Esther 8 summary meaning ai explained commentary

Esther 8 meaning explained in AI Summary

Chapter 8 marks a dramatic turning point in the book of Esther. With Haman's plot exposed and his execution, the tide turns in favor of the Jews. Here's a breakdown:

1. Reversal of the Decree: King Ahasuerus, realizing Haman's deception and the impending genocide, allows Mordecai and Esther to issue a new decree. This decree grants the Jews the right to defend themselves and fight back against their attackers on the appointed day of the massacre.

2. Empowerment of the Jews: The new decree empowers the Jews to kill, destroy, and plunder their enemies and seize their possessions. This legal protection emboldens the Jewish communities throughout the Persian Empire.

3. Mordecai's Rise to Power: Mordecai, now wearing the royal robes and signet ring, replaces Haman as the king's right-hand man. His elevated status brings hope and joy to the Jewish people.

4. Celebration and Preparation: News of the new decree spreads like wildfire. The Jews, initially gripped by fear and despair, erupt in celebration. They prepare themselves for the upcoming confrontation, gathering arms and strategizing their defense.

5. Fear Grips the Enemies: The tables have turned. The enemies of the Jews, who were anticipating an easy massacre, are now overcome with fear and dread. They realize the gravity of their situation and the potential consequences of their actions.

Key Themes:

Divine Retribution: While God is not explicitly mentioned, His hand is evident in the dramatic reversal of fortunes. Haman's wickedness is punished, and the Jews, through Esther and Mordecai's courage, are delivered from annihilation.
Justice and Vengeance: The chapter highlights the themes of justice and vengeance. The Jews, wrongly targeted for extermination, are granted the legal right to defend themselves and exact retribution on their enemies.
Hope and Deliverance: The chapter offers a powerful message of hope and deliverance. Even in the face of imminent danger and seemingly insurmountable odds, there is always a possibility for a turnaround.

Chapter 8 sets the stage for the final confrontation in Chapter 9, leaving the reader with a sense of anticipation and the promise of a triumphant victory for the Jewish people.

Esther 8 bible study ai commentary

Esther chapter 8 details a dramatic reversal of fortune. Following Haman's execution, the power structure in Persia is overturned. Mordecai is elevated to the position of prime minister, and through Esther’s courageous intercession, a new, irrevocable edict is issued. This counter-decree empowers the Jews to defend themselves against their enemies on the day previously appointed for their annihilation. The chapter culminates in the Jews experiencing "light and gladness, joy and honor," as their impending doom is transformed into a day of deliverance and hope, influencing many throughout the empire to convert to Judaism out of fear and respect.

Esther 8 context

The events occur in Susa, the administrative capital of the Persian Empire under King Ahasuerus (likely Xerxes I, 486-465 B.C.). A critical element of the plot is the Medo-Persian legal principle that a royal edict, once sealed with the king's ring, is irrevocable. This concept, mentioned in the book of Daniel as well, creates the central tension of this chapter: Haman’s genocidal decree cannot be cancelled. Therefore, a new edict must be cleverly crafted to counteract the first one, showcasing a legal and political battle where divine providence works through human agency and the intricacies of imperial law.

Esther 8:1

On that day King Ahasuerus gave the house of Haman, the enemy of the Jews, to Queen Esther. And Mordecai came before the king, for Esther had told what he was to her.

In-depth-analysis

Immediate Reversal: The chapter opens with an immediate consequence of Haman's downfall. Justice begins swiftly.
Transfer of Assets: Haman's estate, a symbol of his wealth and status, is confiscated by the crown (a common practice) and given to Esther. This is a partial fulfillment of the principle of lex talionis (the law of retaliation); the one who sought to plunder the Jews is himself plundered.
Mordecai's Vindication: Mordecai, previously a disgraced gatekeeper, is now granted access to the king's presence.
Esther's Revelation: Esther reveals her relationship to Mordecai, solidifying his position and explaining her previous interest in his fate. This public acknowledgment cements the new power dynamic at court.

