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 Hebrew calendar, typically falling in February or March. This timing is significant as it marks the celebration of Purim, a festival commemorating the deliverance of the Jewish people from Haman's plot. The fourteenth day is the day after the Jews defended themselves against their enemies, as decreed by King Ahasuerus, following the intervention of Queen Esther.

the Jews in Susa came together again
Susa, the capital of the Persian Empire, was a central location for the events of the Book of Esther. The gathering of the Jews signifies unity and collective action in the face of adversity. This unity is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, where the people of Israel often come together to seek God's deliverance, as seen in the stories of Joshua and the Judges.

and put to death three hundred men there
This action was part of the Jews' defense against those who sought to destroy them, as permitted by the king's edict. The number 300 may symbolize completeness or divine intervention, as seen in other biblical narratives like Gideon's victory over the Midianites with 300 men (Judges 7). The execution of justice here reflects the biblical principle of retributive justice, where the wicked face consequences for their actions.

but they did not lay a hand on the plunder
Refraining from taking plunder demonstrates the Jews' focus on survival and justice rather than material gain. This restraint echoes the command given to Saul in 1 Samuel 15, where he was instructed to destroy the Amalekites and not take plunder, highlighting obedience to God's will over personal enrichment. It also underscores the moral high ground the Jews maintained, distinguishing their actions from those of their enemies.

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.