How could the Persian officials suddenly "help" the Jews after Haman's decree?

The original decree by Haman, sealed with the king's ring, was indeed irrevocable according to Persian law. However, King Ahasuerus issued a *counter-decree* through Mordecai, which was also sealed with the king's ring (Esther 8:8). This counter-decree did not revoke the first but *empowered* the Jews to defend themselves and destroy those who sought to attack them on the appointed day (Esther 8:11). With Mordecai elevated to prime minister, second only to the king (Esther 8:15), his immense authority and the king's favor ensured that the new decree was enforced with zeal. The "fear of Mordecai" falling upon the officials meant they understood it was in their best interest to support Mordecai and the Jews, as opposing them would be seen as opposing the king's newly expressed will. They were not breaking the law but enforcing a new, overriding legal provision.

9:2 9:2

Esther 9:3

9:4 9:4

Bible Versions

And all the rulers of the provinces, and the lieutenants, and the deputies, and officers of the king, helped the Jews; because the fear of Mordecai fell upon them.

And all the rulers {H8269} of the provinces {H4082}, and the lieutenants {H323}, and the deputies {H6346}, and officers {H6213}{H4399} of the king {H4428}, helped {H5375} the Jews {H3064}; because the fear {H6343} of Mordecai {H4782} fell {H5307} upon them.

All the officials of the provinces, the army commanders, the governors and those occupied with the king's affairs helped the Jews; because they were afraid of Mordekhai.

And all the officials of the provinces, the satraps, the governors, and the king’s administrators helped the Jews, because the fear of Mordecai had fallen upon them.

And all the princes of the provinces, and the satraps, and the governors, and they that did the king’s business, helped the Jews; because the fear of Mordecai was fallen upon them.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Verse Lookup

Cross-References

Ezra 8:36

And they delivered the king's commissions unto the king's lieutenants, and to the governors on this side the river: and they furthered the people, and the house of God.
Esther 3:2

And all the king's servants, that [were] in the king's gate, bowed, and reverenced Haman: for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai bowed not, nor did [him] reverence.
Esther 3:6

And he thought scorn to lay hands on Mordecai alone; for they had shewed him the people of Mordecai: wherefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews that [were] throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, [even] the people of Mordecai.
Daniel 3:2

Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the princes, the governors, and the captains, the judges, the treasurers, the counsellors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, to come to the dedication of the image which Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up.
Daniel 6:1

¶ It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom;
Daniel 6:2

And over these three presidents; of whom Daniel [was] first: that the princes might give accounts unto them, and the king should have no damage.
Esther 8:9

Then were the king's scribes called at that time in the third month, that [is], the month Sivan, on the three and twentieth [day] thereof; and it was written according to all that Mordecai commanded unto the Jews, and to the lieutenants, and the deputies and rulers of the provinces which [are] from India unto Ethiopia, an hundred twenty and seven provinces, unto every province according to the writing thereof, and unto every people after their language, and to the Jews according to their writing, and according to their language.

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