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There is always hope and time for the Lord to show His abundant mercy. Though the letters of condemnation were quickly carried by courier. The kingdom was so spread out that it would have taken an extensive period for all to receive the command. Then too, the proper day had been chosen which gave the Jews a period of at least eleven months before they were executed. All, young and old, men and women were to be completely destroyed all over the kingdom in one day. Their possessions and property was to be confiscated. Est. 3:13 Everybody, was invited to participate in the horror of that day. Est. 3:14.
The reaction of the citizens of the city of Shushan was one of perplexity, of deep concern. We know from the time of the rebuilding of the city and the temple under Ezra and Nehemiah and the others who helped them that there had been much mingling in marriage of the different nationalities in the seventy years of their captivity. Neh. 13:3 The same would hold true for the rest of the country. Once a slaughter of this proportions started, who could tell where it would end.
The king and Haman sat down to celebrate their decision by having themselves a session of drinking. We now know that the king was aware of the plot against the Jews and from this show of camaraderie with Haman made known his approval.
The reaction of Mordecai was immediate and intense seeing as it had been his previous actions which triggered the current condition. The rending of his clothes was a signal of the brokenness of his heart. He did not repent of his actions, nor should he have. He did feel great grief for his people because of what was to happen to them. Est. 4:1 Clothing himself in sackcloth was a sign of the extreme anguish and sorrow which he felt. He went about the city in deep anguish of soul crying out with a loud voice and bitterness of soul. Est. 4:1.