Esther Chapter 8

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​Mordecai counters Haman’s letters.

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Outline

1-2. Mordecai inherits Haman’s position as prime minister.
3-6. Esther beseeches Ahasuerus to reverse Haman’s letters.
7-8. Mordecai receives permission to write on behalf of the Jews.
9-14. Mordecai sends letters authorizing the Jews to defend themselves.
15-17. The Jews rejoice.

Reflection

Do you do the right thing for the right reasons?

Lesson

​Reaping in Due Season​

In Galatians 6:9, the Apostle Paul encouraged the church to continue doing good because, in due season, Christians will reap what they sow. Here, in the account of Esther and Mordecai, we see the principle: God exalted both Esther and Mordecai for their righteous deeds and destroyed Haman for his evil deeds.

Esther’s demeanor enticed the king’s favor. Through her kindness, humility, and submission, Esther became queen. There, she flourished, helping provide for her people. She also received the special honor of being able to bless the person who raised her; she was able to give back to the person who had given her so much.

Likewise, Mordecai’s honesty and integrity led him to expose the plot against the king’s life. He worked faithfully in the king’s gate. As a result, the king trusted his character and exalted him to second in command of the kingdom. All of Mordecai’s little actions suddenly culminated in an amazing opportunity.

So, too, can we reap spectacular benefits if we continue in righteousness. When faced with a moral dilemma, stop and consider what is the right course of action. Put aside money and practical obstacles when making a moral decision. Simply consider whether or not the course of action is good or evil. If we keep our moral compass steady, then, in time, those around us will notice our character. More importantly, God notices it. We may never be exalted in this life, but rest assured that God honors those who seek righteousness.

Consider Jesus’ sermon on the mount in Matthew 5; there are great spiritual rewards for being moral. The blessings of God fall on those who patiently wait for His salvation, those who continue to do what is right even in the face of utter evil. Therefore, continue to do what is right simply because it is right. Any earthly rewards are just a bonus.

Verse-by-Verse Study

1-2. After hanging Haman, Ahasuerus gave Haman’s wealth to Esther per the ancient custom of taking the spoils of one’s enemy, and she surrendered it to Mordecai. The king also replaces Haman with Mordecai. The humble Jew was now elevated socially, monetarily, and politically. Compare with Proverbs 13:22.

The sudden honor might be surprising in any other court, but Ahasuerus appears to regularly make rash decisions. The king had not paid Mordecai much attention until the events of this day when he realized he owed Mordecai his life and that Mordecai was Esther’s cousin and adoptive father.

3-6. Esther had to enter court a second time. While the conversation between Esther and Ahasuerus after Haman was taken was not provided, the queen obviously did not have the opportunity to request Haman’s letters be reversed. This was not a legal motion as she besought him with tears. Even though Haman was dead, his evil was still in motion.

7. Finally, Ahasuerus made decisions on his own; he did not seek the advice of his counselors as he had previously (Esther 1:13). Also of interest was his attitude towards the Jews; his phrasing suggested he held the Jews in high esteem. Despite being in Babylon as a conquered people, the Jews were viewed favorably. Compare with Shushan’s reaction to Haman’s decree in Esther 3:15.

8. Ahasuerus granted Mordecai full authority to write in the king’s name; Mordecai could compose a royal decree. As the order to kill the Jews had been written into law, it could not be altered. Compare with Daniel 6:8-15.

9-12. Two months after Haman’s decree and ten months before the bloody day, a royal command was sent permitting the Jews to fight back when assaulted (Esther 3:7). The money that was promised to go to the king’s treasury was now given to the Jews (Esther 3:9, 3:13, 4:7). Notice the juxtaposition of Haman and Mordecai: Haman used the signet ring to kill, and Mordecai used the ring to save.

13-14. During Esther’s life, the Persian Empire was expansive. It probably took months for letters to reach the outer provinces. Regardless, all citizens had plenty of time to determine a course of action for the designated day.

15-17. Mordecai received attire appropriate for his position. The citizens of Shushan rejoiced, showing they favored the Jews. In all provinces, whether they were respected before this event or not, the Jews were elevated. From the unbeliever’s perspective, a people condemned to death with no hope suddenly had the upper hand. When God moves to deliver His people, it is a witness to the unbeliever. Compare with Exodus 12:36-38, Joshua 2:9-11, II Chronicles 17:10.

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Thank you for reading. Please share what God is doing in your life in the comments below.​

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