Esther Chapter 8

Updated: March 12, 2025
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Mordecai is Advanced

1On that day did the king Ahasuerus give the house of Haman the Jews' enemy unto Esther the queen. And Mordecai came before the king; for Esther had told what he was unto her. 2And 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.

3And 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. 4Then the king held out the golden sceptre toward Esther. So Esther arose, and stood before the king, 5And 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 the Jews which are in all the king's provinces: 6For 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?

Xerxes' Decree

7Then 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 upon the gallows, because he laid his hand upon the Jews.

8Write 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.

9Then 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. 10And 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: 11Wherein the king granted the Jews which were in every city to gather themselves together, and to stand for their life, to destroy, to slay, 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, 12Upon one day in all the provinces of king Ahasuerus, namely, upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar. 13The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published unto all people, and that the Jews should be ready against that day to avenge themselves on their enemies. 14So 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.

15And 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. 16The Jews had light, and gladness, and joy, and honour. 17And 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.

King James Bible

Text courtesy of BibleProtector.com.

Esther Appeals for the Jews

1 On that day, King Ahasuerus gave the house of Haman, the Jews’ enemy, to Esther the queen. Mordecai came before the king; for Esther had told what he was to her. 2 The king took off his ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it to Mordecai. Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman.

3 Esther spoke yet again before the king, and fell down at his feet, and begged him with tears to put away the mischief of Haman the Agagite, and his device that he had devised against the Jews. 4 Then the king held out to Esther the golden scepter. So Esther arose, and stood before the king. 5 She said, “If it pleases the king, and if I have found favor in his sight, and the thing seem right to the king, and I am 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 the Jews who are in all the king’s provinces. 6 For how can I endure to see the evil that would come to my people? How can I endure to see the destruction of my relatives?”

The Decree of Xerxes

7 Then King Ahasuerus said to Esther the queen and to Mordecai the Jew, “See, I have given Esther the house of Haman, and him they have hanged on the gallows, because he laid his hand on the Jews.

8 Write also to the Jews, as it pleases 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 not be reversed by any man.”

9 Then the king’s scribes were called at that time, in the third month Sivan, on the twenty-third day of the month; and it was written according to all that Mordecai commanded to the Jews, and to the satraps, and the governors and princes of the provinces which are from India to Ethiopia, one hundred twenty-seven provinces, to every province according to its writing, and to every people in their language, and to the Jews in their writing, and in their language. 10 He wrote in the name of King Ahasuerus, and sealed it with the king’s ring, and sent letters by courier on horseback, riding on royal horses that were bread from swift steeds. 11 In those letters, the king granted the Jews who were in every city to gather themselves together, and to defend their life, to destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all the power of the people and province that would assault them, their little ones and women, and to plunder their possessions, 12 on one day in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar. 13 A copy of the letter, that the decree should be given out in every province, was published to all the peoples, that the Jews should be ready for that day to avenge themselves on their enemies. 14 So the couriers who rode on royal horses went out, hastened and pressed on by the king’s commandment. The decree was given out in the citadel of Susa.

15 Mordecai went out of the presence of the king in royal clothing of blue and white, and with a great crown of gold, and with a robe of fine linen and purple; and the city of Susa shouted and was glad. 16 The Jews had light, gladness, joy, and honor. 17 In every province, and in every city, wherever the king’s commandment and his decree came, the Jews had gladness, joy, a feast, and a good day. Many from among the peoples of the land became Jews; for the fear of the Jews was fallen on them.

Esther Appeals for the Jews

1 That same day King Xerxes awarded Queen Esther the estate of Haman, the enemy of the Jews. And Mordecai entered the king’s presence because Esther had revealed his relation to her. 2 The king removed the signet ring he had recovered from Haman and presented it to Mordecai. And Esther appointed Mordecai over the estate of Haman.

3 And once again, Esther addressed the king. She fell at his feet weeping and begged him to revoke the evil scheme of Haman the Agagite, which he had devised against the Jews.

