Chapter 1

(Verses 1 through 9) Now it came to pass in the days of Ahasuerus, (this is Ahasuerus which reigned from India even to Ethiopia, over an hundred and seven and twenty provinces:) that in those days, when the king Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which was in Shushan the palace, in the third year of his reign, he made a feast unto all his princes and his servants; the power of Persia and Media, the nobles and princes of the provinces being before him: when he shewed the riches of his glorious kingdom and the honour of his excellent majesty many days, even an hundred and fourscore days. And when these days were expired, the king made a feast unto all the people that were present in Shushan the palace, both unto great and small, seven days, in the court of the garden of the king’s palace; where were white, green, and blue, hangings, fastened with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rings and pillars of marble: the beds were of gold and silver, upon a pavement of red, and blue, and white, and black, marble. And they gave them drink in vessels of gold, (the vessels being diverse one from another,) and royal wine in abundance, according to the state of the king. And the drinking was according to the law; none did compel: for so had the king appointed to all the officers of his house, that they should do according to every man’s pleasure. Also Vashti the queen made a feast for the women in the royal house which belonged to king Ahasuerus.

This king Ahasuerus is also known in secular history as Xerxes. He was very rich and powerful. He was one who also had a very high opinion of himself, and thought that he had the right to do whatever he desired to do. At this time he was hosting a very elaborate feast for all his princes and servants. This feast lasted one hundred and eighty days, and after these days had expired, he also made a feast for “all the people that were present in Shushan the palace, both unto great and small,” which lasted for seven days, and was held in “the court of the garden of the king’s palace.” Apparently, the expression, “all the people that were present in Shushan the palace,” is to be considered as restricted to all the men that were present. For it was customary in that era, and at that time, to consider only the men, when counting a group of people. In addition to this we find, in verse 9 that “Vashti the queen made a feast for the women in the royal house. In the feast Ahasuerus gave, there was much drinking. Although none were forced to drink, all were permitted to do as they pleased. Ahasuerus’ officers had been commanded “that they should do according to every man’s pleasure.

(Verses 10 through 12) On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Bagtha, Zethar, and Carcas, the seven chamberlains that served in the presence of Ahasuerus the king, to bring Vashti the queen with the crown royal, to shew the people and the princes her beauty: for she was fair to look on. But queen Vashti refused to come at the king’s commandment by his chamberlains: therefore was the king very wroth, and his anger burned within him.

After he had been drinking and feasting for seven days, the king was, no doubt, under the influence of the wine sufficiently that his judgment was impaired; his heart was “merry with wine.” And he decided that he wanted his queen to come before his guests to show off her beauty to them. Accordingly he sent his seven chamberlains to bring her: but she refused to come. This Ahasuerus took as an insult, and became very angry.

(Verses 13 through 15) Then the king said to the wise men, which knew the times, (for so was the king’s manner toward all that knew law and judgment: And the next unto him was Carshena, Sethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, which saw the king’s face, and which sat first in the kingdom;) What shall we do unto queen Vashti according to the law, because she hath not performed the commandment of the king Ahasuerus by the chamberlains?

Here we have Ahasuerus faced with a problem that we might consider of no great consequence; but to him it was a matter of great concern. Not only had a command of the king been refused, but the command of a husband had been ignored by his wife. In the society of that era, and, particularly in that part of the world, the husband was absolute ruler in his own house. Women, even wives, were considered as little more than property. So the question the king asked his wise men, in verse 15, must have been primarily to have them approve whatever he might do to Vashti. For, according to their law, there was almost nothing he could not do, even to putting her to death. But since his wise men were all gathered around him, he asked, “What shall we do unto the queen Vashti according to the law, because she hath not performed the commandment of the king Ahasuerus by the chamberlains?” It does not yet appear, but this whole episode was according to the purpose of God, that He might by it prepare the way for the deliverance of His people from their enemies.

(Verses 16 through 20) And Memucan answered before the king and the princes, Vashti the queen hath not done wrong to the king only, but also to all the princes, and to all the people that are in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus. For this deed of the queen shall come abroad unto all women, so that they shall despise their husbands in their eyes, when it shall be reported, The king Ahasuerus commanded Vashti the queen to be brought before him, but she came not. Likewise shall the ladies of Persia and Media say this day unto all the king’s princes, which have heard of the deed of the queen. Thus shall there arise too much contempt and wrath. If it please the king, let there go a royal commandment from him, and let it be written among the laws of the Persians and the Medes, that it be not altered, That Vashti come no more before king Ahasuerus; and let the king give her royal estate unto another that is better than she. And when the king’s decree which he shall make shall be published throughout all his empire, (for it is great,) all the wives shall give their husbands honour, both great and small.

When Memucan made his answer to the king, he was not making his proposal just for the sake of the king, and what he perceived as an insult to the king, but he was trying to maintain the status quo for all the men in the empire. His fear was that, if nothing drastic was done, all the women of the kingdom would take this as an occasion to show a little less respect for their husbands. So His suggestion was to depose the queen, and put another in her place.

(Verses 21 and 22) And the saying pleased the king and the princes; and the king did according to the word of Memucan: for he sent letters into all the king’s provinces, into every province according to the writing thereof, and to every people after their language, that every man should bear rule in his own house, and that it should be published according to the language of every people.

