8:3-5, 9

• Esther and Mordecai were safe. But Haman’s decree to kill all the Jews was making its way to every corner of the empire

• Esther risked her life again, appearing uninvited before the king. She wept for her people and asked the king to revoke the terrible edict

• Laws passed in the king’s name could not be revoked. So the king empowered Esther and Mordecai to enact a new law

8:10-14, 17

• A second proclamation was made, giving the Jews the right to defend themselves

• Riders sped to every part of the empire, and the Jews prepared for battle

• Many people saw evidence of God’s favor and became Jewish proselytes