With Haman out of the way, the king hands his estate over to Esther and she appoints Mordecai in charge of it. Mordecai also receives the signet ring given to Haman, he is being exalted to a high position of authority in the kingdom (Esther 8:1-2). However, Esther is not yet satisfied, the danger has not gone yet. Esther, pleads again for her people with tears. She asks the king to overrule Haman’s law (8:3-6).
It isn’t possible for a royal decree to be undone but the King allows another law to be passed which will nullify it. The Jews are granted permission to take up arms to defend themselves against the coming holocaust. Not only are they permitted to act in self defence but they may move to kill those who rise up against them and to seize their property for themselves. The proclamation is sent out quickly to all parts of the kingdom (8:5-14).
Mordecai leaves the palace, dressed in royal robes, a mark of high honour. As news spreads, there is joy and celebration among the Jews. The rest of the people are afraid of them. In fact, many choose to convert to Judaism, to identify with the people of God. There are pre-echoes here of the descriptions in Acts of people responding to signs and wonders, especially the judgement of Ananias and Saphira both with fear but also by joining the church so that great numbers are added to the believers (8:15-17).
Esther, as the royal bride, offers a picture of what the church is to be. The church should be a place of safety and refuge. We should be those who intercede for those we love and care about. The danger of sin should move us to tears. We should be able to offer out the good news of salvation so that people will want to join with us and find safety in Christ.
Faithroots 