Definition: But the other Jews that [were] in the king’s provinces gathered themselves together, and stood for their lives, and had rest from their enemies, and slew of their foes seventy and five thousand, but they laid not their hands on the prey,

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Esther 9:16. It’s a really important and dramatic passage about courage and protection. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Esther was a Jewish woman in the Persian Empire (a large part of modern-day Iran). A wicked king, Ahasuerus, had been having an affair with her wife, Mordecai. This led to a massive political crisis and a lot of trouble for the Jews. What happened next: They Gathered Together: The Jewish people in the provinces (like Egypt, Syria, etc.) started gathering together in groups. They Had Rest: This is key. They were safe from their enemies – the king’s officials and soldiers who were trying to harm them. It felt like they had a temporary reprieve. They Slaughtered the Prey: They killed a huge number of people – about 70,000! – but they did it without violence. They didn't want to hurt anyone. What does this mean? This verse is about boldness and courage in the face of danger. It’s saying: They weren’t afraid: They were willing to risk their lives for their own safety and the safety of their community. They protected themselves: They chose a strategy that minimized harm – they didn't engage in conflict. They acted decisively: They took swift action, killing a large number of enemies without hesitation. The Significance: This story is often interpreted as a powerful example of righteous indignation . It shows that even when facing overwhelming odds, it’s possible to act bravely and protect what's right – even if it means taking a direct and potentially dangerous stand. It speaks to the importance of standing up for justice and protecting those who are vulnerable. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific aspect of this verse in more detail? (e.g., its symbolism, historical context?) Connect this story to other biblical stories or themes?