Esther Study Guide – Esther 8:12-17
• Is the “last month” really a glorious month for everyone? (Esther 8:12) No, for the king granted that even civil war may be fought for the protection of the Jews. Clearly, this was created by divine intervention.
Why were copies of the writing distributed to every province? (Esther 8:13) This was a picture of the distribution of the Word of God throughout the New Testament time period.
Should they not all have the seal of the king’s ring? (See verse 8) Yes indeed! The writing became as important as a commandment.
Can we see the image of the seal of the King’s ring? (2nd Peter 1:20-21 ) Thus saith the LORD!
• What was the “commandment”? (Esther 8:13) It was what Mordecai commanded to the Jews, that they had to defend themselves.
Why was it published unto all people? The Gospel must go out into all the world.
What does the writing spiritually represent? The Word of God.
What does the writing spiritually contain? Conduct of the Jews at the end of time.
• What does it mean “that the Jews should be ready against that day to avenge themselves on their enemies”? (Esther 8:13) What does it mean “to avenge themselves”?
Does not the Bible teach that we should not avenge ourselves? (Romans 12:19-21) That is true; Christ defends us, but on the last day we shall know exactly who our enemies are, for we shall be judges with Christ.
Who are our enemies? All those who are against Christ, and against the Gospel of free grace through Jesus Christ are our enemies.
• The couriers that rode upon stallions and royal steeds went out. (Esther 8:14) Only male horses were used in battle. It is a spiritual battle between Christ and Satan. The Gospel must be preached to all nations.
Why were they being hastened? It was only the third month! The Jews are given enough time to prepare themselves for this last spiritual battle (Ephesians 6:10-18).
Why apparently was the law also given by couriers to Shushan the palace? It is because Shushan the palace is a picture of the New Testament Congregation; but not everyone in the congregation is a saved individual. Therefore the Gospel must be preached to the people in the congregation as well.
• Why did Mordecai go out from the presence of the King? (Esther 8:15). Psalm 45 is a Psalm to the Chief Musician concerning the Lilies. Remember the Lilies: Christ and all those who are in Christ. In this Psalm the prophet proceeds to celebrate King Messiah for riding out conquering and to conquer.
Why was He clothed in royal apparel, in blue and white, and a great crown of gold on His head? It is because the prophecy of Esther 6:8 became a reality. We read in Esther 6:8 the prophecy of Haman, “Let the royal apparel be brought which the king useth to wear, and the horse that the king rideth upon, and the crown royal which is set upon his head”.
Why was He dressed in blue and white? And why also in purple and fine linen? Blue and white were two of the colours of the banners of the empire (Esther 1:6) Purple and fine linen were also used for the hangings of the tabernacle in the wilderness and for the clothing of the high priest. In Exodus chapters 26, 27, 28, 36, 38, and 39 we read repeatedly of: blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen.
Why did He wear a great crown of gold? It is because Christ is our King and our great High Priest.
Why did the city of Shushan rejoice? Were they all Jews? No, but it is the city of the Lily.
• What does it mean that the Jews had light? (Esther 8:16)
Were they in the dark before? No, but they were in uncertainty of what would befall them on Judgment Day.
When were they glad and had joy? When they knew that the favour (the sceptre, the grace) of the King would support them in their defense against their enemies.
When were they held in honour? They were held in honour when it was known that they were in favour with the King because of the actions of Mordecai.
• When did the Jews have joy and gladness? (Esther 8:17) It was when they heard the message of what Mordecai had done. Spiritually, when the New Testament saints heard the Gospel they were glad and rejoiced (Romans 10:17).
When did the Jews have a feast and a good day? When they could share their faith with others.
Why did many people of the land become Jews? They too heard the Gospel (Romans 10:17).
What does it mean that “the fear of the Jews fell upon them”? Not the fear in the sense of being terrified, but the fear of the LORD fell upon them. They too wanted to honour and glorify Christ as He was portrayed by Mordecai.
Jesus is LORD! 
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