Why did the fear of the Jews fall upon the nations? The chapter alludes to the Exodus and the conquests in Canaan. The war at the end of the book does not describe a massacre; the Jews only killed those who would have killed them. They were careful not to touch the loot, despite Ahashverosh's explicit permission. Finally, the number of casualties attests to a planned battle and not random killing.

Fear of the Jews fell upon them
The Jews defended themselves
Haman's sons