SEV Biblia, Chapter 8:11
que el rey daba facultad a los judíos que estaban en todas la ciudades, que se juntasen y estuviesen a la defensa de su vida, prontos a destruir, y matar, y acabar con todo ejército de pueblo o provincia que viniese contra ellos, y aun sus niños y mujeres, y que los saqueasen,
Clarke's Bible Commentary - Esther 8:11
Verse 11. To destroy, to slay, and to cause to perish] The same words as in Haman's decree: therefore the Jews had as much authority to slay their enemies, as their enemies had to slay them. Little ones and women] This was the ordinary custom, to destroy the whole family of those convicted of great crimes; and whether this was right or wrong, it was the custom of the people, and according to the laws.
Besides, as this edict was to give the Jews the same power against their enemies as they had by the former decree against them, and the women and children were there included; consequently they must be included here.
John Gill's Bible Commentary
Ver. 11. Wherein the king granted the Jews which were in every city to gather themselves together , etc.] In some part of the city they should choose, and remain in a body, being sufficiently armed: and to stand for their life ; to defend themselves, and fight for their life, should any attack them, or attempt to take it away; in such case they might act offensively, so as to destroy, to slay, and to cause to perish, all the power of the people and province that would assault them ; every army of them, or as many as should join in a body to attack them, any mighty or powerful mob; and not men only, but both little ones and women, and to take the spoil of them for a prey ; the same words are used, and the same power is given them as were to their enemies, ( Esther 3:13), not that they made use of it to the utmost extremity, it is certain they did not in one point, in taking the spoil, ( Esther 9:10,15,16), and, since they spared that, it is highly probable they spared women and children.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 3-14 - It was time to be earnest, when the church of God was at stake. Esther though safe herself, fell down and begged for the deliverance of he people. We read of no tears when she begged for her own life, but although she was sure of that, she wept for her people. Tears of pit and tenderness are the most Christ-like. According to the constitutio of the Persian government, no law or decree could be repealed of recalled. This is so far from speaking to the wisdom and honour of the Medes and Persians, that it clearly shows their pride and folly. Thi savours of that old presumption which ruined all, We will be as gods It is God's prerogative not to repent, or to say what can never be altered or unsaid. Yet a way was found, by another decree, to authoriz the Jews to stand upon their defence. The decree was published in the languages of all the provinces. Shall all the subjects of an earthl prince have his decrees in languages they understand, and shall God' oracles and laws be locked up from any of his servants in an unknow tongue?
Original Hebrew
אשׁר 834 נתן 5414 המלך 4428 ליהודים 3064 אשׁר 834 בכל 3605 עיר 5892 ועיר 5892 להקהל 6950 ולעמד 5975 על 5921 נפשׁם 5315 להשׁמיד 8045 ולהרג 2026 ולאבד 6 את 853 כל 3605 חיל 2426 עם 5971 ומדינה 4082 הצרים 6696 אתם 853 טף 2945 ונשׁים 802 ושׁללם 7998 לבוז׃ 962
