Esther 8 Study Notes: The King's Counter-Decree
King Xerxes gives Esther all of Haman's property and hands his signet ring to Mordecai. Since Haman's decree cannot be revoked, Mordecai writes a new decree letting the Jews defend themselves on the appointed day, and joy spreads as many people of the provinces become Jews.
General
True or False: The king simply canceled Haman’s decree, since as king he could undo any order bearing his seal.
Answer: False
This is false. The king reminded Esther and Mordecai that Esther now held Haman’s property and that Haman had been hanged for attacking the Jews (8:7). But he did not cancel the first decree. Instead he told them to write a new decree about the Jews as they saw fit, issue it under the king’s name, and stamp it with his ring, because an order issued under the king’s name and sealed with his ring could not be revoked (8:8). The same unchangeable Persian law had been invoked in the decree against Vashti (1:19) and also appears in the book of Daniel (Daniel 6:8). So the answer to Haman’s decree had to come through a second decree, not a cancellation.
- Esther 8:7-8 (BSB)“So King Xerxes said to Esther the Queen and Mordecai the Jew, “Behold, I have given Haman’s estate to Esther, and he was hanged on the gallows because he attacked the Jews. Now you may write in the king’s name as you please regarding the Jews, and seal it with the royal signet ring. For a decree that is written in the name of the king and sealed with the royal signet ring cannot be revoked.””The king lets Esther and Mordecai write a new decree, since a sealed royal decree could not be revoked.
- Esther 1:19 (BSB)“So if it pleases the king, let him issue a royal decree, and let it be recorded in the laws of Persia and Media so that it cannot be repealed, that Vashti shall never again enter the presence of King Xerxes, and that her royal position shall be given to a woman better than she.”The decree concerning Vashti was likewise to be recorded so that it could not be repealed.
- Daniel 6:8 (BSB)“Therefore, O king, establish the decree and sign the document so that it cannot be changed—in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.””Daniel’s account shows the same Persian rule that a signed royal decree could not be changed.
- Esther 3:12 (BSB)“On the thirteenth day of the first month, the royal scribes were summoned and the order was written exactly as Haman commanded the royal satraps, the governors of each province, and the officials of each people, in the script of each province and the language of every people. It was written in the name of King Xerxes and sealed with the royal signet ring.”Haman’s decree had been written in the king’s name and sealed with the royal ring, which made it binding.
Theological
True or False: Xerxes resolved the crisis by directly annulling Haman’s decree, as any order bearing the royal seal could be withdrawn.
Answer: False
This is false. Xerxes points to what he has already done, handing Haman’s property to Esther and hanging Haman for his attack on the Jews (8:7), but he does not annul the first decree. Because a decree issued under the king’s name and seal was irrevocable, he authorizes Esther and Mordecai to issue a new decree of their own under his name and seal (8:8). The irrevocability of Medo-Persian law also appears in the decree concerning Vashti (1:19) and in Daniel (Daniel 6:8). Haman’s edict could only be answered by a countering edict.
- Esther 8:7-8 (BSB)“So King Xerxes said to Esther the Queen and Mordecai the Jew, “Behold, I have given Haman’s estate to Esther, and he was hanged on the gallows because he attacked the Jews. Now you may write in the king’s name as you please regarding the Jews, and seal it with the royal signet ring. For a decree that is written in the name of the king and sealed with the royal signet ring cannot be revoked.””The king lets Esther and Mordecai write a new decree, since a sealed royal decree could not be revoked.
- Esther 1:19 (BSB)“So if it pleases the king, let him issue a royal decree, and let it be recorded in the laws of Persia and Media so that it cannot be repealed, that Vashti shall never again enter the presence of King Xerxes, and that her royal position shall be given to a woman better than she.”The decree concerning Vashti was likewise to be recorded so that it could not be repealed.
- Daniel 6:8 (BSB)“Therefore, O king, establish the decree and sign the document so that it cannot be changed—in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.””Daniel’s account shows the same Persian rule that a signed royal decree could not be changed.
- Esther 3:12 (BSB)“On the thirteenth day of the first month, the royal scribes were summoned and the order was written exactly as Haman commanded the royal satraps, the governors of each province, and the officials of each people, in the script of each province and the language of every people. It was written in the name of King Xerxes and sealed with the royal signet ring.”Haman’s decree had been written in the king’s name and sealed with the royal ring, which made it binding.