Memucan’s proposal was just what Ahasuerus and his other princes wanted, since it established the man as the absolute ruler of his house. And the king established that as his decree, and wrote letters to the people of every province in his empire to that effect. He even had these letters written in all the different languages and dialects of his kingdom , so that none would misunderstand the message.

(Verses 1 through 4) After these things, when the wrath of king Ahasuerus was appeased, he remembered Vashti, and what she had done, and what was decreed against her. Then said the king’s servants that ministered unto him, Let there be fair young virgins sought for the king: and let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather all the fair young virgins unto Shushan the palace, to the house of the women, unto the custody of Hege the king’s chamberlain, keeper of the women; and let their things for purification be given them: and let the maiden which pleaseth the king be queen instead of Vashti. And the thing pleased the king; and he did so.

This plan of finding a successor to Vashti the queen seems to us completely evil; and it shows what little regard the people of that time and place had for women. When Ahasuerus began to remember that the decree he had issued against Vashti forbade her ever coming before him again, he, no doubt, began to have some regrets about the situation. So his advisors proposed that they search out the most beautiful young virgins in the empire, bring them to the palace, dress them up, and present them, one by one to him. He after spending a night with each of them would choose the one he preferred; and she would be queen instead of Vashti. So this is the plan that they followed.

(Verses 5 through 7) Now in Shushan the palace there was a certain Jew, whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite; who had been carried away from Jerusalem with the captivity which had been carried away with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away. And he brought up Hadassah, that is Esther, his uncle’s daughter: for she had neither father nor mother, and the maid was fair and beautiful; whom Mordecai, when her father and mother were dead, took for his own daughter.

Here we break away from the story to give the background of Esther, one of the maidens that were chosen for the group from which Ahasuerus would choose his queen. She was of Jewish descent, and her father and mother were both dead. But she had been brought up by her cousin Mordecai, whose great grand father had been brought to Babylon in the same group of captives in which Jeconiah king of Judah had been brought. When Cyrus the king of Babylon had decreed that all the Jews who so desired might return to Jerusalem , Mordecai’s immediate ancestors did not choose to return. So Mordecai was still in the service of the king, even in the palace.

(Verses 8 through 11) So it came to pass, when the king’s commandment and his decree was heard, and when many maidens were gathered together unto Shushan the palace, to the custody of Hegai, (Hegai seems to be an alternate name for Hege of verse 3) that Esther was brought also unto the king’s house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women.” And the maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness of him; and he speedily gave her her things for purification, with such things as belonged to her, and seven maidens , which were meet to be given her, out of the king’s house: and he preferred her and her maids unto the best place of the house of the women. Esther had not shewed her kindred: for Mordecai had charged her that she should not shew it. And Mordecai walked every day before the court of the women’s house, to know how Esther did, and what should become of her.

We see in this that the LORD was keeping Esther in His care, although she was in a situation that was not at all what we would consider pleasant. The only prospect she had, if she did not please the king, was that she would be made his concubine instead of being queen. But the LORD caused her to be treated kindly by the keeper of the women. So he gave her everything she needed for her time of purification, and gave her seven maidens to look after her. Then he gave her the best place, or position, in the house of the women. Following Mordecai’s counsel, she did not reveal to anyone her kindred. While all this was going on, Mordecai walked before the court of the house of the women every day, that he might find out how Esther was getting along, and that he might know what would be done for her.

(Verses 12 through 14) Now when every maid’s turn was come to go in to king Ahasuerus, after that she had been twelve months, according to the manner of the women, (for so were the days of their purifications accomplished, to wit, six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odours, and with other things for the purifying of the women;) then thus came every maiden unto the king; whatsoever she desired was given her to go with her out of the house of the women unto the king’s house. In the evening she went, and on the morrow she returned into the second house of the women, to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king’s chamberlain, which kept the concubines. She came in unto the king no more, except the king delighted in her, and that she were called by name.

Inasmuch as this is only a description of how the women were prepared before they were brought before the king, and how they were treated afterward, there seems to be little need of explanation or comment concerning it. Apparently all of these young ladies were to be thus brought before Ahasuerus in exactly the same manner

(Verses 15 through 20) Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in unto the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king’s chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favour in the sight of all them that looked upon her. So Esther was taken unto king Ahasuerus into his house royal in the tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign. And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti. Then the king made a great feast unto all his princes and his servants, even Esther’s feast; and he made a release to the provinces, and gave gifts, according to the state of the king. And when the virgins were gathered together the second time, then Mordecai sat in the king’s gate. Esther had not yet shewed her kindred nor her people; as Mordecai had charged her: for Esther did the commandment of Mordecai, like as when she was brought up with him.

Although His name is not mentioned, surely none can doubt that the LORD was watching over Esther, as she was brought before the king. And He caused her to find favour in the eyes of all, even of the king himself. So she was chosen by him to be the queen instead of Vashti whom he had deposed. So when all the other virgins had been gathered back to the house of the women, and Esther was queen, Mordecai went and sat in the king’s gate instead of walking before the court of the house of the women, as he had previously done. Esther still had not revealed her kindred, even as Mordecai had charged her.

