A Counter Decree Series

A Counter Decree

Esther 8: 9-17

Although much had changed in a short period of time, work remained for Esther and Mordecai. We must understand the process involved regarding an official decree of the king. Once a decree was signed, it could not be altered or changed. It remained law until it was carried out. In reality, the decree Ahasuerus had signed under the influence of Haman was still legal and binding. The king himself did not have the authority to annul the writing. The Jews only hope now was for Mordecai to write and seal a decree that would serve to counter the previous writing. This new decree would carry as much weight officially as Haman’s decree, but it would not remove it. Mordecai knew this new decree must be carefully worded to provide security and safety for the Jews. This was their only hope.

Things remained uncertain, but the Jews enjoyed a decided advantage. God had sovereignly placed Esther and Mordecai in their respective positions, and He would use them to provide deliverance for the Jews. Our lives face much adversity at times, but we too can rest in the sovereign hand of God. Thankfully His Word is forever settled and it will never be altered or countered by the devices of men or Satan.

Let’s examine this details of Mordecai’s carefully crafted decree as we consider: A Counter Decree.

I. The Issuance of the Decree (9-10) – Here we discover the details surrounding the issuance of Mordecai’s counter decree. Consider:

A. The Appointment (9a) – Then were the king's scribes called at that time in the third month, that is, the month Sivan, on the three and twentieth day thereof. Once Mordecai had crafted the decree, the king’s scribes were called in before him. This meeting was held on the twenty third day of the third month. Haman’s decree was scheduled to be carried out on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month. This would allow the Jews a little less than nine months from this day to make preparations according to Mordecai’s decree. The kingdom was vast, and it would certainly take some time to get the word to the remotest regions. There would be no time to waste, but a counter decree had been signed, offering hope to the Jews.

B. The Accommodation (9b) – and it was written according to all that Mordecai commanded unto the Jews, and to the lieutenants, and the deputies and rulers of the provinces which are from India unto Ethiopia, an hundred twenty and seven provinces, unto every province according to the writing thereof, and unto every people after their language, and to the Jews according to their writing, and according to their language. The decree had been crafted by Mordecai, according to his earnest desire, and would be made available to all the Jews in their own language, regardless of which province they lived within the kingdom. This decree, like Haman’s, was sent throughout the kingdom.

I am thankful that the message of hope and life within the Gospel wasn’t reserved for the Jews who dwelt in and around Jerusalem following the resurrection of Christ. It has been made available to all people throughout the world. All who hear and respond to the call of Christ in salvation are assured of eternal life in Him!

C. The Authority (10) – And he wrote in the king Ahasuerus' name, and sealed it with the king's ring, and sent letters by posts on horseback, and riders on mules, camels, and young dromedaries. Mordecai had written the decree, but he signed it with the king’s name and sealed it with the king’s signet ring. This decree enjoyed the backing and authority of the king himself. No one would be able to deny or dispute its validity or ignore its mandate. The decree would be sent out by posts on the backs of animals throughout the entire kingdom. The decree was signed and it would soon be delivered to each of the 127 provinces throughout Persia.

I couldn’t help but think of the sovereign decree signed on my behalf. I was sinful and condemned of God. The record was clear and I had no hope of pardon or reprieve. At the moment of my salvation, my account was marked “PAID IN FULL,” signed and sealed with the precious blood of my Lord and Savior. The enemy doesn’t like it, but he cannot alter the KING’s decree! Eph.1:13-14 – In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, [14] Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.