Esther 9:12 Study Bible: The king said to Esther the queen, "The Jews have slain and destroyed five hundred men in the citadel of Susa, including the ten sons of Haman; what then have they done in the rest of the king's provinces. Now what is your petition? It shall be granted you. What is your further request? It shall be done."

◄ Esther 9:12 ►

who said to Queen Esther, "In the citadel of Susa the Jews have killed and destroyed five hundred men, including Haman's ten sons. What have they done in the rest of the royal provinces? Now what is your petition? It will be given to you. And what further do you request? It will be fulfilled."

Study Bible

who said to Queen Esther
King Ahasuerus addresses Esther, highlighting her elevated status and influence. Esther's role as queen is pivotal in the narrative, showcasing God's providence in placing her in a position to save her people. Her relationship with the king is central to the unfolding events, reflecting the importance of divine timing and placement.

In the citadel of Susa
Susa, the capital of the Persian Empire, serves as the setting for much of the Book of Esther. Archaeological findings confirm its grandeur and significance. The citadel was a fortified area, indicating the strategic importance of the events taking place there. Susa's prominence underscores the widespread impact of the Jews' deliverance.

the Jews have killed and destroyed five hundred men
This phrase indicates the Jews' successful defense against their enemies. The number signifies a significant victory, reflecting the reversal of fortune from potential annihilation to triumph. It also demonstrates the fulfillment of God's promise to protect His people, as seen throughout the Old Testament.

including Haman’s ten sons
The mention of Haman's sons highlights the complete downfall of Haman's lineage, fulfilling the retributive justice theme. Haman's plot against the Jews backfires, leading to the destruction of his family. This echoes the biblical principle of divine justice, where the wicked face consequences for their actions.

What have they done in the rest of the royal provinces?
The king's inquiry suggests the widespread nature of the conflict and the Jews' actions beyond Susa. It emphasizes the vastness of the Persian Empire and the extensive reach of the decree allowing the Jews to defend themselves. This question also sets the stage for understanding the full scope of the Jews' deliverance.

Now what is your petition?
The king's willingness to grant Esther's request highlights her favor and influence. It reflects the biblical theme of intercession, where Esther acts as a mediator for her people. This mirrors the role of Christ as an intercessor, advocating on behalf of humanity before God.

It will be given to you.
The assurance of the king's support underscores the certainty of Esther's influence and the divine orchestration behind the events. It reflects the biblical promise that God hears and answers the prayers of His people, as seen in various scriptures.

And what further do you request?
The king's openness to additional requests indicates his trust and favor towards Esther. It highlights the theme of abundant provision, where God not only meets needs but exceeds expectations. This mirrors the New Testament teaching of God's generosity and willingness to bless His people.

It will be fulfilled.
The king's promise of fulfillment underscores the certainty and authority of his word. It reflects the biblical assurance that God's promises are sure and will come to pass. This phrase encapsulates the theme of divine faithfulness and the ultimate triumph of God's purposes.

Persons / Places / Events

1. King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I)
The Persian king who reigned over 127 provinces from India to Cush. He is a central figure in the Book of Esther, known for his opulent lifestyle and impulsive decisions.

2. Queen Esther
A Jewish woman who became queen of Persia. She is known for her bravery and wisdom in saving her people from destruction.

3. The Citadel of Susa
The fortified palace complex in the city of Susa, one of the capitals of the Persian Empire. It is the setting for much of the Book of Esther.

4. The Jews
The people of God living in exile in Persia. They faced annihilation due to Haman's plot but were delivered through Esther's intervention.

5. Haman's Ten Sons
The sons of Haman, the antagonist who plotted to destroy the Jews. Their death signifies the complete downfall of Haman's lineage and plans.

Teaching Points

Divine Providence
God's unseen hand is at work in the affairs of nations and individuals. Trust in His sovereignty even when His presence is not overtly visible.

Courage and Advocacy
Esther's boldness in approaching the king teaches us the importance of standing up for righteousness and advocating for others, even at personal risk.

Justice and Retribution
The downfall of Haman and his sons illustrates the biblical principle that evil will ultimately be judged and righteousness will prevail.

The Power of Intercession
Esther's intercession for her people is a powerful example of how prayer and petition can change the course of events.