Bible references

Proverbs 13:22: '...the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous.' (Direct fulfillment of this principle).
Luke 1:52: 'He has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate.' (Echoes the theme of divine reversal).
Job 27:16-17: 'Though he heap up silver like dust... the righteous will wear it, and the innocent will divide the silver.' (Haman's wealth given to God's people).

Cross references

Gen 45:4 (Joseph reveals himself), Psa 113:7-8 (raising the poor), Dan 2:48 (elevation of Daniel).

Esther 8:2

And the king took off his signet ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it to Mordecai. And Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman.

In-depth-analysis

Signet Ring (ṭabbaʿaṯ): This ring was the ultimate symbol of the king's authority, used to seal official documents and give them the force of law.
Transfer of Power: The ring's transfer from the king's hand (after being reclaimed from Haman) to Mordecai's signifies a complete transfer of the prime minister's executive authority. Mordecai now holds the power that Haman used to plot the Jews' destruction.
Esther's Authority: Esther delegates her new property management to Mordecai, demonstrating her trust in him and her own growing influence and authority within the kingdom.

Bible references

Genesis 41:42: 'Then Pharaoh took his signet ring from his hand and put it on Joseph's hand...' (Parallel to Joseph's rise to power in Egypt).
Daniel 6:17: 'And a stone was brought and laid on the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet...' (Shows the power of the signet ring to make an action official and irreversible).

Cross references

1 Sam 18:4 (Jonathan gives David his robe), Isa 22:21-22 (Key of the house of David).

Esther 8:3-6

Then Esther spoke again to the king. She fell at his feet and wept and pleaded with him to avert the evil plan of Haman the Agagite and the plot that he had devised against the Jews. When the king held out the golden scepter to Esther, Esther rose and stood before the king. And she said, “If it please the king, and if I have found favor in his sight, and if the thing seems right before the king, and I am pleasing in his eyes, let an order be written to revoke the letters devised by Haman... For how can I bear to see the calamity that is coming to my people? Or how can I bear to see the destruction of my kindred?”

In-depth-analysis

Renewed Risk: Despite her new status, Esther approaches the king unsummoned a second time, again risking her life. This underscores the urgency of the situation. Haman is dead, but his decree is not.
Emotional Appeal: In contrast to her composed request in chapter 5, Esther is now openly emotional—weeping and pleading. This is not just a political matter; it's a heartfelt plea for the survival of her entire race.
Strategic Language: She again uses humble and diplomatic language ("If it please the king..."). She skillfully frames the reversal not as a correction of the king's mistake but as averting the "evil plan of Haman."
Collective Identity: Her use of "my people" and "my kindred" shows her full and public identification with the Jewish people, completing her character arc from a hidden Jew to a national champion.

Bible references

Nehemiah 1:4: 'As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days...' (A leader's deep grief for their people's plight).
Romans 9:2-3: 'I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers...' (Apostle Paul's deep identification with his people).

Cross references

Est 5:2 (Golden scepter), Exo 32:32 (Moses' intercession), Deu 9:25 (Moses intercedes).

Esther 8:7-8

Then King Ahasuerus said to Queen Esther and to Mordecai the Jew, “Behold, I have given Esther the house of Haman, and they have hanged him on the gallows, because he intended to lay hands on the Jews. But you may write as you please with regard to the Jews, in the name of the king, and seal it with the king’s signet ring, for an edict written in the name of the king and sealed with the king’s signet ring cannot be revoked.”

In-depth-analysis

The King's Limitations: The king highlights his own powerlessness to directly solve the problem. He has done what he can (executed Haman, given Esther his house) but cannot revoke the initial edict. This subtly demonstrates that even absolute human power has limits.
The Solution: The king proposes a brilliant workaround: he delegates his "irrevocable" authority to Esther and Mordecai. They are to write a new irrevocable edict to counteract the first.
Divine Providence through Legal Loopholes: God's plan is not executed by a supernatural miracle but through the clever use of the very legal system that was meant to destroy the Jews.

Bible references

Daniel 6:8: '...sign the document, so that it cannot be changed, according to the law of the Medes and the Persians, which cannot be revoked.' (Confirms the immutability of Persian law).
Romans 8:31: 'If God is for us, who can be against us?' (The king’s human law cannot thwart God's purpose for His people).

