They hanged the ten sons of Haman . Exposure on a cross was regarded as a deep disgrace, and was a punishment often inflicted by the Persians on persons killed in some other way (see Herod; 3:125; 7:238; Xen; 'Anab.,' 3. 1, § 17; Pint; 'Vit. Artax.,' § 17). read more
For the Jews . Rather, " and the Jews," or " so the Jews." The Hebrew has the vau conjunctive, which is here certainly expressive of a sequence, or consequence. read more
Shushan - Here probably the lower town, which lay east of the upper one, and was of about the same size (compare the Esther 9:6 note). read more
Esther 9:12. What have they done in the rest of the king’s provinces? In which, doubtless, many more were slain. So that I have fully granted thy petition: and yet, if thou hast any thing further to ask, I am ready to grant it. read more
Esther 9:13. Let it be granted to the Jews to do to-morrow also according to this day’s decree To kill their implacable enemies. For it is probable that the greatest and worst of them had hidden themselves for that day; after which, the commission granted to the Jews being expired, they confidently returned to their houses, where they were taken and slain, by virtue of this private and unexpected order. And let Haman’s ten sons be hanged upon the gallows They were slain before; now let... read more
8:1-10:3 THE JEWS TRIUMPHANTVictory and celebration (8:1-9:32)Although Mordecai was appointed chief minister instead of Haman (8:1-2), the decree arranged by Haman was still in force. A king’s decree could not be changed. However, the king gave Esther and Mordecai his authority to issue a new decree that would counteract the former one (3-8).Esther and Mordecai acted promptly. They gave the Jews permission to take whatever action they chose in order to defend themselves against any attack on... read more
let Hainan's ten sons be hanged. One of the ten deaths occasioned or obtained by women. See note on Judges 4:21 . be hanged Not alive, but hanged up after death. They were slain in conflict first. See verses: Esther 9:6 , Esther 9:7 . read more
commanded. Hebrew. 'amar. See note on Esther 1:10 . read more
Esther 9:13. Let Haman's ten sons be hanged upon the gallows— it is not unlikely that many might be enraged at Haman's death, and his sons in particular might set themselves at the head of those who were bold enough to attempt the destruction of the Jews at Shushan, being resolved to revenge their father's death, though in so doing they were sure to meet their own. This seems to suggest one reason why Esther was so solicitous to have their dead bodies hung on the gallows, because they had shewn... read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 9:13
Esther's request for a second day of slaughter has a bloodthirsty appearance; but, without a more complete knowledge of the facts than we possess, we cannot say that it was unjustifiable. It would seem that the Jews in Susa gathered themselves in the upper town on the appointed day, and were engaged there the whole day with their enemies. Esther asks that they may be allowed a second day—either in the upper or the lower town, it is not clear which to complete their work, and free themselves... read more