Charles Ellicott Commentary Esther 8:13

"A copy of the writing, that the decree should be given out in every province, was published unto all the peoples, and that the Jews should be ready against that day to avenge themselves on their enemies." — Esther 8:13 (ASV)

To avenge themselves on their enemies. —The Hebrew word used here “does not necessarily signify a violent emotion of a resentful spirit, but a steady resolve to defend the right; it is used of the Almighty Himself, rescuing the oppressed, defending the right, and punishing the assailant and the oppressor” (Wordsworth).