Esther 8:1-17

8:1-2 | According to the historians Herodotus and Josephus, the property of a traitor in Persia was confiscated by the state. In this case, Xerxes gave it (the house of Haman) to the queen, and passed on his royal signet ring to Mordecai as a gesture of favor and trust. Xerxes’ gift officially signaled that Mordecai had replaced Haman’s position in the kingdom.

8:10-17 | In this time of rejoicing, many people of the land became Jews. The Jews were also given permission to gather and protect themselves against attack. The response? Joy and honor in every province and city (Ps. 97:11; 122:4).