Part 5 of 5 - Esther - An Orphan becomes Queen

Part 5 of 5 - Esther - An Orphan becomes Queen

Chapter 9 

On the twelfth month on the thirteenth day, the new edict of the king was to be carried out allowing the Jews to overpower their enemies. The tables were now turned in the favor of the Jews. All the provinces were afraid of the Jews because of  Mordecai’s newfound power over all of them. His reputation has spread throughout all of the provinces and he became more and more powerful. 

In the city of Susa, the Jews killed 500 men along with the 10 sons of Haman but did not lay their hands on the plunder.  This was reported back to the King and Queen Esther. The king then said to  Esther, “whatever your request, it will be given to you.” 

Esther asked the king to impale the  ten sons of Haman on a pole and it was granted to her. 

On the next day, the Jews killed 300 more men in the city of Susa but did not lay hands on the plunder. 

The Jews killed a total of 75 thousand of their enemies on the 13th day of the month of Adar,  but did not lay hands on the plunder.  On the 14th day they rested and had a joyous feast.  That is why Jews living in rural areas feast and celebrate on the 14th day.  On the 15th day the Jews in the city celebrated.

Mordecai issued a decree throughout all the provinces of King Xerxes to have an annual celebration of the 14th and 15th days yearly.  He ordered that they celebrate giving presents  of food to each other and feasting and also give gifts to the poor. These days of celebration are called Purim. This would continue to be a day to be remembered throughout all generations to come.  It was recorded that Mordecai and Queen Esther would command the Jews hold this celebration yearly to remember what the Jews had endured.

Chapter 10 

King Xerxes imposed a tribute throughout his entire empire and to its distant shores to the greatness of Mordecai and is now written in the books of Media and Persia. 

Mordecai became second in rank to King Xerxes. 

He was held in high esteem by many fellow Jews because he worked for the good of his people and spoke up for their welfare.