Question 1

What was the new decree Mordecai wrote in the king's name?

Accepted Answer

The new decree was a royal command written by Mordecai in the king’s name and sealed with the king’s ring. It did not erase the earlier order against the Jews, but it gave the Jews in every city the right to gather together and defend their lives. They were allowed to resist anyone who attacked them and, if needed, destroy those enemies and take their goods. This decree was copied and sent quickly throughout all 127 provinces so every Jew would know they had legal protection to stand up for their lives on the appointed day.

Question 2

Why could the king not simply cancel Haman's first decree?

Accepted Answer

In this empire, anything written in the king’s name and sealed with his ring was treated as permanent. Once such a law went out, no one could reverse it. That is why the king does not just cancel Haman’s decree. Instead, he allows Mordecai to write another decree, also in the king’s name and sealed with the king’s ring. This second decree gives the Jews authority to defend themselves when the first decree takes effect, showing that even when human laws seem fixed, God can still provide a way to protect His people.

Question 3

What does it mean that the Jews could stand for their life?

Accepted Answer

“Stand for their life” means the Jews were given the legal right to defend themselves against anyone who tried to harm them. Before this, they were helpless under Haman’s order. Now they could gather together, resist attacks, and, if necessary, destroy those who came to kill them. This was not a call to random violence but a clear permission for self-defense when their lives were in danger. It showed that the king now supported their protection, and it helped stop their enemies from thinking they could attack without consequences.

Question 4

Why did the Jews move from mourning to joy and honour in this passage?

Accepted Answer

The Jews had been living under a death sentence and were filled with fear and sorrow. When the new decree was sent out, everything changed. They now had the king’s backing to defend themselves, and Mordecai, once in danger, came out in royal robes with a crown. This signaled a complete change in their situation. Instead of expecting destruction, they looked forward to safety. The passage says they had light, gladness, joy, and honour. Their grief turned into feasting and celebration because God had turned their danger into deliverance.

Question 5

What is the meaning of many people of the land becoming Jews?

Accepted Answer

When the decree went out and the Jews were honoured and protected, many people in the land became Jews or joined themselves to the Jewish people. The passage explains this happened because fear of the Jews fell on them. People saw how strongly the Jews were defended and how their fortunes had been turned. Some likely wanted to be on the side of a people so clearly cared for and protected. This shows that God’s rescue of His people affected the wider society and led others to respect, and even join, their faith and community.

Question 6

Who is Mordecai in this passage, and why is he wearing royal clothes?

Accepted Answer

Mordecai is the Jewish man who earlier sat at the king’s gate and had raised Esther. He had refused to bow to Haman, which helped expose Haman’s evil. After Haman’s death, Mordecai is given great honour and authority in the kingdom. In this passage he comes out from the king’s presence dressed in royal blue and white robes, with a great gold crown and a purple garment. These clothes show his new high position and favour in the court. His change from threatened man to honoured ruler reflects how God can reverse the fortunes of His people.

Question 7

What does this passage teach about God's care and providence?

Accepted Answer

This passage shows that God can work through kings, laws, and sudden changes to protect His people. Haman’s plan seemed fixed because royal decrees could not be reversed, yet God opened a new way by moving the king to trust Esther and Mordecai. The new decree does not erase the danger but gives real help at the right time. The result is that the Jews are saved and honoured, and even outsiders notice and join them. It teaches that God is not blocked by human rules and can turn deep trouble into joy and safety.

Question 8

How can this story about the Jews' self-defense speak to believers today?

Accepted Answer

This story reminds believers that God sees when His people are threatened and is able to provide real help, sometimes through very ordinary means like laws, leaders, and written orders. The Jews did not seek revenge for its own sake; they were given permission to protect their lives when attacked. Today, this encourages God’s people to value life, seek what is right in times of danger, and trust that God can turn dark situations around. It also calls believers to remember and celebrate times when God has brought them through fear into relief and joy.

Esther 8:7

¶ 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.

The Decree of Xerxes

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Esther 8:7

¶ 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.

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The Decree of Xerxes

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