4 The king extended the gold scepter toward Esther, and she arose and stood before the king.

5 “If it pleases the king,” she said, “and if I have found favor in his sight, and the matter seems proper to the king, and I am pleasing in his sight, may an order be written to revoke the letters that the scheming Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, wrote to destroy the Jews in all the king’s provinces. 6 For how could I bear to see the disaster that would befall my people? How could I bear to see the destruction of my kindred?”

The Decree of Xerxes

7 So King Xerxes said to Esther the Queen and Mordecai the Jew, “Behold, I have given Haman’s estate to Esther, and he was hanged on the gallows because he attacked the Jews. 8 Now you may write in the king’s name as you please regarding the Jews, and seal it with the royal signet ring. For a decree that is written in the name of the king and sealed with the royal signet ring cannot be revoked.”

9 At once the royal scribes were summoned, and on the twenty-third day of the third month (the month of Sivan a), they recorded all of Mordecai’s orders to the Jews and to the satraps, governors, and princes of the 127 provinces from India to Cush b —writing to each province in its own script, to every people in their own language, and to the Jews in their own script and language.

10 Mordecai wrote in the name of King Xerxes and sealed it with the royal signet ring. He sent the documents by mounted couriers riding on swift horses bred from the royal mares.

11 By these letters the king permitted the Jews in each and every city the right to assemble and defend themselves, to destroy, kill, and annihilate all the forces of any people or province hostile to them, including women and children, and to plunder their possessions. 12 The single day appointed throughout all the provinces of King Xerxes was the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar. c

13 A copy of the text of the edict was to be issued in every province and published to all the people, so that the Jews would be ready on that day to avenge themselves on their enemies. 14 The couriers rode out in haste on their royal horses, pressed on by the command of the king. And the edict was also issued in the citadel of Susa.

15 Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal garments of blue and white, with a large gold crown and a purple robe of fine linen. And the city of Susa shouted and rejoiced.

16 For the Jews it was a time of light and gladness, of joy and honor. 17 In every province and every city, wherever the king’s edict and decree reached, there was joy and gladness among the Jews, with feasting and celebrating. And many of the people of the land themselves became Jews, because the fear of the Jews had fallen upon them.

 

Footnotes:

9 a Sivan  is the third month of the Hebrew lunar calendar, usually occurring within the months of May and June.
9 b That is, to the upper Nile region
12 c Adar  is the twelfth month of the Hebrew lunar calendar, usually occurring within the months of February and March.

Mordecai is Advanced

1On that day hath the king Ahasuerus given to Esther the queen the house of Haman, adversary of the Jews, and Mordecai hath come in before the king, for Esther hath declared what he is to her, 2and the king turneth aside his signet, that he hath caused to pass away from Haman, and giveth it to Mordecai, and Esther setteth Mordecai over the house of Haman.

3And Esther addeth, and speaketh before the king, and falleth before his feet, and weepeth, and maketh supplication to him, to cause the evil of Haman the Agagite to pass away, and his device that he had devised against the Jews; 4and the king holdeth out to Esther the golden sceptre, and Esther riseth, and standeth before the king, 5and saith, 'If to the king it be good, and if I have found grace before him, and the thing hath been right before the king, and I be good in his eyes, let it be written to bring back the letters -- a device of Haman son of Hammedatha the Agagite -- that he wrote to destroy the Jews who are in all provinces of the king, 6for how do I endure when I have looked on the evil that doth find my people? and how do I endure when I have looked on the destruction of my kindred?'

Xerxes' Decree

7And the king Ahasuerus saith to Esther the queen, and to Mordecai the Jew, 'Lo, the house of Haman I have given to Esther, and him they have hanged on the tree, because that he put forth his hand on the Jews,

8and ye, write ye for the Jews, as it is good in your eyes, in the name of the king, and seal with the signet of the king -- for the writing that is written in the name of the king, and sealed with the signet of the king, there is none to turn back.'