(Verses 21 through 23) In those days, while Mordecai sat in the king’s gate, two of the king’s chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, of those which kept the door, were wroth, and sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus. And the thing was known to Mordecai, who told it unto Esther the queen; and Esther certified the king thereof in Mordecai’s name. And when inquisition was made of the matter, it was found out; therefore they were both hanged on a tree: and it was written in the books of the chronicles before the king.

Mordecai, as he sat in the king’s gate, became aware of a plot that was being planned by two of the king’s chamberlains, who were keepers of the king’s gate, to “lay hand” on the king. (That is they were planning to assassinate the king.) So Mordecai informed Esther of this matter, and she passed the word on to the king in Mordecai’s name. After investigation the matter was found to be true, and the plotters were executed. And the account thereof was made a matter of record. As we shall later see, this plays some part in later actions.

(Verses 1 through 6) After these things did king Ahasuerus promote Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, and advanced him, and set his seat above all the princes that were with him. And all the king’s servants, that were in the king’s gate, bowed, and reverenced Haman: for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence. Then the king’s servants, which were in the king’s gate, said unto Mordecai, Why transgresseth thou the king’s commandment? Now it came to pass, when they spake daily unto him, and he hearkened not unto them, that they told Haman, to see whether Mordecai’s matters would stand: for he had told them that he was a Jew. And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence, then Haman was full of wrath. And he thought scorn to lay hands on Mordecai alone; for they shewed him the people of Mordecai: wherefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews that were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus , even the people of Mordecai.

Before beginning any other comments concerning this, we should remember that Agag was an ancient king of the Amalekites, a nation which the LORD had commanded Saul to completely annihilate, but he was disobedient to that command, and for that disobedience, and other faults God took the kingdom away from him, and gave it to David. Haman was an Agagite, a descendent of the Amalekites. So this gives us some insight into why Mordecai would not bow to him, and why Haman was determined to destroy all the Jews in the kingdom. In Exodus 17:14-16, we find this record: “And the LORD said unto Moses, ‘Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven.’ And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovah-nisi; for he said, ‘Because the LORD hath sworn that the LORD will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.’” So, as we shall see, this whole matter proceeded from the LORD, that He might bring to pass His word. Mordecai, because he was a Jew, would not bow to Haman, and neither would he show him any respect. This not only incensed Haman against him, but also he plotted to destroy all of Mordecai’s people, the Jews.

(Verse 7) In the first month, that is, the month Nisan, in the twelfth year of king Ahasuerus, they cast Pur, that is, the lot, before Haman from day to day, and from month to month, to the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar.

It seems that Haman was trying to determine when would be the best time to start his plot into operation, that he might destroy all the Jews. He started casting lots for the time in the first month, and continued that process through all the months even to the twelfth month, the month Adar, which he chose for his beginning of that work.

(Verses 8 through 11) And Haman said unto king Ahasuerus, there is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of thy kingdom; and their laws are diverse from all people; neither keep they the king’s laws: therefore it is not for the king’s profit to suffer them. If it please the king, let it be written that they may be destroyed: and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver to the hands of those that have the charge of the business, to bring it into the king’s treasuries. And the king took his ring from his hand, and gave it unto Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the Jews enemy. And the king said unto Haman, the silver is given to thee, the people also, to do with them as it seemeth good to thee.

So Haman goes to the king, and sets in motion his plan. Apparently Ahasuerus had great confidence in Haman, so he made no effort to investigate the things he had said concerning this tribe of people whom Haman did not even name. The king gave Haman his official ring, and gave him the money and the people to do his work. He also told him to do what he pleased with this people he had mentioned.

(Verses 12 through 15) Then were the king’s scribes called on the thirteenth day of the first month, and there was written according to all that Haman had commanded unto the king’s lieutenants, and to the governors that were over every province, and to the rulers of every people of every province according to the writing thereof, and to every people after their language; in the name of king Ahasuerus was it written, and sealed with the king’s ring. And the letters were sent by posts into all the king’s provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day, even upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, and to take the spoil of them for a prey. The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published unto all people, that they should be ready against that day. The posts went out, being hastened by the king’s commandment, and the decree was given in Shushan the palace. And the king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city Shushan was perplexed.

Haman wasted no time sending out his message throughout the empire. This was done on the thirteenth day of the first month. But in order that there would be plenty of time for his officers to go into all the provinces of the empire, the date for the massacre was set for the thirteenth day of the twelfth month. All Jews , of all ages and both male and female were to be completely annihilated, and whatever they might own was to be taken by the killers as spoils of war. This was also announced in Shushan the palace. Then the king and Haman sat down to celebrate this act by drinking. But even the people of Shushan were perplexed. However what follows should show us that no matter how bad our future prospects may appear, God is able to over rule them for good to us.

(Verses 1 through 3) When Mordecai perceived all that was done, Mordecai rent all his clothes, and put on sackcloth with ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and cried with a loud and a bitter cry; and came even before the king’s gate: for none might enter into the king’s gate clothed with sackcloth. And in every province, whithersoever the king’s commandment and his decree came, there was great mourning among the Jews, and fasting, and weeping, and wailing; and many lay in sackcloth and ashes.

