The answer is: He gave the Jews the right to defend themselves

Esther 8:11

In the captivating story of Esther, we see a story that highlights bravery, wisdom, and the power of advocacy. When talking about the king granting the Jews the right to defend themselves, one should consider the enormity of the moment. When King Ahasuerus, also known as Xerxes, issued a decree allowing the Jews to protect their lives, it was not just about self-defense; it symbolized a pivotal reversal of fate.

In ancient Persia, a king’s proclamation had far-reaching consequences; it could alter the very fabric of society. Interestingly, this decree echoes the earlier trouble stirred up by Haman’s actions, showing how one individual’s vendetta against an entire ethnicity could ripple through the kingdom. But Esther's bold intervention—coming courageously before the king uninvited—was the catalyst that brought about change. This highlights an important theme throughout the Bible: that individuals can effect significant change if they rise to speak and act when it counts.

Did you know that at the time these events were unfolding, Persia was one of the largest empires in history? This backdrop makes Esther’s story even more remarkable—it personifies the struggles and triumphs of the Jewish people within a vast empire. Nicanor’s decree to allow the Jewish people their right to exist and thrive offers a message about justice, courage, and leveraging one’s voice. In times when injustice seems prevalent, hear Esther's message; sometimes bravery, combined with action, paves the way to deliverance.