Esther 8:5

If it please etc. The long preface to the definite request shews some doubt on Esther's part whether it will be granted.

to reverse the letters devised by Haman … which he wrote She is careful to represent it as the work of Haman and not of the king. The latter however points out in reply that what has received the authority of the king's seal -may no man reverse." The most that can now be done is to address to all concerned (intended victims and governors alike) letters equally authoritative, which shall have the effect of neutralising, so far as may be possible, those which have already gone forth. That the king's sympathies are now wholly on the side of the Jews he emphasizes in Esther 8:7.