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Texts -- Esther 8:10-17 (NET)

Context
8:10 Mordecai wrote in the name of King Ahasuerus and sealed it with the king’s signet ring . He then sent letters by couriers on horses , who rode royal horses that were very swift. 8:11 The king thereby allowed the Jews who were in every city to assemble and to stand up for themselves – to destroy , to kill , and to annihilate any army of whatever people or province that should become their adversaries , including their women and children , and to confiscate their property. 8:12 This was to take place on a certain day throughout all the provinces of King Ahasuerus – namely, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month (that is, the month of Adar ). 8:13 A copy of the edict was to be presented as law throughout each and every province and made known to all peoples , so that the Jews might be prepared on that day to avenge themselves from their enemies . 8:14 The couriers who were riding the royal horses went forth with the king’s edict without delay . And the law was presented in Susa the citadel as well. 8:15 Now Mordecai went out from the king’s presence in purple and white royal attire , with a large golden crown and a purple linen mantle . The city of Susa shouted with joy . 8:16 For the Jews there was radiant happiness and joyous honor . 8:17 Throughout every province and throughout every city where the king’s edict and his law arrived , the Jews experienced happiness and joy , banquets and holidays . Many of the resident peoples pretended to be Jews , because the fear of the Jews had overcome them.

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Expository Notes on the Bible (Constable)

  • I. God's preparations 1:1-2:20A. Vashti deposed ch. 11. The king's feast 1:1-92. The queen's dismissal 1:10-22B. Esther elevated 2:1-201. The plan to replace Vashti 2:1-42. Esther's selection 2:5-113. The choice of Esther as ...
  • This chapter records the providential circumstances whereby Esther was able to rise to her influential position with the Persian king."Though no mention is made of God's providence, it nevertheless plays a prominent part, and...
  • The Persian kings castrated many of the men who served the king and his family (v. 10) so they could not have sexual relations with the female members of the royal court and start dynasties of their own."Vashti"("best,""the b...
  • The imprint of an official's signet ring (v. 10) was the equivalent of his signature in ancient times (cf. Gen. 41:42; Esth. 8:2, 8, 10). Ahasuerus gave permission to Haman to confiscate the Jews' wealth and to put them to de...
  • The first decree to destroy the Jews had gone out on April 17, 474 B.C. (3:12).93Ahasuerus published this one allowing the Jews to defend themselves on June 25, 474 B.C. The Jews had over eight months to prepare for the day t...
  • "Crown"(v. 15) should be "turban."Mordecai's clothing reflected his important position in the government.Evidently Mordecai read the second decree at a public meeting in Susa. Contrast the Jews' reaction here with their respo...
  • 5:5 Like Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar received an omen from God. In Nebuchadnezzar's case it was two dreams (chs. 1; 4). In Belshazzar's it was a hand writing on a wall. The night of revelry became a night of revelation.176"In ...
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