Esther 8:4

Mordecai had become the prime minister of Persia. Haman the Agagite had been executed, and all his property given to the queen. Yet the terrible decree still stood; the first proclamation was still in force. Something had to be done to complete the deliverance of her people. Her life and Mordecai's life had been spared, but what about her beloved people?… Once more she enters the king's presence. Once more the king holds out the golden sceptre. From this we learn that his decree was still in force, and that Esther once more risked her life.

Esther again ventured her life in coming before the king, but no doubt without the fear she had before, for he had proven his love for her. When the king held out his scepter to her, she implored him with tears to counteract the evil of Haman's scheme to destroy the Jews.

Esther still has one more duty to fulfil toward the one who holds supreme authority. She speaks to Ahasuerus, throws herself at his feet, weeps and begs him. Before, she had fasted and had neither eaten nor drunk for three days. Now she humbles herself before the sovereign and asks for his grace. He alone, her lawful husband, can turn the disaster aside in grace. He holds out the golden sceptre to Esther. Then she presents her request. She senses that she depends entirely on his grace to see it granted.

The golden sceptre tells of divine righteousness, power and grace. That sceptre is extended to all who come to God in that blessed and worthy Name. We can come with boldness to the throne of grace, obtaining mercy and finding grace to help in time of need.

Esther drew near and touched the sceptre. She used the grace that had visited her; but she used it reverently, and the sceptre was true to itself. It raised no hope that it was not ready to make good. It had already spoken peace to her; and peace, and far more than peace, will be made good to her.

The proclamation of death stood, but alongside it there was given a proclamation of life. They did not need to die. Their enemies were given into their hands. They acted on this second proclamation and believed what it said. So they learned that the first decree stood and could not be revoked, but the second decree set them free from death and gave them liberty.

And so the day fixed for Israel's ruin becomes the day of their deliverance. But it comes through judgment and vengeance on their enemies. The king associates himself with everything that takes place. He had stretched out the sceptre of gold to Esther and received all her requests in grace. Now he puts his word into action, so that what he promised happens quickly.