Esther 9:1
New International Version
On the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar, the edict commanded by the king was to be carried out. On this day the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, but now the tables were turned and the Jews got the upper hand over those who hated them.

New Living Translation
So on March 7 the two decrees of the king were put into effect. On that day, the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, but quite the opposite happened. It was the Jews who overpowered their enemies.

English Standard Version
Now in the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar, on the thirteenth day of the same, when the king’s command and edict were about to be carried out, on the very day when the enemies of the Jews hoped to gain the mastery over them, the reverse occurred: the Jews gained mastery over those who hated them.

Berean Standard Bible
On the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar, the king’s command and edict were to be executed. On this day the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, but their plan was overturned and the Jews overpowered those who hated them.

King James Bible
Now in the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar, on the thirteenth day of the same, when the king's commandment and his decree drew near to be put in execution, in the day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to have power over them, (though it was turned to the contrary, that the Jews had rule over them that hated them;)

New King James Version
Now in the twelfth month, that is, the month of Adar, on the thirteenth day, the time came for the king’s command and his decree to be executed. On the day that the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, the opposite occurred, in that the Jews themselves overpowered those who hated them.

New American Standard Bible
Now in the twelfth month (that is, the month Adar), on the thirteenth day, when the king’s command and edict were to be put into effect, on the day when the enemies of the Jews hoped to gain the mastery over them, it turned out to the contrary so that the Jews themselves gained mastery over those who hated them.

NASB 1995
Now in the twelfth month (that is, the month Adar), on the thirteenth day when the king’s command and edict were about to be executed, on the day when the enemies of the Jews hoped to gain the mastery over them, it was turned to the contrary so that the Jews themselves gained the mastery over those who hated them.

NASB 1977
Now in the twelfth month (that is, the month Adar), on the thirteenth day when the king’s command and edict were about to be executed, on the day when the enemies of the Jews hoped to gain the mastery over them, it was turned to the contrary so that the Jews themselves gained the mastery over those who hated them.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now in the twelfth month (that is, the month Adar), on the thirteenth day when the king’s word and law had reached the point for them to be done, on the day when the enemies of the Jews hoped to gain power over them, it was turned around so that the Jews themselves gained power over those who hated them.

Amplified Bible
Now in the twelfth month (that is, the month of Adar) on the thirteenth day when the king’s command and edict were about to be executed, on the [very] day when the enemies of the Jews had hoped to gain power over them [and slaughter them], it happened the other way around so that the Jews themselves gained power over those who hated them.

Christian Standard Bible
The king’s command and law went into effect on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month Adar. On the day when the Jews’ enemies had hoped to overpower them, just the opposite happened. The Jews overpowered those who hated them.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The king’s command and law went into effect on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month Adar. On the day when the Jews’ enemies had hoped to overpower them, just the opposite happened. The Jews overpowered those who hated them.

American Standard Version
Now in the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, on the thirteenth day of the same, when the king's commandment and his decree drew near to be put in execution, on the day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to have rule over them (whereas it was turned to the contrary, that the Jews had rule over them that hated them,)

Contemporary English Version
The first law that the king had made was to be followed on the thirteenth day of Adar, the twelfth month. This was the very day that the enemies of the Jews had hoped to do away with them. But the Jews turned things around,

English Revised Version
Now in the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, on the thirteenth day of the same, when the king's commandment and his decree drew near to be put in execution, in the day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to have rule over them; whereas it was turned to the contrary, that the Jews had rule over them that hated them;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
On the thirteenth day of Adar, the twelfth month, the king's command and decree were to be carried out. On that very day, when the enemies of the Jews expected to overpower them, the exact opposite happened: The Jews overpowered those who hated them.

Good News Translation
The thirteenth day of Adar came, the day on which the royal proclamation was to take effect, the day when the enemies of the Jews were hoping to get them in their power. But instead, the Jews triumphed over them.

International Standard Version
On the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, when the king's order and edict was about to be carried out, on the day when the enemies of the Jewish people expected to prevail over them, things were turned around so that the Jewish people themselves prevailed over those who hated them.

Majority Standard Bible
On the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar, the king?s command and edict were to be executed. On this day the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, but their plan was overturned and the Jews overpowered those who hated them.

NET Bible
In the twelfth month (that is, the month of Adar), on its thirteenth day, the edict of the king and his law were to be executed. It was on this day that the enemies of the Jews had supposed that they would gain power over them. But contrary to expectations, the Jews gained power over their enemies.

