Esther-A Plot to Undo a Plot

By Mary Vee
Esther 8

From King Xerxes' Journal

Photo Coutesy

I am Xerxes, king of all the Babylonian empire. I have always been a strong, decisive person. Always.

Except this second.

I mean, I'm still a decisive person, I have to be as king. The problem is Esther, my lovely queen who has been nothing less than the ideal queen, is on her knees begging, and her claim is valid.

A few months ago, Haman, the man who once held the position of second in my kingdom, conned me into allowing a decree to become official. Haman wrote the decree to get what he wanted. 

Apparently he became angry with a man, a Jew, and decided to blame the entire Jewish nation. He convinced me that these people would persuade others to turn away from me, that they did not respect or obey my commands, and much more. He seemed so convincing, and I was a fool. 

Well, the decree was signed ordering all Jews residing in Babylon to be killed in the twelfth month. I have since seen proof that Haman was the one who was not loyal or respectful of my commands. If there was a way to undo the decree, I would! I didn't even know Esther was a Jew when I gave the permission to Haman.

Now she is at my feet crying and begging for me to undo a decree. That is the one thing I cannot do. It is not in my power.

I said to her and Mordecai, "No document written in the king's name and sealed with his ring can be revoked. I cannot undo Haman's decree. But because Haman attacked the Jews, I have given you his estate. I have also hung Haman on the gallows he built to hang you, Mordecai. I realize this doesn't help undo Haman's decree."

I sat back and thought a moment. "There is one thing you could do. You could write a new decree in behalf of the Jews. Something that seems best to you. Then seal it with the king's signet ring."

Esther stood and wiped her eyes. She looked at Mordecai. 

He said, "I have an idea."

She looked back at me and smiled, "Thank you, your majesty."

"You're welcome."

I called the guards. "Bring the royal secretaries at once."

"Yes, your majesty." The guards left the room.

I invited Esther and Mordecai to stay. The new decree could be drawn up right here in my presence then immediately sent out to the whole empire.




 
The story has much more to tell...come back to read what happens next.

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sources: New International Version, New King James Version  

1. What bothered the king?
2. What did Esther want?
3  Why couldn't the king do it?
4. What was the king's new idea?
5. Do you think Mordecai will be able to write a decree to stop the killings?


Remember, no decree could be undone.