The event known as "The Jews Destroy Their Enemies" is a significant moment in Jewish history, recorded in the Book of Esther, chapters 8 and 9. This event is celebrated annually during the Jewish festival of Purim. It marks the deliverance of the Jewish people from a plot to annihilate them, orchestrated by Haman, an official in the Persian Empire under King Xerxes (Ahasuerus).

Background

The narrative unfolds in the Persian Empire, where many Jews lived in exile. Haman, the Agagite, held a high position in the king's court and harbored a deep-seated hatred for the Jews, particularly Mordecai, a Jew who refused to bow to him. In his wrath, Haman devised a plan to destroy all the Jews in the empire. He cast lots (purim) to determine the date for their destruction and secured the king's approval by deceitfully presenting the Jews as a threat to the kingdom.

The Reversal

Queen Esther, a Jewess and the cousin of Mordecai, played a pivotal role in the deliverance of her people. Risking her life, she approached King Xerxes without being summoned, which could have resulted in her death. Esther revealed her Jewish identity and Haman's plot to the king, pleading for her people. The king, moved by Esther's courage and the injustice of Haman's plan, ordered Haman to be executed on the very gallows he had prepared for Mordecai.

The Decree

Although Haman was dead, the edict to destroy the Jews could not be revoked due to the laws of the Medes and Persians, which were irrevocable. Therefore, King Xerxes issued a new decree, allowing the Jews to defend themselves against any who would attack them. Esther 8:11 states, "The king’s edict granted the Jews in every city the right to assemble and defend themselves, to destroy, kill, and annihilate any armed force of any nationality or province that might attack them and their women and children, and to plunder the property of their enemies."

The Victory

On the appointed day, the 13th of Adar, the Jews gathered to defend themselves. Esther 9:1 records, "On the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar, the edict commanded by the king was to be executed. On this day the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, but the opposite occurred, and the Jews overpowered those who hated them." The Jews successfully defended themselves, killing 500 men in the citadel of Susa alone, including Haman's ten sons. Across the provinces, they killed 75,000 of their enemies but did not lay hands on the plunder, demonstrating their focus on survival rather than material gain.

The Establishment of Purim

Following their victory, the Jews established the Feast of Purim to commemorate their deliverance. Esther 9:22 explains, "as the days on which the Jews gained relief from their enemies, and as the month when their sorrow was turned into joy and their mourning into a day of celebration. They were to observe them as days of feasting and joy and giving presents of food to one another and gifts to the poor."

This event is a testament to God's providence and protection over His people, demonstrating how He can turn the schemes of the wicked into deliverance for the righteous. The account of Esther and the Jews' victory over their enemies continues to be a source of inspiration and faith for believers, highlighting themes of courage, faith, and divine intervention.