General
What did Mordecai’s decree allow the Jews in every city to do (Esther 8:11-13)?
Answer: Gather together and defend themselves against any force that attacked
Through Mordecai’s letters the king allowed the Jews in every city to gather and defend themselves, striking down any armed force of a people or region hostile to them (8:11). The new decree used the same terms as Haman’s decree, which had ordered the Jews destroyed and their goods seized (3:13), so it turned those terms back against anyone who acted on Haman’s order; it even allowed plunder, though when the day came the Jews took none (9:10). It applied to one day only, the thirteenth of Adar, the last month of the year, the very day Haman’s decree had set (8:12), and copies were published in every province so the Jewish people could be prepared to face their enemies on that day (8:13). Scripture teaches that a king’s heart is in the LORD’s hand, directed wherever He pleases (Proverbs 21:1), and when the day came the enemies’ plan was overturned (9:1).
- Esther 8:12-13 (BSB)“The single day appointed throughout all the provinces of King Xerxes was the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar. A copy of the text of the edict was to be issued in every province and published to all the people, so that the Jews would be ready on that day to avenge themselves on their enemies.”The new decree is set for the single day of Haman’s decree and published everywhere so the Jews can be ready.
- Esther 3:13 (BSB)“And the letters were sent by couriers to each of the royal provinces with the order to destroy, kill, and annihilate all the Jews—young and old, women and children—and to plunder their possessions on a single day, the thirteenth day of Adar, the twelfth month.”Haman’s decree had set the thirteenth of Adar for the destruction of the Jews, in terms the new decree echoes.
- Proverbs 21:1 (BSB)“The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases.”Scripture teaches that the LORD directs a king’s heart wherever He pleases.
- Esther 9:1 (BSB)“On the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar, the king’s command and edict were to be executed. On this day the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, but their plan was overturned and the Jews overpowered those who hated them.”On the appointed day the enemies’ plan was overturned, as the counter-decree made possible.
Theological
What did the counter-decree authorize the Jews throughout the provinces to do (Esther 8:11-13)?
Answer: Gather together and defend themselves against any force that attacked
The counter-decree authorizes Jews in every city to gather and protect themselves, striking down any armed force of a hostile nation or region (8:11). Its terms deliberately mirror Haman’s edict (3:13), turning the license granted against the Jews back on those who would act on it, even to the right of plunder, which the Jews would decline to use (9:10), and it is limited to the single day Haman had fixed, the thirteenth of Adar (8:12). Published in every province, it ensured the Jewish people were prepared to meet their enemies that day (8:13). Scripture places even a pagan king’s decisions under the LORD’s direction (Proverbs 21:1), and the outcome is the reversal recorded in 9:1.
- Esther 8:12-13 (BSB)“The single day appointed throughout all the provinces of King Xerxes was the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar. A copy of the text of the edict was to be issued in every province and published to all the people, so that the Jews would be ready on that day to avenge themselves on their enemies.”The new decree is set for the single day of Haman’s decree and published everywhere so the Jews can be ready.
- Esther 3:13 (BSB)“And the letters were sent by couriers to each of the royal provinces with the order to destroy, kill, and annihilate all the Jews—young and old, women and children—and to plunder their possessions on a single day, the thirteenth day of Adar, the twelfth month.”Haman’s decree had set the thirteenth of Adar for the destruction of the Jews, in terms the new decree echoes.
- Proverbs 21:1 (BSB)“The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases.”Scripture teaches that the LORD directs a king’s heart wherever He pleases.
- Esther 9:1 (BSB)“On the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar, the king’s command and edict were to be executed. On this day the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, but their plan was overturned and the Jews overpowered those who hated them.”On the appointed day the enemies’ plan was overturned, as the counter-decree made possible.
General
Even though Haman was dead, why did Esther fall at the king’s feet and plead with him again (Esther 8:3-6)?
