December 12, 2013 – Esther E – 9:10

They are told to not follow the order.  That wasn’t very clear before reading the actual letter.  But it is anticipated that there will be some, like Haman, who hate the Jews so much that they will follow through with the first command.  The king not only orders the Jews to defend themselves, but requires the city leaders to help in their defense.  This plot has a very similar feel to Daniel, but on a much larger scale