ESTHER

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Ahasuerus in giving his signet ring gave full and absolute authority to Haman to act as the king and as it pleased him. His purpose was action to destroy the Jews. His decisions and orders, with the kings signature would have to be carried out to their full. Indeed, he was an enemy to the Jews. Est. 3:10.

It is not yet apparent that the king was aware of the people who were to be destroyed. There is the possibility that he was thinking of an entirely different race of people, who had been conquered by his army, and were scattered throughout his kingdom. How cunning of Haman not to mention the particular race which he had in mind. The king made available the silver and the troops which were necessary to carry out the will of Haman. His plot against the Jews was progressing very well. Foolishly, the king was siding with him. Est. 3:11 He was given total liberty to accomplish his wicked purpose. What a sly fox this Haman was.

Haman wasted no time in gathering the scribes of the kingdom together that the command to kill all Jews, on a certain day, might be quickly sent. This action was taken on the thirteenth day of the first month. Thirteen is the number of rebellion. Note Gen. 14:4 This was also the day before the Jewish Passover, which takes place on the fourteenth day of the first month. The intention of Haman to destroy the Jews is now openly declared to all. The order was given to every leader of every province and to the heads of every captive nation that they were to exterminate the whole of the nation of Israel on one and the same day. Such extreme and deep rooted hatred is unimaginable, but it is there, in the heart of mankind. All this was done in the name of the king and with his signature on it. The implicit trust which the king had placed in his right hand man, Haman, was about to create a real problem for the king. Est. 3:12.

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