9And the scribes of the king are called, at that time, in the third month -- it is the month of Sivan -- in the three and twentieth of it, and it is written, according to all that Mordecai hath commanded, unto the Jews, and unto the lieutenants, and the governors, and the heads of the provinces, that are from Hodu even unto Cush, seven and twenty and a hundred provinces -- province and province according to its writing, and people and people according to its tongue, and unto the Jews according to their writing, and according to their tongue. 10And he writeth in the name of the king Ahasuerus, and sealeth with the signet of the king, and sendeth letters by the hand of the runners with horses, riders of the dromedary, the mules, the young mares, 11that the king hath given to the Jews who are in every city and city, to be assembled, and to stand for their life, to cut off, to slay, and to destroy the whole force of the people and province who are distressing them, infants and women, and their spoil to seize. 12In one day, in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, on the thirteenth of the twelfth month -- it is the month of Adar -- 13a copy of the writing to be made law in every province and province is revealed to all the peoples, and for the Jews being ready at this day to be avenged of their enemies. 14The runners, riding on the dromedary, and the mules, have gone out, hastened and pressed by the word of the king, and the law hath been given in Shushan the palace.

15And Mordecai went out from before the king, in royal clothing of blue and white, and a great crown of gold, and a garment of fine linen and purple, and the city of Shushan hath rejoiced and been glad; 16to the Jews hath been light, and gladness, and joy, and honour, 17and in every province and province, and in every city and city, the place where the word of the king, even his law, is coming, gladness and joy are to the Jews, a banquet, and a good day; and many of the peoples of the land are becoming Jews, for a fear of the Jews hath fallen upon them.

The F.O.G Commentary
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What is the meaning of Esther 8?

Introduction to Esther 8

Esther 8 marks a dramatic turning point in the story of God’s people in Persia, where divine providence transforms potential genocide into miraculous deliverance. This pivotal chapter demonstrates how יהוה (Yahweh) can reverse circumstances completely, turning mourning into dancing and death into life. The narrative showcases how the courage of one woman and the faithful prayers of God’s people can impact an entire empire, while foreshadowing greater spiritual truths about redemption and victory.

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Context of Esther 8

The events of Esther 8 follow directly after the dramatic downfall of Haman in chapter 7, where the wicked antagonist’s plot to destroy the Jews was exposed by Queen Esther, leading to his execution on the very gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. However, while Haman has been eliminated, his genocidal edict against the Jews remains in effect due to the immutable nature of Persian law.

This chapter fits within the larger biblical narrative of God’s faithfulness to preserve His chosen people despite constant threats of annihilation. It echoes similar deliverances like the Exodus from Egypt and Daniel in the lions’ den, while pointing forward to the ultimate victory of the Messiah over death itself. The chapter also demonstrates how God often works through seemingly secular political processes to accomplish His divine purposes, much like Joseph’s elevation in Egypt or Daniel’s influence in Babylon.

This episode takes place during the period of Jewish exile, yet shows how God remained faithful to His covenant promises even when His people were scattered among the nations. It’s a powerful testimony to divine providence working behind the scenes of human history.

