Hebrew-English Text
I. Summary
Ahasuerus appoints Mordecai to replace Haman and to take hold of his estate. Mordecai issues a new decree in favor of the Jews, and the Jews enjoy a period of strength and pride.
II. Photo
Mordecai’s status is elevated in v. 15: “Mordecai left the king’s presence in royal robes of blue and white, with a magnificent crown of gold and a mantle of fine linen and purple wool…”
III. Important Verses
v. 2: The king slipped off his ring, which he had taken back from Haman, and gave it to Mordecai; and Esther put Mordecai in charge of Haman’s property.
vv. 10-12: He had them written in the name of King Ahasuerus and sealed with the king’s signet. Letters were dispatched by mounted couriers, riding steeds used in the king’s service, bred of the royal stud, to this effect: The king has permitted the Jews of every city to assemble and fight for their lives; if any people or province attacks them, they may destroy, massacre, and exterminate its armed force together with women and children, and plunder their possessions — on a single day in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, namely, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, that is, the month of Adar.
vv. 16-17: The Jews enjoyed light and gladness, happiness and honor. And in every province and in every city, when the king’s command and decree arrived, there was gladness and joy among the Jews, a feast and a holiday. And many of the people of the land professed to be Jews, for the fear of the Jews had fallen upon them.
IV. Outline
1-2. Mordecai’s rise to power
3-14. Haman’s decree is repealed
15-17. Jewish pride and jubilation
V. Comment
No comment today. Stay tuned.
VI. Works Used
(see “Commentaries” page)
Murphy, Wisdom Literature (Forms of Old Testament Literature)
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