Esther 8:1–17 (May 20, 2025)

Esther Saves the Jews

8:1 On that day King Ahasuerus gave to Queen Esther the house of Haman, the enemy of the Jews. And Mordecai came before the king, for Esther had told what he was to her. 2 And the king took off his signet ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it to Mordecai. And Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman.

3 Then Esther spoke again to the king. She fell at his feet and wept and pleaded with him to avert the evil plan of Haman the Agagite and the plot that he had devised against the Jews. 4 When the king held out the golden scepter to Esther, Esther rose and stood before the king. 5 And she said, “If it please the king, and if I have found favor in his sight, and if the thing seems right before the king, and I am pleasing in his eyes, let an order be written to revoke the letters devised by Haman the Agagite, the son of Hammedatha, which he wrote to destroy the Jews who are in all the provinces of the king. 6 For how can I bear to see the calamity that is coming to my people? Or how can I bear to see the destruction of my kindred?” 7 Then King Ahasuerus said to Queen Esther and to Mordecai the Jew, “Behold, I have given Esther the house of Haman, and they have hanged him on the gallows,[a] because he intended to lay hands on the Jews. 8 But you may write as you please with regard to the Jews, in the name of the king, and seal it with the king's ring, for an edict written in the name of the king and sealed with the king's ring cannot be revoked.”

15 Then Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal robes of blue and white, with a great golden crown[a] and a robe of fine linen and purple, and the city of Susa shouted and rejoiced. 16 The Jews had light and gladness and joy and honor. 17 And in every province and in every city, wherever the king's command and his edict reached, there was gladness and joy among the Jews, a feast and a holiday. And many from the peoples of the country declared themselves Jews, for fear of the Jews had fallen on them.

Footnotes

Esther 8:7 Or wooden beam (see note on 2:23)

Esther 8:15 Or headdress

Summary

Esther 8 opens with a striking reversal. Haman, the enemy of the Jews, is gone. In his place, Mordecai is elevated to power. The king gives Haman’s estate to Esther, and she appoints Mordecai to oversee it. This public transfer signals more than personal vindication—it is a covenantal shift. The man who had plotted destruction is replaced by one who will now write a decree of life.

However, the danger is not yet gone. According to Persian law, no royal edict can be revoked (cf. Esther 1:19). Haman’s decree still stands: the Jews are to be annihilated. Esther once again risks her life, falls before the king, and pleads for her people.

The king cannot reverse the old decree. So, he gives Esther and Mordecai authority to write a new one. This second decree allows the Jews to defend themselves against any attack. The text describes the reaction of the people in vivid language: “light and gladness and joy and honor” (v.16). Many across the empire even identify with the Jews (v.17)—a stunning fulfillment of God’s promise to bless all nations through His covenant people (cf. Genesis 12:3).

A notable Hebrew phrase appears in verse 17: רַבִּים מֵעַמֵּי הָאָרֶץ מִתְיַהֲדִים (rabbim me'ammei ha’aretz mithyahadim) — “many from the peoples of the land declared themselves Jews.” The verb מִתְיַהֲדִים (mithyahadim) appears only here in the Bible and suggests an outward allegiance or conversion. The implication is that God’s covenant blessing is reaching beyond Israel, anticipating the ingathering of the Gentiles in Christ.

Who Is God?

God is the Covenant-Keeping Redeemer, who brings life through a better decree.

Even when evil seems to triumph, and unjust laws remain on the books, God provides a greater word. He is not bound by human law or imperial systems. His providence transcends palaces and politics.

In Esther’s pleading, we hear echoes of intercession. In Mordecai’s authority, we see shadows of the Messiah. God is orchestrating a new decree, not by canceling the old, but by offering a redemptive counter-word that brings life instead of death.

God is not simply reversing fate—He is establishing justice in such a way that only He can receive the glory. His hidden hand is not merely corrective—it is constructive, creating space for His people to flourish and for His name to be honored among the nations.

What Is Our Guilt?

Our guilt lies in trusting the first decree more than the second.

Like the citizens of Susa, we often live in fear, believing that condemnation is final. We assume that what’s written against us cannot be undone.

But the deeper problem is not the decree—it is our disbelief. We forget the intercession of Christ. We forget that a better word has been spoken over us. We live under the shadow of guilt and shame, even after God has proclaimed freedom and life.

We also see our guilt in how we often ignore injustice unless it affects us personally. The king is passive until Esther pleads. We, too, need prompting before we move toward mercy.

And finally, our guilt is revealed in our reluctance to identify with God’s people when it is risky, but eagerness when it is advantageous. The “many” who declare themselves Jews in verse 17 are a mixed group. Are we among those who identify with Christ only when it is safe?

How Does the Gospel and Grace Shine?

The grace of God shines in the second decree.

The first decree brings death—the second offers life. And yet, the first is not abolished. This mirrors the biblical relationship between law and gospel.

The law cannot be undone—it reveals sin and declares judgment (Romans 3:20). But the gospel does not cancel the law—it answers it. It speaks a better word (Hebrews 12:24), written not with ink but with the blood of Christ.

A greater Mediator than Esther has interceded.

A better Advocate than Mordecai now rules.

A final decree has gone out from the throne of heaven—not to condemn, but to save.

And what is the result?

Light replaces darkness. Joy replaces fear. Honor replaces shame. And the name of the Lord is magnified in all the earth. Hallelujah!

A Thanksgiving Prayer

Merciful and mighty God,

Thank you for speaking a better word over our lives. Thank you, though the law condemned us, the gospel declares us free.

We confess that we often live in fear of the first decree, as if death and judgment still have the final say. But your Word is stronger. Your promises are better. Your grace is enough.

Thank you for Christ, our Mediator and Advocate. Thank you for the new decree of the cross—that all who believe shall not perish but have everlasting life.

Help us to live with the joy of those who have been delivered. Help us to proclaim your gospel to those still living under fear.

And may your name be honored among all peoples, as it was in Susa long ago.

In Jesus Christ's name we pray.