Esther 3:12-15

(12) Then were the king's scribes called on the thirteenth day of the first month, and there was written according to all that Haman had commanded unto the king's lieutenants, and to the governors that were over every province, and to the rulers of every people of every province according to the writing thereof, and to every people after their language; in the name of king Ahasuerus was it written, and sealed with the king's ring. (13) And the letters were sent by posts into all the king's provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day, even upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, and to take the spoil of them for a prey. (14) The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published unto all people, that they should be ready against that day. (15) The posts went out, being hastened by the king's commandment, and the decree was given in Shushan the palace. And the king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city Shushan was perplexed.

It is impossible to conceive the different effects, which must have been called forth in the different minds of the people, throughout the whole empire, in consequence of this edict. What a mercy did the LORD manifest to his people in the midst, that the whole kingdom were to be apprised of it, before that the execution was to take place. So JESUS holds forth grace to his people, and even to the rebellious, a space for repentance. Having planned the ruin of the poor defenseless Jews, the king and Haman sit down to drunkenness. While GOD'S people are afflicted the enemy shouts. Here let us wait awhile, and see how the LORD will work. In every trial these sweet words should comfort daring the dark hour: For the oppression of the poor, and the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the LORD. And when GOD ariseth, woe to the oppressor. Psalms 12:5.