Definition: And the king said unto Esther the queen, The Jews have slain and destroyed five hundred men in Shushan the palace, and the ten sons of Haman; what have they done in the rest of the king’s provinces? now what [is] thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: or what [is] thy request further? and it shall be done.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Esther 9:12. It’s a really important moment in Jewish history! Here's the explanation in simple terms: The Core of the Verse: “And the king said unto Esther the queen, The Jews have slain and destroyed five hundred men in Shushan the palace, and the ten sons of Haman; what have they done in the rest of the king’s provinces?” What's Happening? A Problem is Raised: The King, worried about potential trouble brewing in Shushan (a city in Persia), asks Esther to speak with him. He’s concerned that something bad might happen there. The Attack: The story says the Jews defeated five hundred men and ten sons of Haman – these are important figures in a story about a wicked man named Haman. These guys were involved in a big, nasty plot. The Question: The King wants to know what happens after this initial attack. He's asking, “What is your request? And it shall be granted thee.” Meaning and Significance - Let’s unpack the layers: This verse sets up a situation where the King is worried about potential repercussions from this event. It highlights several important ideas: Justice & Accountability: The King isn't just concerned with what happened , but also with who is responsible . He's asking Esther to understand what the consequences might be in other parts of the kingdom. The Power of Mordor (Haman): The story of Haman is a key part of Jewish history. He plotted to kill King Daniel, and his actions led to a terrible tragedy. This verse shows that even seemingly small events can have huge, long-term consequences. Mordor's Revenge: The phrase "the rest of the king’s provinces" suggests that the repercussions of this attack might extend far beyond Shushan. It hints at a larger, potentially dangerous situation brewing elsewhere. Overall Interpretation: This verse is a call to action by Esther. She's being asked to be proactive and understand what might happen because of this event. It’s a moment of recognizing the potential for trouble and needing to prepare for it. In short, it's a warning about the importance of vigilance and understanding that even seemingly small actions can have significant consequences. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this passage? Connect this verse to a specific story or theme in Jewish tradition?