Session XV, Day 2

Today we see how Esther's perseverance pays off as King Xerxes' counter-edict goes out to all of the provinces of his Kingdom.  As we read this, let us not forget how God, using the bravery of one woman, has saved all of her fellow Jews in the kingdom.  What a testament this is to what the Lord can do when we allow him to use us for his work!


ASSIGNMENT:

READ Esther 8:9-17

Answer the following questions in your notebook...

1. What are the specifics of the “counter-edict?”
2. Mordecai’s dress continues to be important in our story.  How did he dress after Haman’s edict (4:1)?  After the counter-edict, he “left the king’s presence wearing ____________  ______________....”
3. How did the Jews react to Haman’s edict (4:3)?  To the counter-edict?
4. The statement, “many people of other nationalities became Jews …” has raised some questions among students of Esther.  Do you think they were actually converted to Yahweh and began obeying the Law?  What do you think is a possible interpretation of this statement?

*If you have any ideas on question #4 I encourage you to post your thoughts on the discussion board.