Answer: Haman’s written orders against the Jews were still in force
Haman was gone, but the letters he had sent out ordering the Jews to be wiped out were still in effect (3:13). Esther fell at the king’s feet in tears and pleaded with him to put an end to the evil plan Haman had made against her people (8:3). When the king again held out the gold scepter to her, a sign that he would hear her (compare 5:2), she rose and asked for a written order canceling Haman’s letters. She told the king she could not bear to watch disaster and destruction come upon her people and her relatives (8:4-6). Her plea fulfilled Mordecai’s earlier charge that she approach Xerxes and plead for her people (4:8).
- Esther 8:3-6 (BSB)“And once again, Esther addressed the king. She fell at his feet weeping and begged him to revoke the evil scheme of Haman the Agagite, which he had devised against the Jews. The king extended the gold scepter toward Esther, and she arose and stood before the king. “If it pleases the king,” she said, “and if I have found favor in his sight, and the matter seems proper to the king, and I am pleasing in his sight, may an order be written to revoke the letters that the scheming Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, wrote to destroy the Jews in all the king’s provinces. For how could I bear to see the disaster that would befall my people? How could I bear to see the destruction of my kindred?””Esther weeps at the king’s feet and asks that Haman’s letters against the Jews be revoked.
- Esther 3:13 (BSB)“And the letters were sent by couriers to each of the royal provinces with the order to destroy, kill, and annihilate all the Jews—young and old, women and children—and to plunder their possessions on a single day, the thirteenth day of Adar, the twelfth month.”Haman’s decree, sent to every province, set a single day for the destruction of the Jews.
- Esther 5:2 (BSB)“As soon as the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she found favor in his sight. The king extended the gold scepter in his hand toward Esther, and she approached and touched the tip of the scepter.”The king had first extended the gold scepter to Esther when she came unsummoned, showing her favor.
- Esther 4:8 (BSB)“Mordecai also gave Hathach a copy of the written decree issued in Susa for the destruction of the Jews, to show and explain to Esther, urging her to approach the king, implore his favor, and plead before him for her people.”Mordecai had urged Esther to go to the king and plead for her people.
Theological
With Haman already executed, what moved Esther to fall at the king’s feet in tears and plead again (Esther 8:3-6)?
Answer: Haman’s written orders against the Jews were still in force
Haman’s death does not undo Haman’s edict, which still stands (3:13). Esther therefore falls weeping at the king’s feet and begs him to avert Haman’s wicked plot (8:3). The king again extends the gold scepter (compare 5:2), and Esther asks for written orders reversing Haman’s letters, pleading that she cannot endure the ruin of her people and kindred (8:4-6). She now carries out in full the intercession Mordecai had urged on her (4:8).
- Esther 8:3-6 (BSB)“And once again, Esther addressed the king. She fell at his feet weeping and begged him to revoke the evil scheme of Haman the Agagite, which he had devised against the Jews. The king extended the gold scepter toward Esther, and she arose and stood before the king. “If it pleases the king,” she said, “and if I have found favor in his sight, and the matter seems proper to the king, and I am pleasing in his sight, may an order be written to revoke the letters that the scheming Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, wrote to destroy the Jews in all the king’s provinces. For how could I bear to see the disaster that would befall my people? How could I bear to see the destruction of my kindred?””Esther weeps at the king’s feet and asks that Haman’s letters against the Jews be revoked.
- Esther 3:13 (BSB)“And the letters were sent by couriers to each of the royal provinces with the order to destroy, kill, and annihilate all the Jews—young and old, women and children—and to plunder their possessions on a single day, the thirteenth day of Adar, the twelfth month.”Haman’s decree, sent to every province, set a single day for the destruction of the Jews.
- Esther 5:2 (BSB)“As soon as the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she found favor in his sight. The king extended the gold scepter in his hand toward Esther, and she approached and touched the tip of the scepter.”The king had first extended the gold scepter to Esther when she came unsummoned, showing her favor.
- Esther 4:8 (BSB)“Mordecai also gave Hathach a copy of the written decree issued in Susa for the destruction of the Jews, to show and explain to Esther, urging her to approach the king, implore his favor, and plead before him for her people.”Mordecai had urged Esther to go to the king and plead for her people.
General
How did the Jews respond as the king’s new decree arrived in each province and city (Esther 8:16-17)?
