Thus the Jews smote all their enemies with the stroke of the sword, and slaughter, and destruction, and did what they would unto those that hated them.
So the Jews struck down all their enemies with swords, killing and destroying them, and they did whatever they wanted to those who hated them.
The writer is describing how the Jewish people defeated all their enemies and had complete victory over those who wanted to harm them.
📚 Historical Context
In the Book of Esther, set during the Persian Empire under King Ahasuerus in the 5th century BC, the Jewish people faced a deadly plot by Haman, a high official, to annihilate them through a royal decree. Queen Esther, a Jewish woman who had become queen, courageously revealed the scheme to the king, leading to a new edict that allowed the Jews to defend themselves on the appointed day. This verse describes the Jews acting on that permission, striking down their enemies in self-defense as part of God's providential deliverance.
Explore Similar Verses
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.