This episode begins on the day of Haman’s execution, during which King Ahasuerus also rewards Queen Esther with Haman’s entire estate and promotes Mordecai to chief officer by giving him the same royal signet ring that Haman once used to seal the Jews’ death decree. Although the king is unable to reverse Haman’s irrevocable edict, at Esther’s tearful plea, he authorizes Mordecai to write a counter-decree—empowering the Jews—on the very day Haman had chosen for their annihilation. Jews everywhere celebrate with gladness, feasts, and honor—another display of God’s behind-the-scenes providence turning the tables for His people’s deliverance. Not wanting to be numbered among Israel’s enemies, many Gentiles instead become proselytes to the Jewish religion.