Haman and his edict had supporters all across the empire. However, these enemies could not stand against
the Jews, which is language that is intended to remind us of Israel’s battles of old (Joshua 10:8; Joshua 21:44; Joshua 23:9; see also Deuteronomy 7:24; Deuteronomy 11:25; Joshua 1:5). The Jews’ victory was due not to numerical or military superiority, but to the other nations’ fear of them (see notes under Esther 8:17).
2 The Jews gathered in their cities throughout all the provinces of King Ahasuerus to lay hands on those who sought their harm. And no one could stand against them, for the fear of them had fallen on all peoples.