Esther 8:11

To stand for their life; to stand up and fight for the de fence of their lives against all that should seek to destroy them. All the power of the people; either governors or governed, without any exception, either of age, dignity, or sex, as it follows. Both little ones and women; which is here added, because it was put into the former decree; and to strike the greater terror 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.