As we have already seen, Mordecai had been keeping his watch at the king’s gate, that he might know what was going on each day. And when he became aware of the terrible proclamation that had gone forth against the Jews, he immediately clothed himself in sackcloth, covered himself with ashes, and made a great lamentation in the midst of the city. Then he came thus dressed before the king’s gate; but there he stopped, because none could enter therein thus clothed. At the same time throughout all the provinces of the empire, when this proclamation was made, many of the Jews made a great lamentation with weeping, mourning, fasting, and wailing; and also dressed themselves in sackcloth and ashes. It was a sad time for them throughout the kingdom.

(Verses 4 through 9) So Esther’s maids and her chamberlains came and told it to her. Then was the queen exceedingly grieved; and she sent raiment to clothe Mordecai, and to take away his sackcloth from him: but he received it not. Then called Esther for Hatach, one of the king’s chamberlains, whom he had appointed to attend upon her, and gave him a commandment to Mordecai, to know what it was, and why it was. So Hatach went forth to Mordecai into the street of the city, which was before the king’s gate. And Mordecai told him of all that had happened unto him, and the sum of money that Haman had promised to pay to the king’s treasures for the Jews, to destroy them. Also he gave him a copy of the decree that was given at Shushan to destroy them, to shew it to Esther, and to declare it unto her, and to charge her that she should go in unto the king, to make supplication unto him, and to make request before him for her people. And Hatach came and told Esther the words of Mordecai.

Although Esther was Ahasuerus’s queen, she knew nothing about what had been done concerning this matter; for women were not allowed in the councils where such decisions were made. She only knew, from seeing Mordecai as he waited in sackcloth and ashes before the king’s gate that, something terrible was troubling him. First, she sent him some clothes to put on instead of his sackcloth; and he refused them. Then she sent a messenger to find out what it was that troubled him. So Mordecai told the messenger the whole story, and the messenger reported it to Esther, together with Mordecai’s command for her to go before the king, and make a plea for her people. As yet, Esther had not even told anyone that she was a Jewess.

(Verses 10 through 14) Again Esther spake unto Hatach, and gave him commandment unto Mordecai; All the king’s servants, and the people of the king’s provinces, do know, that whosoever, whether man or woman, shall come unto the king into the inner court, who is not called, there is one law of his to put him to death, except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden sceptre, that he may live: but I have not been called to come in unto the king these thirty days. And they told to Mordecai Esther’s words. Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king’s house, more than all the Jews. For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

Although Esther did not know anything about the decree to destroy all the Jews in the empire, she did know about a law of the king that anyone who, without being called by the king, came before him, was to be executed, unless the king extended the golden sceptre to him as a sign of his mercy. Then only could he be permitted to live. And she had not been called before the king for thirty days. So she was very much afraid to do what Mordecai had told her. Then He reminded her that if she did not do what he had said, there would arise help for the Jews from some other quarter, but she and her father’s house would be destroyed. This shows the great faith of Mordecai. He was fully persuaded that the LORD would not permit Haman’s evil designs to succeed; but that He would provide help for His people even if she refused to help. Then he asked her a question, that should be of great interest to all of us when there is an opportunity of doing something for the good of the people of the LORD: “Who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Since GOD works all things after the counsel of His own will, how do we know that He has not placed us at the very place where we are for the situation that we face?

(Verses 15 through 17) Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer, Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish. So Mordecai went his way, and did according to all that Esther had commanded him.

After having received Mordecai’s last message, Esther’s mind was made up. So she sent word to Mordecai that he should gather all the Jews that were in Shushan, and they should fast three days, neither eating nor drinking, while she and her maidens would do the same. Then she would go in unto the king, although she knew that was contrary to his law. But her resolution was, “If I perish; I perish.” She knew that this was her only opportunity to save her people, and she was willing to give her life in the attempt. So Mordecai was content with this, and went to do according to what she had said.

(Verses 1 through 5) Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king’s house, over against the king’s house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the gate of the house. And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favour in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre. Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? And what is thy request? It shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom. And Esther answered, If it seem good unto the king, let the king and Haman come this day unto the banquet that I have prepared for him. Then the king said, Cause Haman to make haste, that he may do as Esther hath said. So the king and Haman came unto the banquet that Esther had prepared.

This is only a description of the beginning of the setting of the trap for Haman who had been the cause of all the sorrow of the Jews. And it is clearly enough set forth as to need no explanation. However we do see in it the working of the hand of the LORD to protect His people, and to punish their enemies.

(Verses 6 through 9) And the king said unto Esther at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed. Then answered Esther, and said, My petition and my request is; If I have found favour in the sight of the king, and if it please the king to grant my petition, and to perform my request, let the king and Haman come to the banquet that I shall prepare for them, and I will do tomorrow as the king hath said.

Thus Esther builds up the suspense and the interest of the king, by putting off until tomorrow, the asking of her petition.

(Verses 9 through 13) Then went Haman forth that day joyful and with a glad heart: but when Haman saw Mordecai in the king’s gate, that he stood not up, nor moved for him, he was full of indignation against Mordecai. Nevertheless Haman refrained himself: and when he came home, he sent and called for his friends, and Zeresh his wife. And Haman told them of the glory of his riches, and the multitude of his children, and all the things wherein the king had promoted him, and how he had advanced him above the princes and servants of the king. Haman said moreover, Yea, Esther the queen did let no man come in with the king unto the banquet she had prepared but myself: and tomorrow am I invited unto her also with the king. Yet all this availeth me nothing, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king’s gate.

