From Tears to Joy

Let us continue our study on the Book of Esther.

You can feel the anguish and the compassion Esther has regarding the decree and the Jewish people as she speaks again to the king in Esther 8:3-6. This time scripture says she fell at his feet and implored him with tears, she is begging the king to save the Jewish people from annihilation. Once a decree was sealed by the king's signet ring; it was law never to be revoked, so the only thing the King could do to correct the wrong of Haman's decree was to write another one.

We see in Esther 8:7-8 that the King gave Esther and Mordecai full authority to write another decree and seal it with the king's signet ring. It was the 23rd day of the 3rd month, the month of Sivan, which was a little over two months after Haman had issued the original Decree of Annihilation that the new decree was written. The new decree granted the right of self-defense to the Jews. Mordecai uses the same language as the original decree so that they would know that the king found favor now in the Jews and that he did not want them annihilated. You know there are still going to be those who want to annihilate the Jew so by giving them permission to defend themselves would help prevent the annihilation of all the Jews in the providence.

We see in verse 15 that when Mordecai left the palace he was in Royal Apparel. Can you imagine the joy that filled the Jews as they see Mordecai having been promoted to prime minister of the Persian Empire and wicked Haman hung on the gallows? They knew they had a strong representative in the empire now. Then to read the decree with the king's seal giving them permission to defend themselves against the annihilation. What relief must have fallen upon them. God had answered their prayers!

This chapter begins with Queen Esther in tears Esther 8:3, but it ends with the Jews rejoicing and feasting. The Jews have been mourning and fasting, but now they were ecstatic with joy.

My friend, continually seek God's plan in your life as he directs your path and especially in these end times we need to remember to pray for Israel.