Matthew Poole and continuators on Esther 8:11

11 Wherein the king granted the Jews, which were in every city to gather themselves together, and to stand for their life , to destroy, to slay, and to cause to perish all the power of the people , and province, that would assault them, both little ones, and women , and to take the spoil of them for a prey:

To stand up and fight for the defence of their Lives against all that should seek to destroy them.

Either Governours or governed, without any exception either of Age, Dignity, or Sex, as it follows.

Which is here added, because it was put into the former decree; and to strike the greater terrour into their enemies; and according to the Laws and customs of this Kingdom; whereby Children were punished for their Parents offences: which also in some cases was allowed and practised in sacred story. Yet we read nothing in the execution of this decree of the slaughter of Women or Children, nor is it probable that they would kill their innocent Children, who were so indulgent to their Families, as not to meddle with the spoil.

Marginal references: Liberty and authority.