New Heart English Bible
Now in the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, on the thirteenth day of the month, when the king's commandment and his decree drew near to be put in execution, on the day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to conquer them, (but it was turned out the opposite happened, that the Jews conquered those who hated them),

Webster's Bible Translation
Now in the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar, on the thirteenth day of the same, when the king's commandment and his decree drew near to be put in execution, in the day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to have power over them, (though it was turned to the contrary, that the Jews had rule over them that hated them;)

World English Bible
Now in the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, on the thirteenth day of the month, when the king’s commandment and his decree came near to be put in execution, on the day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to conquer them, (but it turned out that the opposite happened, that the Jews conquered those who hated them),
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And in the twelfth month—it [is] the month of Adar—on the thirteenth day of it, in which the word of the king, even his law, has come to be done, in the day that the enemies of the Jews had hoped to rule over them, and it is turned that the Jews rule over those hating them—

Young's Literal Translation
And in the twelfth month -- it is the month of Adar -- on the thirteenth day of it, in which the word of the king, even his law, hath come to be done, in the day that the enemies of the Jews had hoped to rule over them, and it is turned that the Jews rule over those hating them --

Smith's Literal Translation
And in the twelfth month (this the month Adar) in the thirteenth day in it, when the word of the king drew near, and his edict to do in the day that the enemies of the Jews expected to have power over them, (and it was turned that these Jews will have power over those hating them:)
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
So on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which as we have said above is called Adar, when all the Jews were designed to be massacred, and their enemies were greedy after their blood, the case being altered, the Jews began to have the upper hand, and to revenge themselves of their adversaries.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Therefore, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which as we have said before is called Adar, when all the Jews were prepared to be executed and their enemies were greedy for their blood, the situation turned around, and the Jews began to have the upper hand and to vindicate themselves of their adversaries.

New American Bible
When the day arrived on which the order decreed by the king was to be carried out, the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, Adar, on which the enemies of the Jews had expected to overpower them, the situation was reversed: the Jews overpowered those who hated them.

New Revised Standard Version
Now in the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar, on the thirteenth day, when the king’s command and edict were about to be executed, on the very day when the enemies of the Jews hoped to gain power over them, but which had been changed to a day when the Jews would gain power over their foes,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
NOW in the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, on the thirteenth day of the same, when the time drew near for the king's decree and his commandment to be put into execution, in the day when the enemies of the Jews hoped to overpower them (though the edict was turned to the contrary so that the Jews should have rule over those that hated them),

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And in the twelfth month which is Adar, on the thirteenth when the time of the account of the King and his command to be done to their enemies arrived, the act was changed so that the Jews would be authorized over their haters.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Now in the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, on the thirteenth day of the same, when the king's commandment and his decree drew near to be put in execution, in the day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to have rule over them; whereas it was turned to the contrary, that the Jews had rule over them that hated them;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
For in the twelfth month, on the thirteenth day of the month which is Adar, the letters written by the king arrived.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Jews Destroy Their Enemies
1On the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar, the king’s command and edict were to be executed. On this day the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, but their plan was overturned and the Jews overpowered those who hated them. 2In each of the provinces of King Xerxes, the Jews assembled in their cities to attack those who sought to harm them. No man could withstand them, because the fear of them had fallen upon all peoples.…

Cross References
Esther 8:11
By these letters the king permitted the Jews in each and every city the right to assemble and defend themselves, to destroy, kill, and annihilate all the forces of any people or province hostile to them, including women and children, and to plunder their possessions.

Esther 3:13
And the letters were sent by couriers to each of the royal provinces with the order to destroy, kill, and annihilate all the Jews—young and old, women and children—and to plunder their possessions on a single day, the thirteenth day of Adar, the twelfth month.

Esther 4:14
For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows if perhaps you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

Esther 7:10
So they hanged Haman on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the fury of the king subsided.

Esther 8:17
In every province and every city, wherever the king’s edict and decree reached, there was joy and gladness among the Jews, with feasting and celebrating. And many of the people of the land themselves became Jews, because the fear of the Jews had fallen upon them.

Esther 3:6
And when he learned the identity of Mordecai’s people, he scorned the notion of laying hands on Mordecai alone. Instead, he sought to destroy all of Mordecai’s people, the Jews, throughout the kingdom of Xerxes.

Esther 5:14
His wife Zeresh and all his friends told him, “Have them build a gallows fifty cubits high, and ask the king in the morning to have Mordecai hanged on it. Then go to the banquet with the king and enjoy yourself.” The advice pleased Haman, and he had the gallows constructed.

