1)

Why did he say 'write

1.

Vilna Gaon: This is a good counsel. The letters cannot be retracted. Therefore, write that the Jews will kill their enemies. The revealed part of the first letters said only to be ready for Adar 13. Now write that the Jews should be ready. Had they written that Haman erred or deceived, the masses would not heed this. Write to the Achashdarpanim - they fear Mordechai!

2.

Malbim: We cannot retract the letters. Leave them with the Sarim. I give two counsels. (a) The first letters said "Lehashmid Laharog u'Le'abed Es Kol ha'Yehudim" (3:13). One can read 'Lehashmid Laharog u'Le'abed Es Kol'; who will kill? Ha'Yehudim. They did not say whom they will kill. The latter letters will explain, they will kill any nation of Medinah that afflicts them. This is not retracting the king's word. Write as you want "Al ha'Yehudim" - that they will be the destroyers, and not the destroyed. Indeed, this is a contrived way of explaining the first letters, and they were written in many languages. Some languages do not tolerate such an explanation. Also refer to 8:8:2:2.

2)

What is the meaning of "Ein Lehashiv"?

1.

Rashi: It is not nice to retract it, and consider the king's written word a forgery.

2.

Malbim: We cannot contradict the first letters. It is not a contradiction to say that all may kill the Jews, and the Jews may kill their enemies. Both of them have permission. There is still concern lest the Jews' enemies overpower them. The exposed part of the first letters did not say who will kill whom. Rumors said that the hidden part says to kill the Jews. People will do so, even if the latter letters say oppositely. However, the new letters will openly say that the Jews should be ready to fight their enemies. Before this, the king said that he gave to her Beis Haman, and hung him for seeking to harm the Jews. This was publicized. The Sarim understood that the first letters were written against the king's desire. Surely when the time comes, they will hide the first letters due to the latter letters. They will fear lest happen to them like happened to Haman 1 ! Surely they will help the Jews. The nations will not know at all the content of the first letters.


1

Why should they be punished for following what is written in the king's letter? Permission is given to both sides! (PF)

Sefer: Perek: Pasuk:

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