Question 1

What is the main change that happens in this passage?

Accepted Answer

The big change is that a day that was meant for the Jews’ destruction becomes a day for their protection and joy. An earlier law allowed their enemies to attack them, and that law could not be taken back. Instead, the king lets Mordecai write a new decree in the king’s name, sealed with his ring, giving the Jews the right to gather and stand for their lives. This is sent through all 127 provinces. Because of this, the Jews move from fear and mourning to light, gladness, joy, honour, feasting, and a good day.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

“Stand for their life” means they were allowed to defend themselves. The new decree did not tell them to attack first, but gave them legal permission to gather together and fight back against anyone who tried to harm them. They were allowed to destroy those who assaulted them and take the spoil. This changed them from being helpless victims to people who could lawfully protect their families. It showed that the king now favored them and that their enemies could no longer attack them without risk.

Question 3

Why couldn’t the king just cancel the first decree against the Jews?

Accepted Answer

In this story, laws written in the king’s name and sealed with his ring could not be reversed. Once such a decree went out, it stood. Because of this, the king did not cancel the first decree; instead, he allowed a second decree that worked against it. The new law gave the Jews the right to defend themselves on the same day their enemies had planned to attack. This strange legal setup highlights how limited human kings are, while still showing that God can work through even rigid laws to protect His people.

Question 4

What is the meaning of the Jews having light, gladness, joy, and honour?

Accepted Answer

These words show the complete change in their situation. Before, the Jews were facing death and were in deep sorrow. After the new decree, they have “light,” which here points to hope instead of darkness. “Gladness” and “joy” describe their happiness and relief. “Honour” shows that they are now respected rather than despised. This is seen in Mordecai’s royal clothes and the rejoicing of the city. The people are no longer hiding in fear but openly celebrating because their lives have been spared.

Question 5

Why did many of the people of the land become Jews?

Accepted Answer

The passage says many people of the land became Jews because fear of the Jews fell on them. They saw that the king now favored the Jews and that a powerful change had taken place. God’s protection over His people was clear. Some likely joined out of fear of being on the losing side, while others may have been drawn to the God who had preserved the Jews so clearly. Either way, the deliverance of the Jews led many outsiders to join themselves to them and their faith.

Question 6

What does Mordecai’s royal clothing show in this passage?

Accepted Answer

Mordecai comes out from the king’s presence dressed in royal blue and white, with a great gold crown and fine linen and purple. This shows his new high position and favor with the king. Earlier he had worn sackcloth and ashes in grief; now he is honored. His change from mourning clothes to royal robes reflects the change for all the Jews. As he is lifted up, they also are lifted up. The joy of the city of Shushan shows that this change is good not just for Mordecai, but for the whole community.

Question 7

How does this passage show God’s providence and care?

Accepted Answer

God’s name is not mentioned, but His care is seen in how events unfold. The same ring that sealed the plan to destroy the Jews now seals the decree that protects them. Mordecai, once in danger, is now trusted to write in the king’s name. The letters reach every province in the right time so the Jews can prepare. The day meant for their end becomes a day of feasting and a good day. Through royal decisions, fast messengers, and changed hearts, God preserves His people and turns fear into joy.

Question 8

How can this passage encourage believers facing threats or injustice today?

Accepted Answer

This passage shows that even when laws or situations seem fixed and hopeless, God is not trapped by them. The Jews could not change the first decree, but God opened a way through a second one. He raised up people in the right places, at the right time, to act for their good. For believers today, this encourages patient trust and prayerful action. God can work through leaders, systems, and unexpected turns to protect and restore His people, turning what looked like a day of loss into a day of joy.

Esther 8:8

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.

The Decree of Xerxes

The King’s Decree Avenges the Jews

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Esther 8:8

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.

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The Decree of Xerxes

The King’s Decree Avenges the Jews

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