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Esther 9:3

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does Esther 9:3 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And all the princes of the provinces, and the satraps, and the governors, and they that did the king`s business, helped the Jews; because the fear of Mordecai was fallen upon them.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And all the princes of the provinces, and the satraps, and the governors, and they that did the king`s business, helped the Jews; because the fear of Mordecai was fallen upon them.
Esther 9:3 — American Standard Version

Context — Esther 9

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
1Now 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,)
2the Jews gathered themselves together in their cities throughout all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, to lay hand on such as sought their hurt: and no man could withstand them; for the fear of them was fallen upon all the peoples.
3And all the princes of the provinces, and the satraps, and the governors, and they that did the king`s business, helped the Jews; because the fear of Mordecai was fallen upon them.
4For Mordecai was great in the king`s house, and his fame went forth throughout all the provinces; for the man Mordecai waxed greater and greater.
5And the Jews smote all their enemies with the stroke of the sword, and with slaughter and destruction, and did what they would unto them that hated them.
6And in Shushan the palace the Jews slew and destroyed five hundred men.
← Esther 9:2Esther 9:4 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And all the rulers of the provinces, and the lieutenants, and the deputies, and officers of the king, blessed the Jews, etc.] Countenanced them and encouraged them, and gave them all assistance in their power; extolled them, as the word signifies, lifted them up, and spoke well of them, or praised them, as the Targum: because the fear of Mordecai was upon them; he being now chief minister, they might fear, if they took part with the enemies of the Jews against them, they might be turned out of their places.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“All the rulers ... helped the Jews - i. e. the Persians, who formed the standing army which kept the Empire in subjection, and were at the disposal of the various governors of provinces, took the Jews’ side. The enemies of the Jews (e. g. Esther 9:16) were almost entirely to be found among the idolatrous people of the subject nations, for whose lives neither the Persians generally, nor their monarchs, cared greatly. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“9:3-4 People saw that Mordecai was the man in charge, so they knew it would not be wise to oppose him.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“the rulers: Est 3:12, Est 8:9; Ezr 8:36; Dan 3:2, Dan 6:1, Dan 6:2 officers of the king: Heb. those which did the business that belonged to the king the fear: Est 3:2-6, Est 8:5 Esther 9:4”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification