Today we conclude the book of Esther. We are told that Esther was given all of Haman’s belongings (8:1). One of the blessings God promised His people was that their enemies would be defeated (see Deut 28:7). He also promised that they would plunder the enemies they defeat (Deut 20:14). Esther reveals to the king who Mordecai is, and he is given the office Haman previously held (v. 2). But there was still that decree that Haman had the king sign (see 3:12-13). Esther pleads with the king to stop it from happening (vv. 5-6). So the king gives to Esther and Mordecai the power to decree otherwise (v. 8).

But notice that the king said that an edict written in his name and sealed with the king’s seal cannot be revoked (v. 8 – see Dan 6:8-9). The edict from Haman was written in the name of the king and sealed with his seal (again 3:12-13). So how can that edict be revoked? It cannot. So Mordecai decrees that the Jews can defend themselves against their enemies (v. 11). Note how similar this is to Haman’s decree against the Jews. There is, of course, one major difference: the Jews would do this only in defense. Note again the language of plundering the defeated enemy. This is what Esther just did to Haman, the enemy of the Jews. He sought to do it to them, but God gave him into the hands of His people. Mordecai is now effectively the governor of Susa (v. 15). The Jews enjoyed their victory (v. 16), and because God gave them the victory, many joined themselves to His people (v. 17).

Chapter 9 continues this story of victory for God’s people. When their enemies assumed victory, God gave His people the victory (9:1). Note that no one could stand against them because fear of God’s people had fallen on them (v. 2). This is what God promised would happen if they obeyed (see Deut 2:25). So Mordecai becomes more and more powerful (v. 4). Remember that the Jews only struck down those who sought them harm (vv. 5-10). Esther asks the king to let the Jews avenge themselves on their enemies for another day (v. 13). We are told that none of the plunder was taken (v. 10, 15, 16). This shows us that what the Jews did was not like what Haman planned to do. Their reward was the victory God gave them.

We see in the close of this chapter that this victory is commemorated in the feast of Purim. The name simply means “lots” (v. 24 – see 3:7). Don’t miss what is happening here. This is more than the victory of God’s people over the wicked. This is God’s victory over the gods of the wicked (whom Haman consulted). Like He did in Egypt (see Ex 12:12), God showed Who really has the power. While this is the end of the Biblical record of God’s salvation for His people at the hand of Esther and Mordecai, we see that God continued to work for His people through Mordecai (10:2-3).