And the king removed his signet ring
The "signet ring" in ancient times was a symbol of authority and power. In the Hebrew context, the signet ring (Hebrew: חוֹתָם, chotam) was used to seal documents, signifying the king's approval and command. The act of removing the ring signifies a transfer of authority. Historically, this was a significant gesture, as the ring was previously given to Haman, indicating his high status. The removal and reassignment of the ring symbolize a divine reversal of fortunes, a theme prevalent throughout the Book of Esther.

which he had recovered from Haman
The phrase "recovered from Haman" indicates the king's decisive action in revoking Haman's power and influence. Haman, who plotted against the Jews, is now stripped of his authority. This recovery is not just a political move but a moral and spiritual victory for the Jewish people. It reflects the biblical principle that God can turn the plans of the wicked to fulfill His purposes, as seen in Proverbs 19:21, "Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail."

and gave it to Mordecai
The giving of the signet ring to Mordecai is a profound moment of vindication and elevation. Mordecai, a Jew who was once in danger of execution, is now elevated to a position of power. This act is a testament to God's providence and justice. The Hebrew name Mordecai (מָרְדֳּכַי, Mordekhai) is believed to be derived from the Babylonian god Marduk, yet Mordecai's life exemplifies faithfulness to the God of Israel. His rise to power is a reminder of God's ability to elevate the humble and faithful.

And Esther appointed him over the estate of Haman
Esther's appointment of Mordecai over Haman's estate signifies the complete transfer of Haman's wealth and influence to Mordecai. In the ancient Near Eastern context, controlling an estate was a sign of significant wealth and status. Esther, who has been instrumental in saving her people, now ensures that Mordecai is not only honored but also empowered to act on behalf of the Jewish community. This act of appointment underscores the theme of divine justice and restoration, as seen in the biblical narrative where the righteous are rewarded, and the wicked are brought low. Esther's role as a wise and courageous leader is further highlighted, showing her as a vessel of God's deliverance for His people.

(2) Took off his ring . . . and gave it unto Mordecai.--Constituting him thereby his Vizier, who would thus authenticate a royal decree, and by having, as it were, carte blanche given him for the time, would for that time save his master all further trouble. Mordecai's position had now become what Daniel's had been to Darius, that nobler servant to a worthier lord (see Daniel 6:2, 38). He was the queen's cousin, and he had on one occasion been the means of saving the king's life, and therefore starts under distinctly favourable auspices.

Verse 2. - And the king took off his ring. The king's signet would, as a matter of course, be taken from Haman before his execution and restored to Ahasuerus, who now once more wore it himself. Business, however, was irksome to him, and, having resolved to make Mordecai minister in Haman's room, he very soon took the signet off again, and made it over to the new vizier. And Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman. It would not have been seemly for Esther to give away what she had received as a gift from the king. She was therefore unable to make Mordecai a present of the house. But she did what was equivalent - she set him over it, made him practically its master. Thus he was provided with a residence suitable to his new dignity. AT ESTHER'S REQUEST AHASUERUS ALLOWS THE ISSUE OF A SECOND EDICT, PERMITTING THE JEWS TO RESIST ANY WHO SHOULD ATTACK THEM, TO KILL THEM IN THEIR OWN DEFENCE, AND TO TAKE POSSESSION OF THEIR GOODS (Esther 8:3-14). The execution of Haman, the confiscation of his property, the advancement of Mordecai into his place, though of favourable omen, as showing the present temper and inclination of Abasuerus, left the Jews in as great danger as before. In most countries there would neither have been delay nor difficulty. The edict which went forth on the 13th of Nisan (Esther 3:12), and which could not be executed till the 13th of Adar, would have been cancelled, revoked, recalled. But in Persia this could not be done; or at any rate it could not be done without breaking one of the first principles of Persian law, the principle that "the writing which is written in the king's name, and sealed with the king's ring, may no man reverse" (ver. 8). It was therefore necessary to devise a mode whereby the desired escape of the Jews might practically be obtained, and yet the edict remain unrevoked, and the king's honour be saved. At first Mordecai and Esther do not appear to have seen this, and Esther asked openly for the reversal of the decree, only representing it as the writing of Haman, and not the writing of the king (ver. 5). But Ahasuerus pointed out that this could not be done. Anything short of a reversal, any new decree, he would sanction; but he could do no more - he could not revoke his own word (ver. 8). The course actually followed was then devised, probably by Mordecai. The old decree was allowed to stand; but a new decree was issued and signed in the usual way, whereby the Jews were allowed and encouraged to resist those who should attack them, - to "gather themselves together, and to stand for their life; to destroy, slay, and cause to perish all the power of the people of the province that would assault them," - and were further permitted to "take the spoil of them for a prey," or, in other words, to seize the property of all whom they should slay (ver. 11). The royal posts carried out this decree (ver. 14), as they had the former one; and it was publicly set forth and proclaimed in every province, that if the Jews were attacked under the terms of the one, they might defend themselves and retaliate on their foes under the terms of the other (ver. 13). As the second decree was issued on the 23rd of Sivan, the third month (ver. 9), and the day appointed for the attack was the 13th of Adar, the twelfth, there was ample time-above eight months - for the Jews to make preparations, to organise themselves, to collect arms, and to arrange an effective resistance.

Parallel Commentaries ...


The king
הַמֶּ֜לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

removed
וַיָּ֨סַר (way·yā·sar)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5493: To turn aside

the signet ring
טַבַּעְתּ֗וֹ (ṭab·ba‘·tōw)
Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 2885: A seal, signet, a ring of any kind

he had recovered
הֶֽעֱבִיר֙ (he·‘ĕ·ḇîr)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5674: To pass over, through, or by, pass on

from Haman
מֵֽהָמָ֔ן (mê·hā·mān)
Preposition-m | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2001: Haman -- to rage, be turbulent

and presented it
וַֽיִּתְּנָ֖הּ (way·yit·tə·nāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

to Mordecai.
לְמָרְדֳּכָ֑י (lə·mā·rə·do·ḵāy)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4782: Mordecai -- a companion of Zerubbabel, also a cousin of Esther

And Esther
אֶסְתֵּ֛ר (’es·têr)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 635: Esther -- 'star', Ahasuerus' queen who delivered Israel

appointed
וַתָּ֧שֶׂם (wat·tā·śem)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 7760: Put -- to put, place, set

him
מָרְדֳּכַ֖י (mā·rə·do·ḵay)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4782: Mordecai -- a companion of Zerubbabel, also a cousin of Esther

over
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the estate
בֵּ֥ית (bêṯ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004: A house

of Haman.
הָמָֽן׃ (hā·mān)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2001: Haman -- to rage, be turbulent


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OT History: Esther 8:2 The king took off his ring which (Est Esth. Es)