Answer: With brightness and honor, and with feasting and celebration
The Jews now knew brightness, happiness, and honor. Wherever the decree reached, in province after province and city after city, the Jews were glad and joyful, holding feasts and celebrating (8:16-17). When Haman’s decree had arrived in those same provinces, the Jews had mourned bitterly, with fasting, weeping, and lamenting (4:3). Scripture often speaks of God turning mourning into dancing and clothing the mourner with joy (Psalm 30:11), and the prophets promised that He would give comfort and joy in place of their sorrow (Jeremiah 31:13).
- Esther 8:16-17 (BSB)“For the Jews it was a time of light and gladness, of joy and honor. In every province and every city, wherever the king’s edict and decree reached, there was joy and gladness among the Jews, with feasting and celebrating. And many of the people of the land themselves became Jews, because the fear of the Jews had fallen upon them.”Wherever the new decree arrives, the Jews celebrate with joy and feasting, and many become Jews.
- Esther 4:3 (BSB)“In every province to which the king’s command and edict came, there was great mourning among the Jews. They fasted, wept, and lamented, and many lay in sackcloth and ashes.”The first decree had brought mourning, fasting, and weeping to the Jews in every province.
- Psalm 30:11 (BSB)“You turned my mourning into dancing; You peeled off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,”The psalmist praises God for turning mourning into dancing and clothing the mourner with joy, the same movement seen here.
- Jeremiah 31:13 (BSB)“Then the maidens will rejoice with dancing, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into joy, and give them comfort and joy for their sorrow.”God promises to replace His people’s sorrow with comfort and joy.
Theological
What was the response among the Jews as the counter-decree reached each province and city (Esther 8:16-17)?
Answer: With brightness and honor, and with feasting and celebration
The arrival of the counter-decree brings the Jews brightness, gladness, and honor, with feasting and celebration in each province and city it reaches (8:16-17). This is the precise counterpart to the mourning, fasting, and weeping that met Haman’s edict in the same provinces (4:3). Though God is not named, the movement from grief to gladness matches Scripture’s testimony that God turns mourning into dancing (Psalm 30:11) and exchanges sorrow for comfort (Jeremiah 31:13).
- Esther 8:16-17 (BSB)“For the Jews it was a time of light and gladness, of joy and honor. In every province and every city, wherever the king’s edict and decree reached, there was joy and gladness among the Jews, with feasting and celebrating. And many of the people of the land themselves became Jews, because the fear of the Jews had fallen upon them.”Wherever the new decree arrives, the Jews celebrate with joy and feasting, and many become Jews.
- Esther 4:3 (BSB)“In every province to which the king’s command and edict came, there was great mourning among the Jews. They fasted, wept, and lamented, and many lay in sackcloth and ashes.”The first decree had brought mourning, fasting, and weeping to the Jews in every province.
- Psalm 30:11 (BSB)“You turned my mourning into dancing; You peeled off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,”The psalmist praises God for turning mourning into joy, the same movement seen here.
- Jeremiah 31:13 (BSB)“Then the maidens will rejoice with dancing, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into joy, and give them comfort and joy for their sorrow.”God promises to replace His people’s sorrow with comfort and joy.
General
How were Mordecai’s orders written and sent out to the empire (Esther 8:9-10)?
Answer: In each people’s own script and tongue, sent by fast couriers
The king’s scribes were called in and wrote down everything Mordecai ordered, addressed both to the Jews themselves and to the officials of the empire’s 127 provinces, which stretched from India all the way to Cush. Each province received it in its own writing and each people in its own language, the Jews included (8:9). Mordecai wrote in King Xerxes’ name, sealed the letters with the king’s ring, and sent them by mounted couriers on swift royal horses (8:10). This mirrors exactly how Haman’s decree had gone out (3:12, 3:15), so the second decree reached everywhere the first one had. The same pattern of writing for every people in its own language was used for the king’s decree in the days of Vashti (1:22).
- Esther 8:9-10 (BSB)“At once the royal scribes were summoned, and on the twenty-third day of the third month (the month of Sivan), they recorded all of Mordecai’s orders to the Jews and to the satraps, governors, and princes of the 127 provinces from India to Cush—writing to each province in its own script, to every people in their own language, and to the Jews in their own script and language. Mordecai wrote in the name of King Xerxes and sealed it with the royal signet ring. He sent the documents by mounted couriers riding on swift horses bred from the royal mares.”Mordecai’s orders are written in every script and language and sent out by royal couriers.
