Definition: But when [Esther] came before the king, he commanded by letters that his wicked device, which he devised against the Jews, should return upon his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Esther 9:25. It's a really dramatic and frightening passage about a terrible plan. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: A Wicked Plan: King Darius, who was very powerful and feared, had a very bad idea. He wanted to punish the Jewish people for a crime he didn't fully understand. A Specific Punishment: This plan involved Esther being forced to stand before him and be hit with a whip – essentially, being hanged. It’s a brutal and incredibly unpleasant punishment. The “Device” – A Complex Scheme: The king had created a complicated scheme to make Esther’s life miserable and force her to do something she didn't want to do. This is the key part – it wasn't just a random act of anger; it was meticulously planned. Putting It All Together - A Simple Explanation: The verse describes a situation where King Darius, in a moment of rage or perhaps a misunderstanding, ordered Esther to be publicly humiliated and executed. He wanted to make her an example for the entire nation. Important Note – It's a Warning! This passage is a powerful warning about the dangers of: Misunderstanding: Sometimes, people act out of anger or fear without fully understanding the consequences. Plotting and Deceit: The king’s plan was deliberately designed to cause harm and suffering. Overall Significance: This story highlights the importance of: Justice: It shows that justice must be fair and equitable for everyone, especially those who are vulnerable. Divine Protection: The Bible often speaks about God protecting His people from evil. Esther’s actions in this passage demonstrate that God is watching over us and intervening to protect us. Do you want me to elaborate on any specific part of this verse? For example, would you like to know: What kind of "wicked device" the king had devised? Why it's considered a warning in the Bible?