Faith in Action
The Jews' defense of themselves shows the balance between faith in God's deliverance and taking action when necessary.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of Esther 9:12 demonstrate God's providence in the lives of His people, and how can we apply this understanding to our current circumstances?

2. In what ways does Esther's courage inspire you to stand up for what is right in your own life, and how can you prepare for such moments?

3. Reflect on the concept of justice as seen in the downfall of Haman and his sons. How does this align with other biblical teachings on justice and retribution?

4. How can Esther's example of intercession encourage you to pray for others, and what specific situations in your life require such intercession?

5. Considering the Jews' defense of themselves, how can we balance faith and action in our daily lives, especially when facing challenges or opposition?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 12:3
God's promise to bless those who bless Abraham's descendants and curse those who curse them. This connects to the protection and victory of the Jews in Esther.

Proverbs 21:1
The heart of the king is in the hand of the Lord. This verse relates to how God influenced King Ahasuerus to favor Esther and the Jews.

Romans 8:28
God works all things for the good of those who love Him. This is evident in how the events in Esther turned from potential disaster to deliverance.

Sermons

Leaving the Spoilt

G. Lawson.

People

Abihail, Adalia, Ahasuerus, Aridai, Aridatha, Arisai, Aspatha, Dalphon, Esther, Haman, Hammedatha, Mordecai, Parmashta, Parshandatha, Poratha, Vajezatha

Places

Susa

Topics

Capital, Castle, Citadel, Death, Destroyed, Esther, Fortress, Fulfilled, Further, Granted, Haman, Hundred, Including, Jews, Killed, Kingdom, King's, Palace, Petition, Prayer, Provinces, Queen, Request, Rest, Shushan, Slain, Sons, Susa, Ten, Whatever

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Esther 9:12

5487 queen

Esther 9:12-13

5331 hanging
7346 death penalty

Library

Of the Practice of Piety in Holy Feasting.
Holy feasting is a solemn thanksgiving, appointed by authority, to be rendered to God on some special day, for some extraordinary blessings or deliverances received. Such among the Jews was the feast of the Passover (Exod. xii. 15), to remember to praise God for their deliverance out of Egypt's bondage; or the feast of Purim (Esth. ix. 19, 21), to give thanks for their deliverance from Haman's conspiracy. Such amongst us is the fifth of November, to praise God for the deliverance of the king and …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Tiberias.
All the Jews declare, almost with one consent, that this was a fortified city from ancient times, even from the days of Joshua, and was the same with Rakkath, of which mention is made, Joshua 19:35. "Rakkath is Tiberias," say the Jerusalem Gemarists. And those of Babylon say the same, and that more largely: "It is clear to us that Rakkath is Tiberias." And when, after a few lines, this of Rabbi Jochanan was objected, "When I was a boy, I said a certain thing, concerning which I asked the elders, …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Some Miscellaneous Matters Respecting the Face of the Land.
I. Let us begin with that canon concerning reading the Book of Esther in the feast of Purim. "Towns that were begirt with walls from the days of Joshua read it on the fifteenth day" of the month Adar: "Villages and great cities read it the fourteenth day": "Unless that the villages anticipate it, to the day of the congregation." You see a threefold distinction of cities and towns: 1. Fortifications, or towns girt with walls from the days of Joshua. But whence shall we know them? They are those which …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Place of Jesus in the History of the World.
The great event of the History of the world is the revolution by which the noblest portions of humanity have passed from the ancient religions, comprised under the vague name of Paganism, to a religion founded on the Divine Unity, the Trinity, and the Incarnation of the Son of God. It has taken nearly a thousand years to accomplish this conversion. The new religion had itself taken at least three hundred years in its formation. But the origin of the revolution in question with which we have to do …
Ernest Renan—The Life of Jesus

Esther
The spirit of the book of Esther is anything but attractive. It is never quoted or referred to by Jesus or His apostles, and it is a satisfaction to think that in very early times, and even among Jewish scholars, its right to a place in the canon was hotly contested. Its aggressive fanaticism and fierce hatred of all that lay outside of Judaism were felt by the finer spirits to be false to the more generous instincts that lay at the heart of the Hebrew religion; but by virtue of its very intensity …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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