Here we see that Haman was greatly exalted in his own mind by the promotions the king had given him, and by the fact that he had been invited to Esther’s banquet as the only companion to the king. The only “fly in his ointment” was the fact that Mordecai the Jew would not pay homage to him. So He called his wife and all his friends together, and told them how great he was, and that he only had this one problem, Mordecai the Jew. That ruined all the rest for him.

(Verse 14) Then said Zeresh his wife and all his friends unto him. Let a gallows be made of fifty cubits high, and tomorrow speak thou unto the king that Mordecai be hanged thereon: then go merrily with the king unto the banquet. And the thing pleased Haman; and he caused the gallows to be made.

By following the suggestion of his wife and his friends, Haman thought all his problems would be eliminated. So he had the gallows built.

Chapter 6

(Verses 1 through 3) On that night could not the king sleep, and he commanded to bring the book of records of the chronicles; and they were brought before the king. And it was found written, that Mordecai had told of Bigtha and Teresh, two of the king’s chamberlains, the keepers of the king’s gate, who sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus. And the king said, What honour and dignity hath been done to Mordecai for this? Then said the king’s servants that ministered unto him, There is nothing done for him.

Just as in other places in this book, details are given of the action, and inaction, of various ones, but nothing is said about what, or who, caused such to take place. Here we have king Ahasuerus as he is so aroused by something, that he could not sleep. The results of his insomnia show clearly that GOD is the One Who caused his sleeplessness. For He also caused the king to desire to look at the book of the records of the official actions of those in his kingdom. During his search of the records, the king found that Mordecai had been the one who reported the conspiracy of Bigtha and Teresh against the king. When he questioned what had been done to honor Mordecai for this warning, he found that no official action had been taken of that matter. As we shall see, all of this is building up to the great demonstration of the power of God in the protection of His people.

(Verses 4 through 6) And the king said, Who is in the court? Now Haman was come into the outward court of the king’s house to speak unto the king to hang Mordecai on the gallows that he had prepared for him. And the king’s servants said unto him, Behold, Haman standeth in the court. And the king said, Let him come in. So Haman came in. And the king said unto him, What shall be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honor? Now Haman thought in his heart, To whom would the king delight to do honour more than to myself?

Apparently the king had spent the night in searching the records; for now Haman has already come into the outer court of the king’s house, for the purpose of talking to the king about his proposal to hang Mordecai upon the gallows he has prepared for him. The king asked his servants, “Who is in the court?” And they told him that it was Haman. So the king had the servants bid him come in. And before Haman could say anything about his wicked project, king Ahasuerus asked him, “What shall be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour?” Of course, with Haman’s having such a great ego, he thought the king had to have reference to him, Haman. As we continue, we shall see what a terrible thing ego can do to the one who has too much of it. Also this matter will prove the truth of Proverbs 18:13. “He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.” This is exactly what Haman did, as we shall soon see.

(Verses 7 through 11) And Haman answered the king, For the man whom the king delighteth to honour, let the royal apparel be brought which the king useth to wear, and the horse that the king rideth upon, and the crown royal which is set upon his head: and let this apparel and horse be delivered to the hand of one of the king’s most noble princes, that they may array the man withal whom the king delighteth to honour, and bring him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaim before him, Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delighteth to honour. Then the king said to Haman, Make haste, and take the apparel and the horse, as thou hast said, and do even so to Mordecai the Jew, that sitteth at the king’s gate: let nothing fail of all that thou hast spoken. Then took Haman the apparel and the horse, and arrayed Mordecai, and brought him on horseback through the city, and proclaimed before him, Thus shall it be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour.

This certainly is in need of no explanation. But it does indeed show the wonderful care God gives to His people. He can make even the greatest enemy become servant unto them. And this truth stands just as firm today as it did then. The very man who had a gallows built upon which to hang Mordecai, is made to array Mordecai in the king’s own apparel, put him upon the king’s own horse, and lead him through the city, declaring before him, “Thus shall it be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour.” What wonderful power of God is demonstrated in this simple event!

(Verses 12 through 14) And Mordecai came again to the king’s gate. But Haman hasted to his house mourning, and having his head covered. And Haman told Zeresh his wife and all his friends every thing which had befallen him. Then said his wise men and Zeresh his wife unto him, If Mordecai be of the seed of the Jews, before whom thou hast begun to fall, thou shalt not prevail against him, but shalt surely fall before him. And while they were yet talking with him, came the king’s chamberlains, and hasted to bring Haman unto the banquet that Esther had prepared.

After having been given the tour of honor through the city, Mordecai returned to the king’s gate, where he had been keeping watch before. But a very crestfallen Haman returned to his house, and made his lament to his wife and friends, who told him that if Mordecai, before whom he had begun to fall, was indeed of the seed of the Jews, Haman had no hope of succeeding against him, but would surely fall. They, evidently had heard of God’s declaration , as set forth in Exodus 17:14-16.

(Verses 1 through 6) So the king and Haman came to banquet with Esther the queen. And the king said again unto Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition, queen Esther? And it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? and it shall be performed, even to the half of the kingdom. Then Esther the queen answered and said, If I have found favour in thy sight, O king, and it please the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request.: for we are sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be slain, and to perish. But if we had been sold for bondmen and bondwomen, I had held my tongue, although the enemy could not countervail the king’s damage. Then the king Ahasuerus answered and said unto Esther the queen, Who is he, and where is he, that durst presume in his heart to do so? And Esther said, The adversary and enemy is this wicked Haman. Then Haman was afraid before the king and queen.

