9:16 Godly Limits Haman’s law allowed for the killing of all Jewish men, women, and children, as well as the capture of their belongings. While the decree under Mordecai repeated the same allowances toward their enemies, no Jew took full liberties. They killed only those who were an active threat. The Jews feared God and did only what was strictly necessary for their protection.
9:20-32 Feasts and Fasts The book of Esther opens with an extravagant feast of sickening debauchery and closes with detailed protocols for celebrating Purim. Sumptuous feasts were held, but there were also times of fasting to express profound sorrow and need. For God’s people, feasting in praise and fasting in devotion naturally coincide as we remember, “whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Cor 10:31).