Book of Esther - Chapter 9 - Verse 15

The verse "For the Jews that were in Shushan gathered themselves together on the fourteenth day also of the month Adar, and slew three hundred men at Shushan; but on the prey they laid not their hand." comes from the Book of Esther in the Old Testament. This passage recounts the events of the festival of Purim, a holiday celebrated by Jewish people around the world to commemorate their deliverance from a plot to exterminate them. In this verse, the Jews in the city of Shushan fought back against their enemies and successfully defended themselves, killing three hundred men who sought to do them harm. Despite their victory, the Jews chose not to take any spoils of war, demonstrating their commitment to righteousness and justice in the face of violence and persecution.

Within the theological interpretation of the verse regarding the Jews in Shushan gathering together to defend themselves, there are several key aspects to consider. Firstly, the courage and unity displayed by the Jewish people in the face of danger is often seen as a reflection of their faith in God's protection. By coming together and standing united, they were able to overcome their enemies. Additionally, the fact that they did not take any plunder from their defeated foes is seen as a sign of their righteousness and adherence to God's commandments. This act of restraint further emphasizes their faith and devotion to following God's will. In terms of word studies, the term "prey" in this verse can be interpreted as referring to the spoils of war that the Jews chose not to take. This decision reflects their commitment to obeying God's laws and their belief in His providence. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of the power of faith and unity in the face of adversity, as well as the importance of following God's commands even in times of victory.