When the king and Haman attended this second banquet that Esther had prepared for them, the king asked Esther again what was her petition and request. And he again promised that it should be fulfilled, whatever it was even to the half of the kingdom. And Esther made her request known. It was that she and her people, the Jews, might be spared from the terrible destruction that had been decreed against them. She declared that if it had been a matter of their being sold into slavery, she would have said nothing about the matter. But they had been sold into death and destruction. So she felt that she had to speak. Just as he had forgotten the good deed that Mordecai had done for him until he found it in the record book, so, apparently had he forgotten that it was Haman who had brought him the proposal to destroy the Jews. Or it may have been that he did not yet know that Esther was of the Jews, since there is no record of Mordecai’s having released her from his commandment that she not reveal this. At any rate, Ahasuerus wanted to know who was the instigator of such a wicked plot. “And Esther said, ‘The adversary and enemy is this wicked Haman.’” When Esther named him as the adversary and enemy, Haman was very much afraid of both the king and the queen. No doubt this was the first time he had known that Esther was of Jewish blood.

(Verses 7 through 10) And the king arising from the banquet of wine in his wrath went into the palace garden: and Haman stood up to make request for his life to Esther the queen; for he saw that there was evil determined against him by the king. Then the king returned out of the palace garden into the place of the banquet of wine; and Haman was fallen upon the bed whereon Esther was. Then said the king, Will he force the queen also before me in the house? as the word went out of the king’s mouth, they covered Haman’s face. And Harbonah, one of the chamberlains, said before the king, Behold also, the gallows fifty cubits high, which Haman had made for Mordecai, who had spoken good for the king, standeth in the house of Haman. Then the king said, Hang him thereon. So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then was the king’s wrath pacified.

About the only thing in this that might be a little obscure to some is found in verse 8. “Then the king returned out of the palace garden into the place of the banquet of wine; and Haman had fallen upon the bed whereon Esther was.” This does not mean that Esther had retired to the bedroom, and Haman had followed her. Rather it shows that the Persians were using the same custom that was common to the Romans, and to the Greeks. That is, instead of having those who were dining to sit in chairs around the table upon which was the food, they had beds, or couches, placed around the table; and the guests reclined on them while eating. So for some reason, while attempting to make his plea unto Esther for his life, he had fallen upon the bed whereon she lay. Whether he fell by accident, or whether for some other reason, we do not know. But when Ahasuerus saw him thus, his anger was greatly stirred against him. And he accused Haman of trying to rape the queen. Then one of the chamberlains mentioned to him that the gallows Haman had made for Mordecai was still in Haman’s house. Immediately the king commanded that they hang Haman upon that very gallows. When they had done this the king’s wrath was calmed.

Chapter 8

(Verses 1 through 2) On that day did the king Ahasuerus give the house of Haman the Jew’s enemy unto Esther the queen. And Mordecai came before the king; for Esther had told what he was unto her. And the king took off his ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it unto Mordecai. And Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman.

On the same day that the king had Haman hanged, he gave the house of Haman to Esther. Then the king took off his ring, the same that he had formerly given to Haman, but had taken back when he had Haman hanged, and gave it to Mordecai. And Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman who had been his enemy. When it is said that the king gave to Esther the house of Haman, it is to be understood that not only was the building that might be called “the house of Haman,” but the household of Haman is under consideration, which included all that he owned, including all his servants.

(Verses 3 through 6) And Esther spake yet again before the king, and fell down at his feet, and besought him with tears to put away the mischief of Haman the Agagite, and his device that he had devised against the Jews. Then the king held out the golden sceptre toward Esther. So Esther arose, and stood before the king, and said, If it please the king, and if I have found favour in his sight, and the thing seem right before the king, and I be pleasing in his eyes, let it be written to reverse the letters devised by Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, which he wrote to destroy all the Jews which are in all the king’s provinces. For how can I endure to see the evil that shall come unto my people? Or how can I endure to see the destruction of my kindred?

Although the king had had Haman executed, and had given his house to Esther, this did nothing to void the decree of destruction that had been issued against the Jews. And, indeed, that decree could not be repealed, or changed, because of a law of the Medes and Persians that no decree or law written and signed by the king was even subject to change. And, although the king had not personally signed the decree of destruction that had been sent out against the Jews, he had given Haman authority to write it in his name, and to seal it with his ring, which made it the same as if he had personally signed it. So Esther made her plea for the king to do something to reverse the decree that had already been sent forth. The manner in which this was accomplished may seem somewhat strange to us; but it was, actually, about the only manner in which it could be done.

