Esther 9:9

And Parmashta, and Arisai, and Aridai, and Uaiezatha, Esther 9:9 (KJV)

The book of Esther is set during the time when the Jews were in exile in Persia. Esther, a Jewish woman, became queen of Persia after winning a beauty contest. Haman, an Agagite and a high‑ranking official in the king’s court, plotted to destroy all the Jews in the kingdom. However, through the providential intervention of God, Esther and her uncle Mordecai were able to thwart Haman’s plan.

In Esther 9:9 we see the outcome of the Jews’ victory over their enemies. King Ahasuerus gave a decree allowing the Jews in the city of Shushan to defend themselves against those who sought to harm them. As a result, the Jews were able to triumph over their enemies, and the ten sons of Haman were hanged. The same outcome is recorded in Esther 9:14, where the king commanded that the decree be carried out at Shushan and the hanging of Haman’s ten sons took place.

The hanging of Haman’s ten sons highlights the concept of divine justice. Haman was an enemy of the Jews and had plotted their destruction, yet God turned the tables on him and his family. This event demonstrates that God is just and does not allow the wicked to go unpunished. Proverbs 11:21 (KJV) says, “Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.”

The fate of Haman’s sons serves as a reminder of the consequences of evil actions. Haman’s plot to annihilate the Jews resulted in his own downfall and the demise of his entire family. This underscores the principle found in Galatians 6:7 (KJV), “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”

Throughout the book of Esther we see God’s providential care and protection over His people. Despite the seemingly dire circumstances, God intervened to save the Jews from destruction. The hanging of Haman’s sons is a testament to God’s faithfulness and His ability to turn the plans of the enemy against themselves.

Application: Esther 9:9 reminds us of the importance of trusting in God’s sovereignty, even in the face of adversity. It also teaches that God will bring justice and deliverance to His people. As believers we can take comfort in knowing that God is with us in our struggles, and He has the power to turn things around for our good.

In conclusion, Esther 9:9 (and the related account in 9:14) reveals the execution of divine justice and the consequences of evil actions. It serves as a reminder of God’s protection and faithfulness to His people, encouraging us to trust in His sovereignty and find hope in His ability to bring justice and deliverance in our lives.