the Jews throughout the empire. Esther, a Jewish queen, along with her cousin Mordecai, were pivotal in overturning this decree.

Commentary Insights

Matthew Henry’s Perspective

Matthew Henry emphasizes the irony of the situation, suggesting that despite the Jews being at the brink of extermination, divine providence intervened. Esther 9:6 illustrates not just a physical confrontation but also a spiritual victory, as God’s hand was evident in delivering His people from despair. Henry notes that the mention of Shushan is significant, indicating that even in the royal palace, where one might expect a disregard for human life, God’s justice prevailed.

Albert Barnes’ Exegesis

Albert Barnes offers a detailed analysis of the number mentioned—five hundred men—indicating both the scale of the conflict and the triumph of the Jews. He draws attention to the notion that the Jews not only defended themselves but actively engaged in the battle against their oppressors, showcasing their right to self-defense and resilience. Barnes highlights the importance of this victory as a historical milestone leading to the institution of the Feast of Purim, establishing an enduring reminder of salvation from oppression.

Adam Clarke’s Interpretation

Adam Clarke provides additional layers of interpretation by addressing the spiritual significance of this confrontation. He notes that the five hundred slain are not merely statistics but represent the hostility faced by the Jewish people. Clarke explains how this act of destruction by the Jews symbolizes a broader spiritual battle against evil, urging pastors and theologians to view these events as metaphors for spiritual warfare in the lives of believers. He stresses that true deliverance comes from faith and reliance upon God’s providential care.

Theological Implications

The defeat of the enemies as recorded in Esther 9:6 underscores profound theological themes: divine justice, the importance of faith, and the implications of communal identity. The Jews’ victory is not solely about survival; it reflects God’s faithfulness to His covenant people. Believers today can draw parallels with the spiritual battles they face, finding encouragement in God’s promise to safeguard His own.

Application for Pastoral Ministry

  • Preaching on Deliverance: Pastors can use Esther 9:6 to teach about God's deliverance and justice in the face of oppressive circumstances. The victory conveys hope and inspires congregations to stand firm in faith, trusting in God's plan.
  • Community Resilience: The communal aspect of the Jews’ fight highlights the importance of unity among believers. Pastoral care should encourage church communities to support each other in times of trial.
  • Spiritual Warfare: The text can be leveraged to address the reality of spiritual warfare, encouraging believers to engage in prayer and scriptural truth as they confront their struggles.

Scholarly Reflections

The implications of this verse extend to discussions in contemporary scholarship on the themes of identity, resistance, and the nature of divine intervention. Scholars might explore the historical context of the Persian empire and how it shapes our understanding of the circumstances faced by the Jewish people. Furthermore, the verse invites reflection on ethical responses to conflict, making it pertinent in discussions of modern-day applications in social justice and communal ethics.

Conclusion

Esther 9:6 is rich with meaning, challenging readers to confront the realities of life while resting in the assurance of God’s sovereign control. Commentary from Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke collectively enriches our understanding, calling on pastors, students, and theologians to reflect deeply on the text’s implications. Ultimately, this passage serves as a profound reminder that faith in God can lead to victory even in the darkest moments.

Esther 9 (KJV) Verse Selection

Esther 9:1 Esther 9:2 Esther 9:3 Esther 9:4 Esther 9:5 Esther 9:6 Esther 9:7 Esther 9:8 Esther 9:9 Esther 9:10 Esther 9:11 Esther 9:12 Esther 9:13 Esther 9:14 Esther 9:15 Esther 9:16 Esther 9:17 Esther 9:18 Esther 9:19 Esther 9:20 Esther 9:21 Esther 9:22 Esther 9:23 Esther 9:24 Esther 9:25 Esther 9:26 Esther 9:27 Esther 9:28 Esther 9:29 Esther 9:30 Esther 9:31 Esther 9:32

KJV Bible Books

KJV Bible Books and Chapters »