(Verses 7 through 12) Then the king Ahasuerus said unto Esther the queen and to Mordecai the Jew, Behold, I have given Esther the house of Haman, and him they have hanged on the gallows, because he laid his hand upon the Jews. Write ye also for the Jews, as it liketh you, in the king’s name, and seal it with the king’s ring: for the writing which is written in the king’s name, and sealed with the king’s ring, may no man reverse. Then were the king’s scribes called at that time in the third month, that is, the month Sivan, on the three and twentieth day thereof; and it was written according to all that Mordecai commanded unto the Jews, and to the lieutenants, and the deputies and rulers of the provinces which are from India unto Ethiopia, an hundred twenty and seven provinces, unto every province according to the writing thereof, and unto every people after their language, and to the Jews according to their writing, and according to their language. And he wrote in the king Ahasuerus’ name, and sealed it with the king’s ring, and sent letters by posts on horseback, and riders on mules, camels, and young dromedaries: wherein the king granted the Jews which were in every city to gather themselves together, and to stand for their life, to destroy, and to cause to perish, all the power of the people and province that would assault them, both little ones and women, and to take the spoil of them for a prey, upon one day in all the provinces of king Ahasuerus, namely, upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar. The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published to all people, and that the Jews should be ready against that day to avenge themselves on their enemies. So the posts that rode upon mules, and camels went out, being hastened and pressed on by the king’s commandment. And the decree was given at Shushan the palace.

As we have said before, this may seem a strange way to take care of this matter. But the decree that had already been sent out against the Jews could not, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, be cancelled or changed by any man. So all that was left for the protection of the Jews was that they be given the right to defend themselves against any who tried to follow the earlier decree. And this is just what Mordecai did. This right was given to the Jews for one day, the very day that had been decreed as the day of their slaughter.

(Verses 15 through 17) And Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal apparel of blue and white, and with a great crown of gold, and with a garment of fine linen and purple: and the city of Shushan rejoiced and was glad. The Jews had light, and gladness, and joy, and honour. And in every province, and in every city, whithersoever the king’s commandment and his decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a good day. And many of the people of the land became Jews; for the fear of the Jews fell upon them.

Thus was Mordecai promoted to a very high position in the kingdom of Ahasuerus. He was even permitted to wear royal apparel and a crown of gold. Thus the Jews had joy and gladness, not only in Shushan, but also in every city to which the commandment and the decree were sent. Even “many of the people of the land became Jews; for the fear of the Jews fell upon them.” We have no way of knowing how many of these who embraced the Jews’ religion (for that is the only way in which they could become Jews) did it just for their protection, and how many did so because of the work of the LORD upon their hearts.

Chapter 9

(Verses 1 through 4) Now in the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar, on the thirteenth day of the same, when the king’s commandment and his decree drew near to be put into execution, in the day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to have power over them, (though it was turned to the contrary, that the Jews had rule over them that hated them;) The Jews gathered themselves together in their cities throughout all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, to lay hand on such as sought their hurt: and no man could withstand them; for the fear of them fell upon the people. And all the rulers of the provinces, and the lieutenants, and the deputies, and officers of the king, helped the Jews; because the fear of Mordecai fell upon them. For Mordecai was great in the king’s house, and his fame went out throughout all the provinces: for this man Mordecai waxed greater and greater.

When the day in which Haman’s decree had been supposed to take effect, the thirteenth day of the month Adar, Mordecai’s decree also was exercised. And since all the rulers of the provinces, and the lieutenants, deputies and officers of the king feared Mordecai who had become great in the king’s house, helped the Jews they had no trouble defending themselves. And although it is not mentioned, we can rest assured that it was the hand of the LORD that brought this about. We can trace His handiwork from the beginning all the way to the end in this record, though His name is not mentioned therein. Those who sought the hurt of the Jews could not withstand them; for a great fear fell upon all the people.

(Verses 5 through 11) Thus the Jews smote all their enemies with the stroke of the sword, and slaughter, and destruction, and did what they would to those that hated them. And in Shushan the palace the Jews slew and destroyed five hundred men. And Parshandatha, and Dalphon, and Aspatha, and Poratha, and Adalia, and Aridatha, and Pamashta, and Arisai, and Aridai, and Vajezatha, the ten sons of Haman the son of Hammedatha, the enemies of the Jews, slew they; but on the spoil laid they not their hand. On that day the number of those that were slain in Shushan the palace was brought before the king.

Since this is only an account of those slain by the Jews in Shushan on the day that Haman had appointed for their destruction, there is little need for commentary on it. Perhaps the most important fact of it is that they killed all ten sons of Haman. So it seems that his family was destroyed. Remember that long before this time the LORD had declared that he would have war against the descendants of Agag as long as any of them existed.

(Verses 12 through 15) And the king said unto Esther the queen, The Jews have slain and destroyed five hundred men in Shushan the palace, and the ten sons of Haman: what have they done in the rest of the king’s provinces? Now what is thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: or what is thy request? and it shall be done. Then said Esther, If it please the king, let it be granted to the Jews in Shushan to do tomorrow also according unto this day’s decree, and let Haman’s ten sons be hanged upon the gallows. And the king commanded it so to be done: and the decree was given at Shushan; and they hanged Haman’s ten sons. For the Jews that were in Shushan gathered themselves together on the fourteenth day also of the month Adar, and slew three hundred men at Shushan; but on the prey they laid not their hand.

Esther’s request for another day in which the Jews could take vengeance upon their enemies was only for those in Shushan, and did not reach out to other parts of the kingdom. Ahasuerus granted this also. And in addition to the five hundred men they had killed on the thirteenth day of the month, they killed another three hundred on the fourteenth day of the month. But they did not even touch the spoils which they could have taken. They also hanged the ten sons of Haman. This might seem to us a little of what is sometimes called overkill, since they had already killed these men. But it was done to give to them the stigma of being hanged. Thus they were branded as criminals instead of being allowed to be considered as men killed in battle.

