This verse reveals how the Jewish community in Susa set aside a special day of joyous feasting in celebration of their remarkable deliverance.
But the Jews who were in Susa assembled on the thirteenth and the fourteenth of the same month, and they rested on the fifteenth day and made it a day of feasting and rejoicing. (v.18) In this verse, the focus shifts to the Jewish community living in Susa, the ancient capital of Elam in what is now southwestern Iran. Susa (also called Shushan) was where King Xerxes (Ahasuerus) held court, as seen elsewhere in the Book of Esther. It was a prominent city east of Babylon, known for its grandeur and strategic significance, and the events of Esther took place during Xerxes’s reign (486 - 465 BC).
In the immediate context, the Jews had just defended themselves against the plot orchestrated by Haman, who sought to destroy them. While the Jews dwelling in other parts of the empire completed their defense on the thirteenth day of the month of Adar and celebrated on the fourteenth (Esther 9:17), those in Susa needed more time to ensure their safety. Consequently, they rested and celebrated with feasting and rejoicing one day later (v.18). Their victory in the face of extinction highlights God’s providential protection over His covenant people, underscoring how He can bring deliverance amid severe trials (Psalm 124:1-8).
The outcome of this conflict ultimately gave rise to the joyous observance known as Purim, through which Jews across the Persian empire commemorated their salvation. Much like Christian believers later recognized God’s gift of deliverance in Jesus (John 3:16), the Jewish community marked their extraordinary rescue by gathering in worship and gladness. This verse therefore underscores the heartfelt gratitude that follows God’s intervention, as well as the importance of corporately celebrating His faithful provision.
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Esther 9:18 meaning
But the Jews who were in Susa assembled on the thirteenth and the fourteenth of the same month, and they rested on the fifteenth day and made it a day of feasting and rejoicing. (v.18) In this verse, the focus shifts to the Jewish community living in Susa, the ancient capital of Elam in what is now southwestern Iran. Susa (also called Shushan) was where King Xerxes (Ahasuerus) held court, as seen elsewhere in the Book of Esther. It was a prominent city east of Babylon, known for its grandeur and strategic significance, and the events of Esther took place during Xerxes’s reign (486 - 465 BC).
In the immediate context, the Jews had just defended themselves against the plot orchestrated by Haman, who sought to destroy them. While the Jews dwelling in other parts of the empire completed their defense on the thirteenth day of the month of Adar and celebrated on the fourteenth (Esther 9:17), those in Susa needed more time to ensure their safety. Consequently, they rested and celebrated with feasting and rejoicing one day later (v.18). Their victory in the face of extinction highlights God’s providential protection over His covenant people, underscoring how He can bring deliverance amid severe trials (Psalm 124:1-8).
The outcome of this conflict ultimately gave rise to the joyous observance known as Purim, through which Jews across the Persian empire commemorated their salvation. Much like Christian believers later recognized God’s gift of deliverance in Jesus (John 3:16), the Jewish community marked their extraordinary rescue by gathering in worship and gladness. This verse therefore underscores the heartfelt gratitude that follows God’s intervention, as well as the importance of corporately celebrating His faithful provision.