- Esther 3:12 (BSB)“On the thirteenth day of the first month, the royal scribes were summoned and the order was written exactly as Haman commanded the royal satraps, the governors of each province, and the officials of each people, in the script of each province and the language of every people. It was written in the name of King Xerxes and sealed with the royal signet ring.”Haman’s decree had been written in every province’s script and language and sealed with the king’s ring.
- Esther 3:15 (BSB)“The couriers left, spurred on by the king’s command, and the edict was issued in the citadel of Susa. Then the king and Haman sat down to drink, but the city of Susa was in confusion.”Couriers had carried Haman’s decree out under the king’s command.
- Esther 1:22 (BSB)“He sent letters to all the provinces of the kingdom, to each province in its own script and to each people in their own language, proclaiming that every man should be master of his own household.”The empire’s earlier decree was also sent to each province in its own script and each people in its own language.
Theological
In what manner were Mordecai’s orders written and distributed throughout the empire (Esther 8:9-10)?
Answer: In each people’s own script and tongue, sent by fast couriers
The royal scribes record Mordecai’s orders for the Jews and for the officials of the empire’s 127 provinces, which reached from India as far as Cush, in every province’s script and every people’s language, the Jews included (8:9). Issued in Xerxes’ name, stamped with the royal ring, and carried by mounted couriers on royal horses (8:10), the counter-decree follows the very procedure of Haman’s edict (3:12, 3:15), guaranteeing equal reach. The empire’s practice of addressing each people in its own tongue had also marked the decree following Vashti’s refusal (1:22).
- Esther 8:9-10 (BSB)“At once the royal scribes were summoned, and on the twenty-third day of the third month (the month of Sivan), they recorded all of Mordecai’s orders to the Jews and to the satraps, governors, and princes of the 127 provinces from India to Cush—writing to each province in its own script, to every people in their own language, and to the Jews in their own script and language. Mordecai wrote in the name of King Xerxes and sealed it with the royal signet ring. He sent the documents by mounted couriers riding on swift horses bred from the royal mares.”Mordecai’s orders are written in every script and language and sent out by royal couriers.
- Esther 3:12 (BSB)“On the thirteenth day of the first month, the royal scribes were summoned and the order was written exactly as Haman commanded the royal satraps, the governors of each province, and the officials of each people, in the script of each province and the language of every people. It was written in the name of King Xerxes and sealed with the royal signet ring.”Haman’s decree had been written in every province’s script and language and sealed with the king’s ring.
- Esther 3:15 (BSB)“The couriers left, spurred on by the king’s command, and the edict was issued in the citadel of Susa. Then the king and Haman sat down to drink, but the city of Susa was in confusion.”Couriers had carried Haman’s decree out under the king’s command.
- Esther 1:22 (BSB)“He sent letters to all the provinces of the kingdom, to each province in its own script and to each people in their own language, proclaiming that every man should be master of his own household.”The empire’s earlier decree was also sent to each province in its own script and each people in its own language.
General
Why did many people in the provinces declare themselves to be Jews (Esther 8:17)?
Answer: They had become afraid of the Jews
Many from among the peoples of the land became Jews, because they had come to fear the Jews (8:17). The verse gives fear as the reason and does not describe what joining the Jews involved. Similar fear had come upon other nations when Israel was delivered, as when Egypt was glad to see Israel leave (Psalm 105:38) and when Rahab told the spies that the people of her land were terrified of Israel (Joshua 2:9). The prophets also looked ahead to people from many nations attaching themselves to the Jews (Zechariah 8:23).
- Esther 8:17 (BSB)“In every province and every city, wherever the king’s edict and decree reached, there was joy and gladness among the Jews, with feasting and celebrating. And many of the people of the land themselves became Jews, because the fear of the Jews had fallen upon them.”Joy spreads among the Jews, and many in the land become Jews out of fear of them.
- Psalm 105:38 (BSB)“Egypt was glad when they departed, for the dread of Israel had fallen on them.”Dread of Israel fell on Egypt at the exodus, a similar response to Israel’s deliverance.