Ancient Key Word Study

  • נַהֲפוֹךְ (nahafoch) – “Turning/overturning” (v.1): This Hebrew word denotes a complete reversal or transformation. It appears at crucial moments in Scripture when God dramatically reverses circumstances, suggesting divine intervention that completely changes a situation from one extreme to another.
  • טַבַּעַת (taba’at) – “Signet ring” (v.2): This symbol of royal authority was transferred from Haman to Mordecai, representing not just a change in political power but divine elevation of the humble and casting down of the proud. The ring’s impression in wax would make documents irrevocable.
  • בָּכָה (bakah) – “Weeping” (v.3): This verb describes deep emotional distress and appears frequently in contexts of both sorrow and eventual joy in Scripture. Here it shows Esther’s continued heart for her people even after personal victory.
  • תַּחֲנוּנִים (tachanunim) – “Supplications” (v.3): This word specifically refers to appeals for grace or favor, often in a context of undeserved mercy. It’s related to the Hebrew word for grace (chen) and implies humble petitioning.
  • שָׁלַח יָד (shalach yad) – “To lay hands on” (v.7): This phrase literally means “to send forth the hand” and in this context refers to hostile intent. It’s the same phrase used when God stayed Abraham’s hand from sacrificing Isaac.
  • סוּס (sus) – “Horse” (v.10): In Persian culture, horses represented both military might and royal authority. The speed of these royal couriers on horseback meant the difference between life and death for the Jewish people.
  • אוֹר (or) – “Light” (v.16): This word carries deep spiritual significance throughout Scripture, often symbolizing God’s presence, truth, and deliverance from darkness. Here it represents both literal daylight and spiritual enlightenment.
  • שִׂמְחָה (simchah) – “Joy” (v.16): This term represents not just happiness but complete satisfaction and delight, often used in context of God’s salvation and deliverance.
  • יְקָר (yeqar) – “Honor” (v.16): This word denotes both the weight of glory and the preciousness of something valuable, suggesting both social status and inherent worth.
  • מִתְיַהֲדִים (mityahadim) – “Became Jews” (v.17): This unique term literally means “to become Jewish” and represents the first recorded instance of large-scale conversion to Judaism in Scripture.

Compare & Contrast

  • Verse 3: Esther’s approach to the king “fell at his feet and wept” contrasts with her earlier formal approach in 5:2. This shows a progression from diplomatic strategy to raw emotional appeal, demonstrating both her growing boldness and the desperate nature of her plea. The Hebrew could have used more formal court language but instead emphasizes her humanity and humility.
  • Verse 5: The phrase “if it pleases the king” (אִם־טֹ֤וב עַל־הַמֶּ֙לֶךְ) is deliberately chosen over possible alternatives like “by the king’s command” to maintain the delicate balance between royal authority and personal appeal. This phrasing appears throughout Esther, creating a literary motif that highlights human free will within divine providence.
  • Verse 8: The statement about the irrevocability of Persian law uses specific legal terminology that would have resonated with both Persian and Jewish audiences. The phrase “written in the king’s name and sealed with the king’s ring” emphasizes both human and divine authority, as rings were symbols of authority in both cultures.
  • Verse 9: The detailed description of the scribes and the timing (third month, Sivan) provides historical authenticity while also connecting to the Jewish festival calendar. The specificity of “23rd day” carries symbolic significance in Jewish numerology.
  • Verse 11: The permission for Jews to “stand for their life” (לַעֲמֹ֣ד עַל־נַפְשָׁ֗ם) uses language that echoes defensive rather than aggressive action, carefully chosen to justify self-defense while avoiding the appearance of mere revenge.
  • Verse 15: Mordecai’s royal garments are described with specific colors (blue and white) that had significance in both Persian and Jewish cultures. The term for “great crown” (עֲטֶ֤רֶת) is distinct from the royal crown (כֶּתֶר) worn by the king, showing careful distinction in authority levels.
  • Verse 16: The sequence “light and gladness and joy and honor” uses four terms that progress from external to internal qualities, creating a poetic structure that emphasizes complete transformation.
  • Verse 17: The phrase “fear of the Jews” (פַּֽחַד־הַיְּהוּדִ֖ים) uses the same Hebrew word for fear often associated with divine awe, suggesting not just physical fear but recognition of divine power.

Esther 8 Unique Insights

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The timing of these events during the month of Sivan is particularly significant as it corresponds to the traditional time of the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. Just as the law given at Sinai brought life to Israel, this new decree brought life to the Jews in Persia. The Midrash draws parallels between these two events, noting how both involved divine intervention through written documents that transformed the status of the Jewish people.

The chapter contains a fascinating wordplay in verse 15 with Mordecai’s “great crown” (עֲטֶ֤רֶת גְּדוֹלָה). This same phrase appears in Zechariah 6:11 regarding the crown placed on Joshua the high priest, who serves as a type of the Messiah. This connection suggests Mordecai’s elevation as part of a larger pattern of divine exaltation of the humble who trust in God.

