Esther 8

Mordecai Elevated

1 That same day King Ahasuerus gave Queen Esther the estate of Haman, the enemy of the Jews. Mordecai came before the king, because Esther had told him how they were related.

2 The king took off his signet ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it to Mordecai. Esther put Mordecai in charge of Haman’s estate.

Esther Pleads for Her People Again

3 Esther went back to the king, fell at his feet crying, and begged him to cancel Haman’s evil plan to destroy the Jews.

4 The king held out the gold scepter to Esther, so she stood up and approached him.

5 She said, “If it pleases the king, and if I have found favor in your sight, and if you think it is the right thing to do, reverse the letters Haman sent to wipe out the Jews in all your provinces.

6 How can I watch the disaster that will hit my people, How can I stand by while my family gets destroyed?”

A New Decree

7 King Ahasuerus told Queen Esther and Mordecai, “I have given Esther Haman’s estate, and he has been impaled for attacking the Jews.

8 Now you write a decree in the king’s name, as you see fit, on behalf of the Jews. Seal it with the king’s ring, because what is written in the king’s name and sealed with his ring cannot be reversed.”

9 The royal secretaries were summoned on the twenty-third day of the third month, the month of Sivan. They wrote out all of Mordecai’s orders to the Jews, the governors, officials, and leaders of all 127 provinces from India to Cush, each province in its own script and language, and to the Jews in their own language.

10 Mordecai wrote in the name of King Ahasuerus, sealed the letters with the king’s ring, and sent them on mounted couriers riding fast horses from the royal stables.

11 The king’s new order allowed the Jews in every city to gather together and defend themselves, to destroy, kill, and wipe out any armed force or people who attacked them, including women and children, and to take their stuff.

12 This would all happen on one day in all the king’s provinces, the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar.

13 A copy of the decree was sent to every province so it would be publicly known, and the Jews would be ready to take revenge on their enemies.

14 The couriers, riding the king’s fast horses, sped out with the order, driven by the king’s command. The decree was also issued in the fortress of Susa.

Mordecai’s Rise and the Jews’ Joy

15 Mordecai left the king’s presence wearing royal blue and white robes, with a large gold crown and a purple cape of fine linen. The city of Susa shouted with joy.

16 For the Jews it was a time of light, joy, gladness, and honor.

17 In every province and city where the king’s order reached, the Jews celebrated with feasts and joy. Many people from other nationalities became Jews because they were afraid of them.