- Joshua 2:9 (BSB)“and said to them, “I know that the LORD has given you this land and that the fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who dwell in the land are melting in fear of you.”Rahab says fear of Israel had fallen on the people of the land.
- Zechariah 8:23 (BSB)“This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “In those days ten men from the nations of every tongue will tightly grasp the robe of a Jew, saying, ‘Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.’””The prophet foresees people from the nations attaching themselves to a Jew.
Theological
What reason does Esther 8:17 give for many of the peoples of the land becoming Jews?
Answer: They had become afraid of the Jews
Many among the peoples of the land become Jews because dread of the Jews has come upon them (8:17); the verse names fear as the motive without elaborating further. Such dread falling on the nations accompanies Israel’s deliverances elsewhere, as in the exodus (Psalm 105:38) and the entry into Canaan (Joshua 2:9). The prophets also foresaw Gentiles attaching themselves to the Jewish people (Zechariah 8:23).
- Esther 8:17 (BSB)“In every province and every city, wherever the king’s edict and decree reached, there was joy and gladness among the Jews, with feasting and celebrating. And many of the people of the land themselves became Jews, because the fear of the Jews had fallen upon them.”Joy spreads among the Jews, and many in the land become Jews out of fear of them.
- Psalm 105:38 (BSB)“Egypt was glad when they departed, for the dread of Israel had fallen on them.”Dread of Israel fell on Egypt at the exodus, a similar response to Israel’s deliverance.
- Joshua 2:9 (BSB)“and said to them, “I know that the LORD has given you this land and that the fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who dwell in the land are melting in fear of you.”Rahab says fear of Israel had fallen on the people of the land.
- Zechariah 8:23 (BSB)“This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “In those days ten men from the nations of every tongue will tightly grasp the robe of a Jew, saying, ‘Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.’””The prophet foresees people from the nations attaching themselves to a Jew.
General
How was Mordecai dressed when he left the king’s presence, and how did Susa respond (Esther 8:15)?
Answer: In royal robes and a great gold crown, while the city cheered
Mordecai left the king’s presence dressed in blue-and-white royal clothing, with a great golden crown and a linen robe of purple, while the people of Susa cheered and celebrated (8:15). The scene reverses earlier ones. When Haman’s decree went out, Susa had been thrown into confusion (3:15), and Mordecai had torn his clothes, covered himself with sackcloth and ash, and wailed aloud in the city (4:1). Scripture observes that a city rejoices when good people prosper (Proverbs 11:10).
- Esther 8:15 (BSB)“Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal garments of blue and white, with a large gold crown and a purple robe of fine linen. And the city of Susa shouted and rejoiced.”Mordecai leaves the king in royal clothing and a gold crown, and Susa rejoices.
- Esther 3:15 (BSB)“The couriers left, spurred on by the king’s command, and the edict was issued in the citadel of Susa. Then the king and Haman sat down to drink, but the city of Susa was in confusion.”When Haman’s decree went out, the city of Susa was in confusion, the opposite of its joy now.
- Esther 4:1 (BSB)“When Mordecai learned of all that had happened, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the middle of the city, wailing loudly and bitterly.”Mordecai had mourned in sackcloth and ashes; now he wears royal robes.
- Proverbs 11:10 (BSB)“When the righteous thrive, the city rejoices, and when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy.”The proverb says a city rejoices when the righteous thrive, as Susa does at Mordecai’s rise.
Theological
How was Mordecai attired as he left the king, and how did Susa respond (Esther 8:15)?
Answer: In royal robes and a great gold crown, while the city cheered
Mordecai leaves the king robed in royal blue and white, crowned with a great golden crown, and wearing purple fine linen, while Susa erupts in shouts of joy (8:15). The picture inverts two earlier scenes: the bewilderment of Susa when Haman’s edict was published (3:15) and Mordecai’s public mourning in sackcloth and ash (4:1). Proverbs notes that a city rejoices when the righteous prosper (Proverbs 11:10).
- Esther 8:15 (BSB)“Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal garments of blue and white, with a large gold crown and a purple robe of fine linen. And the city of Susa shouted and rejoiced.”Mordecai leaves the king in royal clothing and a gold crown, and Susa rejoices.