Polemics

Scholars note the irony of a king who boasts of irrevocable laws yet must find a way to work around them. This is seen as a polemic against the hubris of pagan kings who claim god-like authority. Their power and laws are shown to be flawed and ultimately subservient to a higher, unseen providential order.

Esther 8:9-14

The king's scribes were summoned... and an order was written... to the Jews... to gather and defend their lives, to destroy, to kill, and to annihilate any armed force of any people or province that might attack them, with their children and women, and to plunder their goods... The couriers, mounted on swift horses that were used in the king’s service, bred from the royal stud, went out, urged and hastened by the king’s command.

In-depth-analysis

Mirror Edict: This new decree is a mirror image of Haman's (Esther 3:13). It uses the same legal language ("to destroy, to kill, and to annihilate") but applies it to any who would attack the Jews. The intended victims are now legally empowered to become victors.
The Right to Defend: The core of the edict grants Jews the right to self-defense, a right that was implicitly stripped from them by the first edict.
"Plunder their goods": This clause directly counters the first edict's provision for the enemies of the Jews to take their plunder. It turns the financial incentive back on the attackers.
Speed and Urgency: The same royal postal system that carried the decree of doom now rushes to carry the decree of deliverance. The detailed mention of the "swift horses" emphasizes the empire's vastness and the urgency of getting the word out in time.

Bible references

Exodus 12:35-36: 'The people of Israel had... asked the Egyptians for silver and gold jewelry... So they plundered the Egyptians.' (Precedent for God's people taking the wealth of their enemies during deliverance).
Ephesians 6:11-13: 'Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil... take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day.' (Spiritual parallel of being empowered to fight against an enemy).

Cross references

Deu 20:1-4 (God's command to not fear in battle), Zec 9:13-15 (God equips his people for victory), 1 Sam 30:8-19 (David recovers all).

Esther 8:15

Then Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal robes of blue and white, with a great golden crown and a robe of fine linen and purple, and the city of Susa celebrated.

In-depth-analysis

Royal Colors: Blue, white, and purple were colors associated with Persian royalty. Mordecai's new attire visibly represents his authority and the favor of the king.
Visual Reversal: He leaves the king's presence in splendor, a stark contrast to his earlier appearance in sackcloth and ashes (Est 4:1). This public display solidifies the shift in fortune for all to see.
Civic Celebration: The entire city of Susa rejoices. This suggests that Haman was unpopular and his policies were seen as a threat to civic stability, not just to the Jews. The relief is palpable.

Bible references

Genesis 41:42: '...and clothed him in garments of fine linen and put a gold chain on his neck.' (Joseph's investiture mirrors Mordecai's).
Luke 15:22: 'But the father said to his servants, "Bring quickly the best robe and put it on him..."' (The prodigal son's restoration is marked by new robes, a symbol of honor).

Cross references

Dan 5:29 (Daniel clothed in purple), Rev 19:8 (fine linen for the righteous), Pro 11:10 (city rejoices when righteous prosper).

Esther 8:16

The Jews had light and gladness and joy and honor.

In-depth-analysis

A Quartet of Blessings: This verse contains a powerful summary of the complete reversal of their circumstances.
- Light (orah): Contrasts with the darkness and gloom of their impending doom. It implies hope, truth, and life.
- Gladness (simchah): The inner feeling of delight.
- Joy (sason): The outward expression of that gladness, feasting, and celebration.
- Honor (y’qar): Contrasts with the contempt and shame they faced. They gained social standing and respect.

Bible references

Psalm 97:11: 'Light is sown for the righteous, and joy for the upright in heart.' (Connects light and joy with righteousness).
Psalm 30:11: 'You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness.' (Captures the essence of the reversal).
Isaiah 60:1-3: 'Arise, shine, for your light has come... and nations shall come to your light.' (Prophetic fulfillment of light coming to God's people).

Cross references

Psa 112:4 (light in darkness), Pro 15:30 (light of eyes rejoices heart), 1 Pe 2:9 (called out of darkness into light).

Esther 8:17

And in every province and in every city, wherever the king's command and his edict reached, there was gladness and joy among the Jews, a feast and a holiday. And many from the peoples of the country declared themselves Jews, for fear of the Jews had fallen on them.

