The turning point chapter for the Jewish people! Let’s learn how we can apply this Old Covenant reading to our New Covenant lives in Christ.
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?”
Haman’s evil scheme was trumped by the providential hand of God. Furthermore, Mordecai was promoted and “appointed over the house of Haman.” All that Haman had acquired in this world was given over to Mordecai for keeping! A small repayment for all the turmoil he and his people underwent.
In the last chapter, we see the end of Haman’s wickedness. But even though Haman was dead, the edict of killing all the Jews was not. In this Medo-Persian period, when a decree was made, it was irrevocable. So Esther had to approach the throne of grace again and intercede for her people. Hebrews 7:25 reminds us, “Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” What a peace it brings to know that Christ has an unchangeable priesthood and has once and for all sealed the covenant of holiness through His blood!
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.”
Since the edict could not be revoked, the king had to authorize a new decree to protect the Jews. So he gave Esther the right to declare peace and protection over the Jews, sealed with his signet ring (which represents power), and was irrevocable. Speaking of irrevocable, Romans 11:29 holds a great truth: “For the gifts and calling of God are irrevocable.” This means that regardless of how God’s people act or whether or not they receive His gifts – they still stand. For if they did not stand, God would be found a liar (Numbers 23:19). No matter how you choose to live your life, God is true to His promises, beloved. It’s never too late.
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.
Several points to note in this passage of scripture:
The letter went out to all. No one could claim ignorance in knowing the truth about the Jewish people. “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – His eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen…” (Romans 1:20).
The edict gave God’s people the right to defend themselves. It did not say they could violently rally, angerly picket, or start riots. It decreed that if their enemies pursued them, they had the right to protect their lives. That’s a great reminder, particularly in this day and age.
Think with me for a bit, and consider this scenario: What if the edict Haman wrote was given, and then later, the people learned of the new directive? Yet, they still chose to live as if the first edict (covenant) was in place. What do you think their life would’ve looked like? Friends, sometimes we can find ourselves still living under the old covenant – trying to earn the favor of God through efforts and religious to-do lists. But Christ came so we might live in freedom, with the spiritual ability to destroy, kill, and annihilate bondage and sin from our life. Let’s not live as if the new covenant was never established, for Christ came that we might have life and have it abundantly (John 10:10).
Finally, note how the Jewish people lived: light and gladness, joy and honor. Words to live by, yes? Their joy and gladness were a Light to a dark Medo-Persian world, and people became followers of God because of their character.
Lord God, may we live each day lightly. Not saddled with the to-dos and noise of this world, but with gladness in our hearts, joy in our steps, and our lips proclaiming the honor of You. Amen.