Esther 9:1-17

9:1-3 | Although Haman’s decree was written two months and 10 days before the decree written by Mordecai, both decrees went into effect on the same date: June 25, 474 BC. In one day, everything that had been planned by the wicked Haman was totally reversed. Even the Gentile officials switched their loyalty to the Jews.

9:7-10 | Haman and his ten sons were descendants of the Amalekites, who had attacked and killed many Israelites as they came out of Egypt (Ex. 17:8-16). God had promised His people that He would “blot out” the Amalekites (Deut. 25:17-19).

9:10 | Although the decree from the king allowed them to do so, the Jews did not lay a hand on the plunder from the enemies they killed – a point reiterated in verses 15 and 16. This decision stands in sharp contrast to Saul’s decision to plunder the Amalekites despite being instructed not to do so (1 Sam. 15:17-19).