In-depth-analysis

Empire-Wide Joy: The joy was not confined to Susa but spread throughout the vast Persian empire as the decree arrived.
A Feast and a Holiday: The Jews’ immediate response is to celebrate, prefiguring the formal establishment of the Feast of Purim in chapter 9.
Conversion to Judaism: This is a remarkable outcome. Non-Jews ("peoples of the country") become proselytes (mityahadim, a verb unique to this verse in the OT, meaning "to become a Jew").
"Fear of the Jews": The reason for conversion is a reverential fear or awe. They witnessed the incredible turn of events and concluded that the God of the Jews was powerful and that the Jewish people were protected. It was safer and wiser to be aligned with them.

Bible references

Exodus 15:14-16: 'The peoples have heard; they tremble... terror and dread fall upon them.' (Fear of Israel and their God falling on other nations after the Red Sea crossing).
Zechariah 8:23: 'In those days ten men from the nations of every tongue shall take hold of the robe of a Jew, saying, "Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you."' (Prophetic echo of Gentiles joining themselves to Israel).
Acts 2:41, 47: 'So those who received his word were baptized... and the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.' (Evangelistic outcome resulting from God's mighty acts).

Cross references

Gen 35:5 (terror of God on cities), Jos 2:9-11 (Rahab's testimony), 1 Ch 14:17 (fear of David on all nations).

Esther chapter 8 analysis

The Unseen Hand of God: The entire chapter is a masterclass in divine providence. God's name is not mentioned, yet His actions are undeniable. He works through human decisions, legal systems, and political structures to achieve His purpose. The story compels the reader to see God's sovereignty not just in overt miracles, but in the "coincidences" and unfolding events of history.
The Power of Intercession: Esther’s bold and selfless intercession is the catalyst for the entire reversal. She models courage and identification with her people, showing that one person's actions can change the course of history for an entire nation.
Justice as Reversal (Lex Talionis): The justice in Esther 8 is not just about punishment but about reversal. Haman's house goes to Esther, his power goes to Mordecai, his intended day of destruction becomes a day of Jewish empowerment, and the plunder he sought is made available to them. What he plotted for the Jews, he and his followers would receive.
From Sackcloth to Splendor: The imagery powerfully communicates the change in fortune. Mordecai’s change of clothes from sackcloth (4:1) to royal robes (8:15) is a physical manifestation of the spiritual and political transformation for the entire Jewish people, from mourning to joy, from disgrace to honor.

Esther 8 summary

King Ahasuerus transfers Haman’s estate to Esther and his authority, symbolized by the signet ring, to Mordecai. At Esther's tearful plea, the king empowers Mordecai to write a new, irrevocable decree. This counter-edict grants the Jews throughout the Persian Empire the legal right to defend themselves and destroy their attackers on the 13th day of Adar. The news, rushed by royal couriers, transforms the Jews' impending doom into "light and gladness, joy and honor," and causes many non-Jews to convert out of awe and respect for a people so clearly protected.

