Est 9:16-22 | TNotes | STEP | 9:16 75,000 seems like quite a large number. The Old Greek translation has 15,000 and the Targum has 10,107 men. The Hebrew word translated thousands can also indicate an extended family or lineage, so it is possible that 75 extended families were killed.

c9:19-32►

eDeut 25:19►

fJosh 21:44►

g1 Sam 7:11-14►

‏ Esther 9:16-22

9:16 ^a 75,000 seems like quite a large number. The Old Greek translation has 15,000 and the Targum has 10,107 men. The Hebrew word translated thousands can also indicate an extended family or lineage, so it is possible that 75 extended families were killed.
9:17 ^b they rested, celebrating their victory with a day of feasting and gladness: God is not mentioned, but surely they thanked God on this day for their rescue. This was the beginning of a new festival, later called Purim (9:19-32 ^c).
9:19 ^d The annual festival and holiday of Purim celebrates God’s blessing of peace from their enemies (see Deut 25:19 ^e; Josh 21:44 ^f; 1 Sam 7:11-14 ^g). The narrator reports that the festival was celebrated to this day. Now, more than 2,400 years later, it is still celebrated annually by Jewish people.

• The exchange of gifts of food demonstrated the unity of the people and their care for one another and helped them to spread an atmosphere of joy for everyone celebrating the festival.