Esther 6:13
Haman told his wife Zeresh and all his friends everything that had happened. His advisers and his wife Zeresh said to him, “Since Mordecai, before whom your downfall has begun, is Jewish, you will not prevail against him—for surely you will fall before him.”

Esther 8:8
Now you may write in the king’s name as you please regarding the Jews, and seal it with the royal signet ring. For a decree that is written in the name of the king and sealed with the royal signet ring cannot be revoked.”

Esther 2:22
When Mordecai learned of the plot, he reported it to Queen Esther, and she informed the king on Mordecai’s behalf.

Esther 4:16
“Go and assemble all the Jews who can be found in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day, and I and my maidens will fast as you do. After that, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish!”

Daniel 6:24
At the command of the king, the men who had falsely accused Daniel were brought and thrown into the den of lions—they and their children and wives. And before they had reached the bottom of the den, the lions overpowered them and crushed all their bones.

Psalm 7:15-16
He has dug a hole and hollowed it out; he has fallen into a pit of his own making. / His trouble recoils on himself, and his violence falls on his own head.

Proverbs 11:8
The righteous man is delivered from trouble; in his place the wicked man goes in.

Proverbs 26:27
He who digs a pit will fall into it, and he who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him.


Treasury of Scripture

Now in the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar, on the thirteenth day of the same, when the king's commandment and his decree drew near to be put in execution, in the day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to have power over them, (though it was turned to the contrary, that the Jews had rule over them that hated them;)

A.

Esther 3:7,13
In the first month, that is, the month Nisan, in the twelfth year of king Ahasuerus, they cast Pur, that is, the lot, before Haman from day to day, and from month to month, to the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar…

Esther 8:12
Upon one day in all the provinces of king Ahasuerus, namely, upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar.

hoped.

Acts 12:11
And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.

though it was turned.

Deuteronomy 32:36
For the LORD shall judge his people, and repent himself for his servants, when he seeth that their power is gone, and there is none shut up, or left.

2 Samuel 22:41
Thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies, that I might destroy them that hate me.

Psalm 30:11
Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;

Jump to Previous
Adar Commandment Conquer Conquered Contrary Decree Drew Enemies Execution Hated Hoped Jews King's Month Opposite Power Rule Thirteenth Turned Twelfth Whereas
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Adar Commandment Conquer Conquered Contrary Decree Drew Enemies Execution Hated Hoped Jews King's Month Opposite Power Rule Thirteenth Turned Twelfth Whereas
Esther 9
1. The Jews slay their enemies, with the ten sons of Haman.
12. Xerxes, at the request of Esther,
14. grants another day of slaughter, and Haman's sons to be hanged.
20. The two days of Purim are instituted.














On the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar
The thirteenth day of Adar is significant in the Jewish calendar as it marks the eve of Purim, a festival celebrating the deliverance of the Jewish people from a plot to annihilate them. Adar is the twelfth month in the Hebrew calendar, typically falling in February or March. This timing is crucial as it represents the culmination of the events set in motion by Haman's decree, which was issued earlier in the year. The choice of the thirteenth day, determined by casting lots (Purim), was intended by Haman to be a day of destruction for the Jews, but it became a day of victory instead.

the king’s command and edict were to be executed
The king's command refers to the decree initially issued by King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I) at the instigation of Haman, which allowed for the destruction of the Jews. However, after Esther's intervention, a second edict was issued permitting the Jews to defend themselves. This duality of decrees highlights the irrevocable nature of Persian law, where a king's edict could not be repealed but could be countered by another decree. This legal framework is seen elsewhere in the Book of Daniel, where the laws of the Medes and Persians are described as unchangeable.

On this day the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them
The enemies of the Jews, emboldened by the initial decree, anticipated an easy victory. This reflects the deep-seated animosity and anti-Semitism present in the Persian Empire, which Haman had exploited. The expectation of overpowering the Jews was based on the assumption that the Jews would be unprepared or unable to defend themselves effectively. This phrase underscores the tension and fear that must have been prevalent among the Jewish communities leading up to this day.

but their plan was overturned
The overturning of the plan is a central theme in the Book of Esther, showcasing divine providence and the reversal of fortunes. This reversal is a common motif in biblical narratives, where God intervenes to protect His people, often turning the schemes of the wicked against them. Theologically, it emphasizes God's sovereignty and faithfulness to His covenant people, even when His presence is not overtly mentioned, as is the case in Esther.

and the Jews overpowered those who hated them
The Jews' victory over their enemies is a testament to their unity and courage, as well as the effectiveness of the second decree that allowed them to defend themselves. This triumph is celebrated in the festival of Purim, which commemorates the survival and resilience of the Jewish people. The phrase also echoes the biblical theme of God empowering His people to overcome their adversaries, as seen in other Old Testament accounts such as the Exodus and the battles led by King David. This victory can be seen as a type of Christ's ultimate victory over sin and death, where what was intended for harm is turned to good.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Esther
A Jewish queen of Persia who played a crucial role in saving her people from annihilation.