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Esther chapter 8 kjv

¹ On that day did the king Ahasuerus give the house of Haman the Jews' enemy unto Esther the queen. And Mordecai came before the king; for Esther had told what he was unto her.
² And the king took off his ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it unto Mordecai. And Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman.
³ And Esther spake yet again before the king, and fell down at his feet, and besought him with tears to put away the mischief of Haman the Agagite, and his device that he had devised against the Jews.
⁴ Then the king held out the golden sceptre toward Esther. So Esther arose, and stood before the king,
⁵ And said, If it please the king, and if I have favour in his sight, and the thing seem right before the king, and I be pleasing in his eyes, let it be written to reverse the letters devised by Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, which he wrote to destroy the Jews which are in all the king's provinces:
⁶ For how can I endure to see the evil that shall come unto my people? or how can I endure to see the destruction of my kindred?
⁷ Then the king Ahasuerus said unto Esther the queen and to Mordecai the Jew, Behold, I have given Esther the house of Haman, and him they have hanged upon the gallows, because he laid his hand upon the Jews.
⁸ Write ye also for the Jews, as it liketh you, in the king's name, and seal it with the king's ring: for the writing which is written in the king's name, and sealed with the king's ring, may no man reverse.
⁹ Then were the king's scribes called at that time in the third month, that is, the month Sivan, on the three and twentieth day thereof; and it was written according to all that Mordecai commanded unto the Jews, and to the lieutenants, and the deputies and rulers of the provinces which are from India unto Ethiopia, an hundred twenty and seven provinces, unto every province according to the writing thereof, and unto every people after their language, and to the Jews according to their writing, and according to their language.
¹⁰ And he wrote in the king Ahasuerus' name, and sealed it with the king's ring, and sent letters by posts on horseback, and riders on mules, camels, and young dromedaries:
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,
¹² Upon one day in all the provinces of king Ahasuerus, namely, upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar.
¹³ The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published unto all people, and that the Jews should be ready against that day to avenge themselves on their enemies.
¹⁴ So the posts that rode upon mules and camels went out, being hastened and pressed on by the king's commandment. And the decree was given at Shushan the palace.
¹⁵ And Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal apparel of blue and white, and with a great crown of gold, and with a garment of fine linen and purple: and the city of Shushan rejoiced and was glad.
¹⁶ The Jews had light, and gladness, and joy, and honour.
¹⁷ And in every province, and in every city, whithersoever the king's commandment and his decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a good day. And many of the people of the land became Jews; for the fear of the Jews fell upon them.

Esther chapter 8 nkjv

¹ On that day King Ahasuerus gave Queen Esther the house of Haman, the enemy of the Jews. And Mordecai came before the king, for Esther had told how he was related to her.
² So the king took off his signet ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it to Mordecai; and Esther appointed Mordecai over the house of Haman.
³ Now Esther spoke again to the king, fell down at his feet, and implored him with tears to counteract the evil of Haman the Agagite, and the scheme which he had devised against the Jews.
⁴ And the king held out the golden scepter toward Esther. So Esther arose and stood before the king,
⁵ and said, "If it pleases the king, and if I have found favor in his sight and the thing seems right to the king and I am pleasing in his eyes, let it be written to revoke the letters devised by Haman, the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, which he wrote to annihilate the Jews who are in all the king's provinces.
⁶ For how can I endure to see the evil that will come to my people? Or how can I endure to see the destruction of my countrymen?"
⁷ Then King Ahasuerus said to Queen Esther and Mordecai the Jew, "Indeed, I have given Esther the house of Haman, and they have hanged him on the gallows because he tried to lay his hand on the Jews.
⁸ You yourselves write a decree concerning the Jews, as you please, in the king's name, and seal it with the king's signet ring; for whatever is written in the king's name and sealed with the king's signet ring no one can revoke."
⁹ So the king's scribes were called at that time, in the third month, which is the month of Sivan, on the twenty-third day; and it was written, according to all that Mordecai commanded, to the Jews, the satraps, the governors, and the princes of the provinces from India to Ethiopia, one hundred and twenty-seven provinces in all, to every province in its own script, to every people in their own language, and to the Jews in their own script and language.
¹⁰ And he wrote in the name of King Ahasuerus, sealed it with the king's signet ring, and sent letters by couriers on horseback, riding on royal horses bred from swift steeds.
¹¹ By these letters the king permitted the Jews who were in every city to gather together and protect their lives?to destroy, kill, and annihilate all the forces of any people or province that would assault them, both little children and women, and to plunder their possessions,
¹² on one day in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar.
¹³ A copy of the document was to be issued as a decree in every province and published for all people, so that the Jews would be ready on that day to avenge themselves on their enemies.
¹⁴ The couriers who rode on royal horses went out, hastened and pressed on by the king's command. And the decree was issued in Shushan the citadel.
¹⁵ So Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal apparel of blue and white, with a great crown of gold and a garment of fine linen and purple; and the city of Shushan rejoiced and was glad.
¹⁶ The Jews had light and gladness, joy and honor.
¹⁷ And in every province and city, wherever the king's command and decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a holiday. Then many of the people of the land became Jews, because fear of the Jews fell upon them.

