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    The Death Decree Against God's People

    Meanwhile conditions in Medo-Persia were changing rapidly. Darius Hystaspes was succeeded by Xerxes the Great. During his reign those who had failed to flee were called on to face a terrible crisis. Having refused the way of escape God had provided, now they were brought face to face with death.SS 310.2

    Through Haman the Agagite, an unscrupulous man high in authority in Medo-Persia, Satan worked to counterwork the purposes of God. Haman cherished bitter malice against Mordecai, a Jew. Mordecai had done Haman no harm but had simply refused to show him worshipful reverence. Scorning to “lay hands on Mordecai alone,” Haman plotted “to destroy all the Jews that were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus.” Esther 3:6.SS 310.3

    Misled by Haman, Xerxes was induced to decree the massacre of all Jews “scattered abroad and dispersed among the people in all the provinces” of Medo-Persia. Verse 8. A certain day was appointed on which the Jews were to be destroyed and their property confiscated. Satan, the instigator of the scheme, was trying to rid the earth of those who preserved the knowledge of the true God.SS 310.4

    “In every province, whithersoever the king's commandment and his decree came, there was great mourning among the Jews, and fasting, and weeping, and wailing; and many lay in sackcloth and ashes.” Esther 4:3.SS 310.5

    The decree of the Medes and Persians could not be revoked; apparently all the Israelites were doomed to destruction. But in the providence of God, Esther had been made queen. Mordecai was her near relative. In their extremity they decided to appeal to Xerxes in behalf of their people. Esther was to venture into his presence as an intercessor. “Who knoweth,” said Mordecai, “whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Verse 14.SS 311.1

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