5 So the Jews finished off all their enemies with the sword, slaughtering them right and left, and did as they pleased to those who hated them. 6 In the palace complex of Susa the Jews massacred five hundred men. 7 They also killed the ten sons of Haman son of Hammedatha, the archenemy of the Jews: Parshandatha Dalphon 8 oratha Adalia Aridatha 9 Parmashta Arisai Aridai Vaizatha 10 But they took no plunder.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Esther 9:5-10
Commentary on Esther 9:1-19
(Read Esther 9:1-19)
The enemies of the Jews hoped to have power over them by the former edict. If they had attempted nothing against the people of God, they would not themselves have suffered. The Jews, acting together, strengthened one another. Let us learn to stand fast in one spirit, and with one mind, striving together against the enemies of our souls, who endeavour to rob us of our faith, which is more precious than our lives. The Jews, to the honour of their religion, showed contempt of wordly wealth, that they might make it appear they desired nothing except their own preservation. In every case the people of God should manifest humanity and disinterestedness, frequently refusing advantages which might lawfully be obtained. The Jews celebrated their festival the day after they had finished their work. When we have received great mercies from God, we ought to be speedy in making thankful returns to him.