1. Esther's second plea to the king (1-9)

The king gave Haman's estate to Queen Esther and Haman's position to Mordecai. Esther risked her life one more time and went to the king. Again the king welcomed her. She pleaded to the king that Haman's plan be thwarted. They had eliminated the evil Haman, but his plan to annihilate all the Jews was still in place. She asked the king for an edict to stop the slaughter. The king allowed Mordecai to write an order to protect God's people. We need wisdom to know when to speak up and to do what is right. God gave Esther strength and wisdom to do just that.

2. Mordecai's edict (10-17)

Mordecai's edict, under the authority of the king, gave the Jews the right to protect themselves against their enemies, to destroy them, and to plunder them. This was a great victory for the Jews. There was feasting and celebrating everywhere Jews lived in the kingdom, especially in Susa. When we have faith, God can turn a time of seeming disaster into a time of great victory.