Meanwhile conditions in Medo-Persia were changing rapidly. Darius Hystaspes was followed on the throne by Xerxes the Great. During his reign those who had failed to leave faced a terrible crisis. Having refused the way of escape God had provided, now they came face to face with death. RR 211.6
Through Haman the Agagite, an unprincipled man high in authority in Medo-Persia, Satan worked to oppose God’s plans. Haman cherished bitter hatred against Mordecai, a Jew. Mordecai had done no harm to Haman but had simply refused to show him worshipful reverence. Not satisfied to “lay hands on Mordecai alone,” Haman plotted “to destroy all the Jews who were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus.” Esther 3:6. RR 212.1
Haman misled Xerxes, persuading him to order the massacre of all Jews “scattered and dispersed among the people in all the provinces” of Medo-Persia. Verse 8. The decree set a certain day on which to destroy the Jews and take their property. Satan was behind the scheme; he was trying to rid the earth of those who preserved the knowledge of the true God. RR 212.2
“In every province where the king’s command and decree arrived, there was great mourning among the Jews, with fasting, weeping, and wailing; and many lay in sackcloth and ashes.” Esther 4:3. RR 212.3
The decree of the Medes and Persians could not be revoked; apparently all the Israelites were doomed to destruction. But in the wise provision of God, Esther had been made queen. Mordecai was her near relative. In their desperation they decided to appeal to Xerxes in behalf of their people. Esther would dare to enter into his presence to plead for their lives. “Who knows,” said Mordecai, “whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Verse 14. RR 212.4