Esther 8

Esther 8:1

D. Mordecai’s Promotion and the Jews’ Deliverance (Chap. 8)8:1, 2 Haman’s house was given to Esther and his position was given to Mordecai. 8:3-8 Haman was out of the way, but his destructive plot was still in motion. Once again Esther appeared before the king uninvited, careless of her own life, and tearfully pled for her people. Again the golden scepter of grace was extended to her. Verse 3 gives the gist of her plea, verses 5 and 6 the exact words. She asked that the first decree be revoked. But according to the law, no edict signed and sealed by a Persian king could be altered. However, after reminding Esther of what he had already done on her behalf, the king permitted her and Mordecai to write another decree counteracting the first one. 8:9-14 The king’s scribes were called and Mordecai dictated an edict which gave the Jews the right to protect their lives. With great speed the new law was carried to the utmost parts of the kingdom on royal swift steeds. How much more should the news of man’s redemption from the power of evil be disseminated through Satan’s realm with thoroughness and speed! 8:15-17 Having discarded his sackcloth, Mordecai left the palace in robes of splendor. The Jews were filled with gladness when they heard of the sudden turn of events, while the rest of the people were filled with dread. Not wanting to be numbered among their enemies, many Gentiles became proselytes to the Jewish faith at this time.