Esther 8:9-14

(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. (10) And he wrote in the king Ahasuerus' name, and sealed it with the king's ring, and sent letters by posts on horseback, and riders on mules, camels, and young dromedaries: (11) Wherein the king granted the Jews which were in every city to gather themselves together, and to stand for their life, to destroy, to slay, and to cause to perish, all the power of the people and province that would assault them, both little ones and women, and to take the spoil of them for a prey, (12) Upon one day in all the provinces of king Ahasuerus, namely, upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar. (13) The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published unto all people, and that the Jews should be ready against that day to avenge themselves on their enemies. (14) So the posts that rode upon mules and camels went out, being hastened and pressed on by the king's commandment. And the decree was given at Shushan the palace.

If the Reader be curious to calculate, he will find, I believe, that this new proclamation was made about nine months before the fatal day that Haman had appointed for the destruction of the Jews was to take place. So that it was little short of two months from Mordecai's bitter cry, to this time of reversing it. So long the Lord sometimes suffers his dear children to be exercised, even when all the while he hath determined upon their deliverance. Oh! for grace ever to keep such things in remembrance. Could Mordecai, and the people of the Jews, had they been commanded to have chosen their own mercies, have desired greater than the destruction of their sworn foe, and the being enriched with his spoils? Think of this then, ye people of God, under all your difficulties. Very shortly God will bruise Satan under your feet; and that song shall be sung in full chorus in glory: Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. Revelation 12:10.