The Second Decree to Protect The Jews Was Given
May 9, 2020
Commentary
Despite Haman’s death and Mordecai’s promotion, the Jews were still doomed to destruction by a decree that could not be reversed by the king. It was decided that a second unalterable decree had to be issued to overcome the effectiveness of the first decree. This second decree gave permission to the Jews to fight for their lives and to defend their property, possessions, and people (v. 11). To emphasize the urgency of this decree it was sent out through the fastest means of transportation possible (v. 10).
This decree stated that the Jews in every city and province could defend themselves and destroy any army that attacks them (vv. 11-13). Mordecai wore clothes fit for a king, and the people cheered (vv. 14-16). As a result of this strange turn of events, many people became Jewish protectors, and the Jews gained great respect throughout the kingdom (v. 17). We can see here an illustration of how God solved the sinner’s plight. We were under condemnation because of the law of sin and death (Rom. 3:23: 6:23). God did not revoke that law; He obeyed it by sending His Son to die for our sins (John 3:16).
Under the edict of Mordecai, the city of Susa held a celebration. Obviously, the Jews were elated. This sudden rise of power caused many Gentiles to become Jewish proselytes. God’s good hand was becoming obvious to the whole world. No longer were these events viewed simply as another happening, but the people were beginning to realize that the God of the Jews was protecting them (vv. 15-17).
Application
The king could not wipe out the consequences of his foolish decree, but he tried to counteract it. Neither can I wipe out the consequences of my sin, but I can do much to counteract its sinful effect.
Esther 8:10– 17 (NET)
10 Mordecai wrote in the name of King Ahasuerus and sealed it with the king’s signet ring. He then sent letters by couriers, who rode royal horses that were very swift.
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. 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). 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 on their enemies.
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.
15 Now Mordecai went out from the king’s presence in blue and white royal attire, with a large golden crown and a purple linen mantle. The city of Susa shouted with joy. 16 For the Jews there was radiant happiness and joyous honor. 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.
Illustration: Kentucky Woman Protected by The Law
In Lexington, Kentucky, woman received a $5.00 traffic ticket charging her with running a stop sign. Simple enough. But not to her lawyer. It seems that she was in route to vote when she was stopped by the law. And section 149 of the Kentucky constitution says: “Voters, in all cases except treason, felony, breach or surety of the peace or violation of the election laws, shall be privileged from arrest during their attendance at elections and while they are going to and returning.” Case dismissed. She was under another law’s protection. (Source Unknown).