(Verses 16 through 19) But the other Jews that were in the king’s provinces gathered themselves together, and stood for their lives, and had rest from their enemies, and slew of their foes seventy and five thousand, but they laid not their hands on the prey, on the thirteenth day of the month Adar; and on the fourteenth day of the same rested they, and made it a day of feasting and gladness. But the Jews that were at Shushan assembled together on the thirteenth day thereof, and on the fourteenth thereof; and on the fifteenth day of the same they rested, and made it a day of feasting and gladness. Therefore the Jews of the villages, that dwelt in the unwalled towns, made the fourteenth day of the month Adar a day of gladness and feasting, and a good day, and of sending portions one to another.

Since the fighting of the Jews in Shushan was continued on the fourteenth day of the month Adar, they made the fifteenth of the month a day of feasting and gladness. But as those living away from Shushan finished their fighting on the thirteenth day of Adar, they made the fourteenth their feast day.

(Verses 20 through 25) And Mordecai wrote these things, and sent letters unto all the Jews that were in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, both nigh and far, to stablish this among them, that they should keep the fourteenth day of the month Adar, and the fifteenth day of the same, yearly, as the days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor. And the Jews undertook to do as they had begun, and as Mordecai had written unto them; because Haman the son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of all the Jews, had devised against the Jews to destroy them, and had cast Pur, that is, the lot, to consume them, and to destroy them; but when Esther came before the king, he commanded by letters that his wicked devise, which he devised against the Jews, should return upon his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows.

So, with this matter settled, Mordecai wrote to all the Jews throughout the kingdom of Ahasuerus, and commanded them to keep both the fourteenth and the fifteenth days of the month Adar as memorial days, and make them days of joy for all the Jews; for they were the days on which the Jews rested from their enemies. They were to make these days feast days, and days of great joy and gladness. They were not only to celebrate them by feasting, but also with making gifts to the poor, and to one another. For Haman, who had attempted to destroy the Jews on the thirteenth day of that month, and his sons had all been killed, and although his sons had been slain in the battle, at the command of Esther the queen they had also been hanged upon the same gallows as their father.

(Verses 26 through 28) Wherefore they called these days Purim after the name of Pur. Therefore for all the words of this letter, and of that which they had seen concerning this matter, and which had come unto them, the Jews ordained, and took upon them, and upon their seed, and upon all such as joined themselves unto them, so as it should not fail, that they would keep these two days according to their writing, and according to their appointed time every year; and that these days should be remembered and kept throughout every generation, every family, every province, and every city; and that these days of Purim should not fail from among the Jews, nor the memorial of them perish from their seed.

As we have already seen, the word, “Pur,” means “lot;” and Haman had chosen by lot the thirteenth day of the month Adar as the day in which he would have all the Jews slaughtered. But by the grace of GOD Mordecai was made able to have this day, and the fourteenth day of Adar also, turned into the days in which the Jews were able to rid themselves of their enemies, thus turning Haman’s wicked devise upon his own head. The Jews that were in Shushan finished their battle on the fourteenth day of the month Adar, while those in all other places finished theirs on the thirteenth. Since those in Shushan were able to rest on the fifteenth day, and all others had already rested on the fourteenth, both days were taken as days of celebration, and were called “Purim,” because of Haman’s casting lots to choose the day for their destruction. So they ordained these two days as perpetual feast days in celebration of their victory. In the event one should wonder what happened to the Jews in other kingdoms, it is to be remembered that there were no others; for the kingdom of Ahasuerus reached from India to Ethiopia, thus covering all the known world of the age.

(Verses 29 through 32) Then Esther the queen, the daughter of Abihail, and Mordecai the Jew, wrote with all authority, to confirm this second letter of Purim. And he sent letters unto all the Jews, to the hundred twenty and seven provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, with words of peace and truth, to confirm these days of Purim in there times appointed, according as Mordecai the Jew and Esther the queen had enjoined them, and as they had decreed for themselves and for their seed, the matters of the fastings and their cry. And the decree of Esther confirmed these matters of Purim; and it was written in the book.

Mordecai and Esther wrote to all the Jews in all the kingdom to confirm these things, and to establish officially the time of their celebration, as well as the command that they should be kept perpetually. And Esther’s decree was written in the book, that is, since she was the queen, her decree was written in the records of the kingdom.

(Verses 1 through 3) And king Ahasuerus laid tribute upon the land, and upon the isles of the sea. And all the acts of his power and of his might, and the declaration of the greatness of Mordecai, whereunto the king advanced him, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Media and Persia? For Mordecai the Jew was next unto king Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews, and accepted of the multitude of his brethren, seeking the wealth of the people, and speaking peace to all his seed.

This seems to need no comment, so far as explanation is concerned. However it does show us that the LORD does indeed take care of His own, and that even in what may appear to be a hopeless situation. As we said at the beginning, this book never even mentions the name of the LORD, but it does show as clearly as any other scriptures to be found that He is always watching over His people, and He is able to cause them to overcome the greatest obstacles that can come against them. To Him be glory forever and ever!