- Esther 3:15 (BSB)“The couriers left, spurred on by the king’s command, and the edict was issued in the citadel of Susa. Then the king and Haman sat down to drink, but the city of Susa was in confusion.”When Haman’s decree went out, the city of Susa was in confusion, the opposite of its joy now.
- Esther 4:1 (BSB)“When Mordecai learned of all that had happened, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the middle of the city, wailing loudly and bitterly.”Mordecai had mourned in sackcloth and ashes; now he wears royal robes.
- Proverbs 11:10 (BSB)“When the righteous thrive, the city rejoices, and when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy.”The proverb says a city rejoices when the righteous thrive, as Susa does at Mordecai’s rise.
General
What did King Xerxes do with the royal ring once he had taken it back from Haman (Esther 8:1-2)?
Answer: He gave it to Mordecai, who had now come before the king
That same day the king handed Haman’s property over to Esther, and Mordecai was brought before the king, since Esther had told the king how he was related to her (8:1). The king took off the ring he had taken back from Haman and handed it to Mordecai; Esther then put Mordecai in charge of Haman’s estate (8:2). A signet ring was used to seal official orders with the king’s authority. The same ring had once been handed to Haman and used to seal his decree against the Jews (3:10, 3:12); now it belonged to a Jew. Joseph likewise received Pharaoh’s ring when he was raised to power in Egypt (Genesis 41:42), and Scripture teaches that God is the one who brings one person down and lifts up another (Psalm 75:7).
- Esther 8:1-2 (BSB)“That same day King Xerxes awarded Queen Esther the estate of Haman, the enemy of the Jews. And Mordecai entered the king’s presence because Esther had revealed his relation to her. The king removed the signet ring he had recovered from Haman and presented it to Mordecai. And Esther appointed Mordecai over the estate of Haman.”Esther receives Haman’s estate, and Mordecai receives the king’s signet ring and charge of that estate.
- Esther 3:10 (BSB)“So the king removed the signet ring from his finger and gave it to Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of the Jews.”The king had handed this same ring to Haman, the enemy of the Jews.
- Genesis 41:42 (BSB)“Then Pharaoh removed the signet ring from his finger, put it on Joseph’s finger, clothed him in garments of fine linen, and placed a gold chain around his neck.”Pharaoh’s gift of his signet ring marked Joseph’s rise to power, a close parallel to Mordecai’s.
- Psalm 75:7 (BSB)“but it is God who judges; He brings down one and exalts another.”The psalm attributes the bringing down of one and the lifting up of another to God.
Theological
After Haman’s death, what became of the king’s seal ring that Haman had worn (Esther 8:1-2)?
Answer: He gave it to Mordecai, who had now come before the king
The day of Haman’s fall, Esther receives his estate, and Mordecai is admitted to the king’s presence once Esther discloses their kinship (8:1). The king transfers to Mordecai the seal ring reclaimed from Haman, and Esther sets Mordecai over Haman’s estate (8:2). The ring that had sealed the decree of destruction (3:10, 3:12) now passes into Jewish hands, a reversal reminiscent of Joseph’s elevation by Pharaoh (Genesis 41:42). Scripture ascribes such reversals to God, who brings low and lifts up (Psalm 75:7).
- Esther 8:1-2 (BSB)“That same day King Xerxes awarded Queen Esther the estate of Haman, the enemy of the Jews. And Mordecai entered the king’s presence because Esther had revealed his relation to her. The king removed the signet ring he had recovered from Haman and presented it to Mordecai. And Esther appointed Mordecai over the estate of Haman.”Esther receives Haman’s estate, and Mordecai receives the king’s signet ring and charge of that estate.
- Esther 3:10 (BSB)“So the king removed the signet ring from his finger and gave it to Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of the Jews.”The king had handed this same ring to Haman, the enemy of the Jews.
- Genesis 41:42 (BSB)“Then Pharaoh removed the signet ring from his finger, put it on Joseph’s finger, clothed him in garments of fine linen, and placed a gold chain around his neck.”Pharaoh’s gift of his signet ring marked Joseph’s rise to power, a close parallel to Mordecai’s.
- Psalm 75:7 (BSB)“but it is God who judges; He brings down one and exalts another.”The psalm attributes the bringing down of one and the lifting up of another to God.