(1) Obviously the theme of this chapter is the turning around. E.g. v.1-2 the property of Haman was turned to Esther and Moredcai; v.3-8 the authority of Haman was turned to E and M; v.9-14 the new law allowed the Jews to overturn their enemies plan; and finally v.15-17 the emotion of the Jews and people in Susa turned around.
(2) The last 2 changes
In v.9-14, the new order resemble the old order
8:11 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.
[assemble]= (BDB) for conflict or war.
(ZIBBC) Thus, the Jews are authorized to begin gathering and arming soldiers to defend themselves against Haman’s mercenaries. Without such a decree, mustering an army would have been viewed as an act of rebellion.
3:13 Letters were sent by the runners to all the king’s provinces stating that they should destroy, kill, and annihilate all the Jews, from youth to elderly, both women and children, on a particular day, namely the thirteenth day of the twelfth month (that is, the month of Adar), and to loot and plunder their possessions.
3:13 Letters were sent by the runners to all the king’s provinces stating that they should destroy, kill, and annihilate all the Jews, from youth to elderly, both women and children, on a particular day, namely the thirteenth day of the twelfth month (that is, the month of Adar), and to loot and plunder their possessions.
People who wanted to hurt the Jews would be retributed. It was not due to any force of the world, but God promised exactly the same thing to Abraham. Even though Israel was taken captive for their breaking of the Law, God still kept His promise to them.
Reflection: Our enemies are not just our enemies. God knows who they are and what is going on. There is no need to worry about them. God is our Protector and we have no fear.
(3) v.15b The city of Susa shouted with joy.8:16 For the Jews there was radiant happiness and joyous honor.
4:3b ...there was considerable mourning among the Jews, along with fasting, weeping, and sorrow. Sackcloth and ashes were characteristic of many.
It is understandable why the Jews were joyous, but why did the city of Susa shout with joy when the Jews' lives were turned around? This might be a possible answer
(BKC) God’s good hand was then becoming obvious to the world at large. No longer were these events being viewed simply as happenstance; now people were beginning to realize that the God of the Jews was protecting them.
Reflection: Our lives are also turned around when Jesus saved us. No one will imagine a sinner like us can change. Do your changes make other people realize that God is the one who makes these changes possible?
Audrey
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