The letters were meant to remind the Jews who lived in every province—from Susa to the furthest border—of God’s faithfulness, urging them to stand firm in the peace and truth He provides.
In Esther 9:30, we read how: “He sent letters to all the Jews, to the one hundred and twenty-seven provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, namely, words of peace and truth.” (v.30). These letters come on the heels of an immense deliverance for the Jewish people throughout the Persian Empire. Historically, King Ahasuerus (often identified with Xerxes I) reigned from 486 to 465 BC over a vast kingdom stretching from modern-day India to Ethiopia. The mention of “one hundred and twenty-seven provinces” likely includes areas covering a huge swath of territory, reflecting the broad expanse of Persian rule. In the city of Susa, the royal capital, Mordecai and Queen Esther organized the defense against their enemies and established the annual commemoration of Purim (Esther 9:20-22).
The text says that “He sent letters … namely, words of peace and truth.” (v.30). We see Mordecai’s important role here: sending official decrees that encourage unity, harmony, and fidelity among the dispersed Jewish population. The phrase “peace and truth” evokes a sense of spiritual and communal well-being, reminiscent of how the New Testament speaks of Jesus as the ultimate source of peace (John 14:27) and the personification of truth (John 14:6). By choosing these words, the author highlights not only a political victory but also conveys a desire that all the Jews dwell in safety and remain anchored to God’s truth.
In planning these letters, Mordecai sought to unify Jews across the empire, ensuring they would continue to celebrate their deliverance and remember the help of the Lord in time of crisis. The blessing of security and guidance connects the experiences of God’s people in captivity to the broader biblical story of redemption and deliverance. In the same way that the New Testament encourages believers to remain steadfast in faith and encourage one another (Hebrews 10:24-25), these letters spread encouragement and fortitude across great distances.
Set to dark mode
Esther 9:30 meaning
In Esther 9:30, we read how: “He sent letters to all the Jews, to the one hundred and twenty-seven provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, namely, words of peace and truth.” (v.30). These letters come on the heels of an immense deliverance for the Jewish people throughout the Persian Empire. Historically, King Ahasuerus (often identified with Xerxes I) reigned from 486 to 465 BC over a vast kingdom stretching from modern-day India to Ethiopia. The mention of “one hundred and twenty-seven provinces” likely includes areas covering a huge swath of territory, reflecting the broad expanse of Persian rule. In the city of Susa, the royal capital, Mordecai and Queen Esther organized the defense against their enemies and established the annual commemoration of Purim (Esther 9:20-22).
The text says that “He sent letters … namely, words of peace and truth.” (v.30). We see Mordecai’s important role here: sending official decrees that encourage unity, harmony, and fidelity among the dispersed Jewish population. The phrase “peace and truth” evokes a sense of spiritual and communal well-being, reminiscent of how the New Testament speaks of Jesus as the ultimate source of peace (John 14:27) and the personification of truth (John 14:6). By choosing these words, the author highlights not only a political victory but also conveys a desire that all the Jews dwell in safety and remain anchored to God’s truth.
In planning these letters, Mordecai sought to unify Jews across the empire, ensuring they would continue to celebrate their deliverance and remember the help of the Lord in time of crisis. The blessing of security and guidance connects the experiences of God’s people in captivity to the broader biblical story of redemption and deliverance. In the same way that the New Testament encourages believers to remain steadfast in faith and encourage one another (Hebrews 10:24-25), these letters spread encouragement and fortitude across great distances.