Esther chapter 8 niv

¹ That same day King Xerxes gave Queen Esther the estate of Haman, the enemy of the Jews. And Mordecai came into the presence of the king, for Esther had told how he was related to her.
² The king took off his signet ring, which he had reclaimed from Haman, and presented it to Mordecai. And Esther appointed him over Haman's estate.
³ Esther again pleaded with the king, falling at his feet and weeping. She begged him to put an end to the evil plan of Haman the Agagite, which he had devised against the Jews.
⁴ Then the king extended the gold scepter to Esther and she arose and stood before him.
⁵ "If it pleases the king," she said, "and if he regards me with favor and thinks it the right thing to do, and if he is pleased with me, let an order be written overruling the dispatches that Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, devised and wrote to destroy the Jews in all the king's provinces.
⁶ For how can I bear to see disaster fall on my people? How can I bear to see the destruction of my family?"
⁷ King Xerxes replied to Queen Esther and to Mordecai the Jew, "Because Haman attacked the Jews, I have given his estate to Esther, and they have impaled him on the pole he set up.
⁸ Now write another decree in the king's name in behalf of the Jews as seems best to you, and seal it with the king's signet ring?for no document written in the king's name and sealed with his ring can be revoked."
⁹ At once the royal secretaries were summoned?on the twenty-third day of the third month, the month of Sivan. They wrote out all Mordecai's orders to the Jews, and to the satraps, governors and nobles of the 127 provinces stretching from India to Cush. These orders were written in the script of each province and the language of each people and also to the Jews in their own script and language.
¹⁰ Mordecai wrote in the name of King Xerxes, sealed the dispatches with the king's signet ring, and sent them by mounted couriers, who rode fast horses especially bred for the king.
¹¹ The king's edict granted the Jews in every city the right to assemble and protect themselves; to destroy, kill and annihilate the armed men of any nationality or province who might attack them and their women and children, and to plunder the property of their enemies.
¹² The day appointed for the Jews to do this in all the provinces of King Xerxes was the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar.
¹³ A copy of the text of the edict was to be issued as law in every province and made known to the people of every nationality so that the Jews would be ready on that day to avenge themselves on their enemies.
¹⁴ The couriers, riding the royal horses, went out, spurred on by the king's command, and the edict was issued in the citadel of Susa.
¹⁵ When Mordecai left the king's presence, he was wearing royal garments of blue and white, a large crown of gold and a purple robe of fine linen. And the city of Susa held a joyous celebration.
¹⁶ For the Jews it was a time of happiness and joy, gladness and honor.
¹⁷ In every province and in every city to which the edict of the king came, there was joy and gladness among the Jews, with feasting and celebrating. And many people of other nationalities became Jews because fear of the Jews had seized them.

Esther chapter 8 esv

¹ On that day King Ahasuerus gave to Queen Esther the house of Haman, the enemy of the Jews. And Mordecai came before the king, for Esther had told what he was to her.
² And the king took off his signet ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it to Mordecai. And Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman.
³ Then Esther spoke again to the king. She fell at his feet and wept and pleaded with him to avert the evil plan of Haman the Agagite and the plot that he had devised against the Jews.
⁴ When the king held out the golden scepter to Esther, Esther rose and stood before the king.
⁵ And she said, "If it please the king, and if I have found favor in his sight, and if the thing seems right before the king, and I am pleasing in his eyes, let an order be written to revoke the letters devised by Haman the Agagite, the son of Hammedatha, which he wrote to destroy the Jews who are in all the provinces of the king.
⁶ For how can I bear to see the calamity that is coming to my people? Or how can I bear to see the destruction of my kindred?"
⁷ Then King Ahasuerus said to Queen Esther and to Mordecai the Jew, "Behold, I have given Esther the house of Haman, and they have hanged him on the gallows, because he intended to lay hands on the Jews.
⁸ But you may write as you please with regard to the Jews, in the name of the king, and seal it with the king's ring, for an edict written in the name of the king and sealed with the king's ring cannot be revoked."
⁹ The king's scribes were summoned at that time, in the third month, which is the month of Sivan, on the twenty-third day. And an edict was written, according to all that Mordecai commanded concerning the Jews, to the satraps and the governors and the officials of the provinces from India to Ethiopia, 127 provinces, to each province in its own script and to each people in its own language, and also to the Jews in their script and their language.
¹⁰ And he wrote in the name of King Ahasuerus and sealed it with the king's signet ring. Then he sent the letters by mounted couriers riding on swift horses that were used in the king's service, bred from the royal stud,
¹¹ saying that the king allowed the Jews who were in every city to gather and defend their lives, to destroy, to kill, and to annihilate any armed force of any people or province that might attack them, children and women included, and to plunder their goods,
¹² on one day throughout all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar.
¹³ A copy of what was written was to be issued as a decree in every province, being publicly displayed to all peoples, and the Jews were to be ready on that day to take vengeance on their enemies.
¹⁴ So the couriers, mounted on their swift horses that were used in the king's service, rode out hurriedly, urged by the king's command. And the decree was issued in Susa the citadel.
¹⁵ Then Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal robes of blue and white, with a great golden crown and a robe of fine linen and purple, and the city of Susa shouted and rejoiced.
¹⁶ The Jews had light and gladness and joy and honor.
¹⁷ And in every province and in every city, wherever the king's command and his edict reached, there was gladness and joy among the Jews, a feast and a holiday. And many from the peoples of the country declared themselves Jews, for fear of the Jews had fallen on them.

