SCRIPTURE: Esther 8:1-17 

SHOW NOTES: Following Haman’s death, the king gave Queen Esther the house of Haman. Mordecai is given the authority and signet ring Haman used to issue the decree of death to the Jews. A major role reversal has occurred between Haman and Mordecai. But the story is not over. Haman’s royal decree had been written and declared throughout the entire kingdom calling for the destruction of the Jewish people. 

Queen Esther pleaded with the king to avert the evil plan of Haman and the plot that he had devised against the Jews. The king gives permission for the queen and Mordecai to write a new edict with regard to the Jews and seal it with the king’s ring. They have been given full permission to destroy and kill those who would seek to destroy or kill them. The Jews were allowed to protect themselves, children, women, and their property against attacks from others in the kingdom. 

And in every province and in every city, wherever the king's command and his edict reached, there was gladness and joy among the Jews, a feast and a holiday.

SONG: "Battle Belongs" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=johgSkNj3-A