Introduction
THE TWO DAYS OF VENGEANCE, Esther 9:1-19.
The days, and weeks, and months passed swiftly by. The dreadful thirteenth of Adar was at hand. Those were days of most intense anxiety and suspense throughout the Persian empire. Two royal edicts were before the people one authorizing a general massacre of the Jews, and the seizing of their property, the other empowering the Jews to take all needful measures for self-defence. These edicts were of equal authority. Strange spectacle! Possible only under that Medo-Persian government, where the foolish notion had become a law, that no decree signed by the royal signet can be reversed or changed. Meanwhile warlike preparations had been making, and in many cities it was evident there would be shedding of blood. For the Jews’ enemies were in many quarters so bitter in their hatred that they could not rest. They hesitated not to risk life and peace and property for the sake of being avenged on a race whose customs and religion they despised. Notable is the fact that men in whom such hatred dwells are not awed by admonitions. The fall of Haman, the elevation and growing influence of Mordecai, and the general “fear of the Jews” that began to prevail, only imbittered their rage, and seemed to urge them on with mad frenzy to deeds of violence and blood.
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