Read Esther 8.1-17. In 8.1-17 Esther and Mordecai issue edicts. In verses 1-2: Yet more reversals: Esther receives Haman's house, and the signet ring that Ahasuerus gave to Haman to issue a decree (3.10) is now given to Mordecai to issue a counter-decree. In verse 3: The king has saved Esther and Mordecai, but now asks the he save the whole Jewish people. In verse 8: The irrevocability of a royal edict is both the cause and the solution to the Jews problem. In verses 9-11: Sivan (Babylonian "Simanu") was still 9 months from the execution of the original edict. Given free reign to draft the decree, Mordecai allows Jews not only to defend themselves but also to take plunder (though they do not, see 9.10). In verse 15: Mordecai's blue and white robes (as in 1.6) link him with royalty, as foreshadowed in 6.11. In verse 17: Persians professed to be Jews, suggesting that Jewish identity could be chosen for oneself. Comments or Questions,..
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