The ancient rabbis noted that the sequence of “light, gladness, joy, and honor” in verse 16 corresponds to four elements of Jewish religious life: Torah (light), festivals (gladness), Sabbath (joy), and circumcision (honor). This interpretation sees in the Jews’ deliverance a restoration of their full religious freedom and identity.

The unprecedented mass conversion to Judaism described in verse 17 is seen by many scholars as a prophetic picture of the future time when “many nations shall join themselves to יהוה” (Zechariah 2:11). The Hebrew term used here, מִתְיַהֲדִים (mityahadim), appears nowhere else in Scripture, suggesting its unique significance.

Esther 8 Connections to Yeshua

The reversal of the death decree in Esther 8 powerfully prefigures how the Messiah would reverse the curse of death itself. Just as a new decree gave life to the Jews in Persia, Yeshua’s death and resurrection established a new covenant that brings eternal life to all who believe.

Mordecai’s exaltation from condemned man to prime minister, marked by the royal ring and garments, parallels the Messiah’s journey from suffering servant to exalted King. The people’s response of joy and celebration anticipates the future day when “every knee shall bow” to Yeshua (Philippians 2:10-11).

Esther 8 Scriptural Echoes

This chapter resonates with numerous biblical themes and events. The reversal of fortune echoes Joseph’s rise in Egypt (Genesis 41:41-43) and Daniel’s elevation in Babylon (Daniel 6:25-28). The theme of divine deliverance mirrors the Exodus story, while the mass conversion of Gentiles foreshadows New Testament events like those recorded in Acts 10.

The imagery of light dispelling darkness recalls God’s first creative act (Genesis 1:3) and points forward to Yeshua as the Light of the World (John 8:12). The transformation of mourning into joy anticipates numerous Messianic prophecies, particularly Isaiah 61:3.

Esther 8 Devotional

This chapter challenges us to trust in God’s perfect timing and sovereign control, even when circumstances seem dire. Just as Esther and Mordecai had to wait for God’s deliverance, we too must learn to trust His timing while taking courageous action when called upon.

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The dramatic reversal in this chapter reminds us that no situation is beyond God’s power to transform. Whether facing personal trials, spiritual warfare, or seemingly impossible circumstances, we can trust that the same God who turned the Jews’ mourning into dancing is still able to work on our behalf today.

Consider how God might be positioning you, like Esther, “for such a time as this.” What situations in your life require bold faith and action? How can you trust God’s providence while actively participating in His plan?

Did You Know

  • The Persian empire’s postal system, mentioned in verse 10, was one of the ancient world’s most sophisticated communication networks, with relay stations every 14 miles along major roads.
  • The royal garments worn by Mordecai (verse 15) would have included the rare and expensive Tyrian purple dye, which required 12,000 Murex snails to produce just 1.5 grams of dye.
  • The third month Sivan (verse 9) typically falls in May-June and was associated with the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai in Jewish tradition.
  • The 127 provinces mentioned represented the largest empire in ancient history up to that time, stretching from India to Ethiopia.
  • The phrase “Jews had light” in verse 16 is read during the Havdalah ceremony that marks the end of Sabbath, connecting Esther’s story to weekly Jewish life.
  • The Hebrew text uses a rare word for “swift steeds” (אֲחַשְׁתְּרָנִים) in verse 10, which is a loan word from Persian, adding historical authenticity to the account.
  • The mass conversion described in verse 17 represents the first recorded large-scale conversion to Judaism in history.
  • The time between the first decree (3:12) and this counter-decree was approximately two months and ten days, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
  • The royal seal mentioned in verse 8 would have been cylindrical in shape, typical of Persian royal seals, rather than the flat signet rings used in other cultures.
  • The “crown of gold” worn by Mordecai was likely a circlet rather than a full crown, distinguishing it from the royal crown while still symbolizing high office.

Esther Chapter 8

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