Esther chapter 8 nlt

¹ On that same day King Xerxes gave the property of Haman, the enemy of the Jews, to Queen Esther. Then Mordecai was brought before the king, for Esther had told the king how they were related.
² The king took off his signet ring ? which he had taken back from Haman ? and gave it to Mordecai. And Esther appointed Mordecai to be in charge of Haman's property.
³ Then Esther went again before the king, falling down at his feet and begging him with tears to stop the evil plot devised by Haman the Agagite against the Jews.
⁴ Again the king held out the gold scepter to Esther. So she rose and stood before him.
⁵ Esther said, "If it please the king, and if I have found favor with him, and if he thinks it is right, and if I am pleasing to him, let there be a decree that reverses the orders of Haman son of Hammedatha the Agagite, who ordered that Jews throughout all the king's provinces should be destroyed.
⁶ For how can I endure to see my people and my family slaughtered and destroyed?"
⁷ Then King Xerxes said to Queen Esther and Mordecai the Jew, "I have given Esther the property of Haman, and he has been impaled on a pole because he tried to destroy the Jews.
⁸ Now go ahead and send a message to the Jews in the king's name, telling them whatever you want, and seal it with the king's signet ring. But remember that whatever has already been written in the king's name and sealed with his signet ring can never be revoked."
⁹ So on June 25 the king's secretaries were summoned, and a decree was written exactly as Mordecai dictated. It was sent to the Jews and to the highest officers, the governors, and the nobles of all the 127 provinces stretching from India to Ethiopia. The decree was written in the scripts and languages of all the peoples of the empire, including that of the Jews.
¹⁰ The decree was written in the name of King Xerxes and sealed with the king's signet ring. Mordecai sent the dispatches by swift messengers, who rode fast horses especially bred for the king's service.
¹¹ The king's decree gave the Jews in every city authority to unite to defend their lives. They were allowed to kill, slaughter, and annihilate anyone of any nationality or province who might attack them or their children and wives, and to take the property of their enemies.
¹² The day chosen for this event throughout all the provinces of King Xerxes was March 7 of the next year.
¹³ A copy of this decree was to be issued as law in every province and proclaimed to all peoples, so that the Jews would be ready to take revenge on their enemies on the appointed day.
¹⁴ So urged on by the king's command, the messengers rode out swiftly on fast horses bred for the king's service. The same decree was also proclaimed in the fortress of Susa.
¹⁵ Then Mordecai left the king's presence, wearing the royal robe of blue and white, the great crown of gold, and an outer cloak of fine linen and purple. And the people of Susa celebrated the new decree.
¹⁶ The Jews were filled with joy and gladness and were honored everywhere.
¹⁷ In every province and city, wherever the king's decree arrived, the Jews rejoiced and had a great celebration and declared a public festival and holiday. And many of the people of the land became Jews themselves, for they feared what the Jews might do to them.