2. Mordecai
Esther's cousin and guardian, who became a prominent figure in the Persian court and was instrumental in the Jews' deliverance.

3. Haman
The antagonist who plotted to destroy the Jews but was ultimately defeated.

4. King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I)
The Persian king who issued the edict allowing the Jews to defend themselves.

5. The Jews
The people of God living in exile in Persia, who were targeted for destruction but ultimately triumphed over their enemies.

6. The month of Adar
The twelfth month in the Hebrew calendar, significant for the celebration of Purim, commemorating the Jews' victory.
Teaching Points
Divine Reversal
God's sovereignty is evident in the reversal of the Jews' fate. What was meant for their harm became their victory. Trust in God's ability to turn situations around.

Courage and Faithfulness
Esther and Mordecai's courage and faithfulness were pivotal. Believers are called to stand firm in faith, even in the face of adversity.

The Power of Unity
The Jews' unity and collective action were crucial to their success. The body of Christ is called to unity in purpose and action.

God's Timing
The deliverance came at the appointed time. Trust in God's perfect timing in your life.

Celebration of Deliverance
The establishment of Purim as a celebration of deliverance reminds us to remember and celebrate God's faithfulness in our lives.IX.

(1) Drew near.--Arrived, came, as in Esther 8:17.

Verse 1. - To have power over them. Or, "to get the mastery over them" (comp. Daniel 6:24, where the same word is used). Had rule. Or, "had the mastery."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
On the thirteenth
בִּשְׁלוֹשָׁ֨ה (biš·lō·wō·šāh)
Preposition-b | Number - masculine singular
Strong's 7969: Three, third, thrice

day
יוֹם֙ (yō·wm)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117: A day

of the twelfth
וּבִשְׁנֵים֩ (ū·ḇiš·nêm)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Number - md
Strong's 8147: Two (a cardinal number)

month,
חֹ֜דֶשׁ (ḥō·ḏeš)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2320: The new moon, a month

the month
חֹ֣דֶשׁ (ḥō·ḏeš)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2320: The new moon, a month

of Adar,
אֲדָ֗ר (’ă·ḏār)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 143: The twelfth month in the Jewish calendar

the king's
הַמֶּ֛לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

command
דְּבַר־ (də·ḇar-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

and edict
וְדָת֖וֹ (wə·ḏā·ṯōw)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1881: A royal edict, statute

were to be executed.
לְהֵעָשׂ֑וֹת (lə·hê·‘ā·śō·wṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Nifal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 6213: To do, make

On this day
בַּיּ֗וֹם (bay·yō·wm)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117: A day

the enemies
אֹיְבֵ֤י (’ō·yə·ḇê)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct
Strong's 341: Hating, an adversary

of the Jews
הַיְּהוּדִים֙ (hay·yə·hū·ḏîm)
Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 3064: Jews -- Jewish

had hoped
שִׂבְּר֜וּ (śib·bə·rū)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 7663: To scrutinize, to expect

to overpower
לִשְׁל֣וֹט (liš·lō·wṭ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7980: To dominate, govern, to permit

them,
בָּהֶ֔ם (bā·hem)
Preposition | third person masculine plural
Strong's Hebrew

but the tables were turned
וְנַהֲפ֣וֹךְ (wə·na·hă·p̄ō·wḵ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Infinitive absolute
Strong's 2015: To turn about, over, to change, overturn, return, pervert

and the Jews
הַיְּהוּדִ֛ים (hay·yə·hū·ḏîm)
Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 3064: Jews -- Jewish

overpowered
יִשְׁלְט֧וּ (yiš·lə·ṭū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7980: To dominate, govern, to permit

those
הֵ֖מָּה (hêm·māh)
Pronoun - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1992: They

who hated them.
בְּשֹׂנְאֵיהֶֽם׃ (bə·śō·nə·’ê·hem)
Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 8130: To hate


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OT History: Esther 9:1 Now in the twelfth month which (Est Esth. Es)
Esther 8:17
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