# Day 200

# Haman Plots Against the Jews

Part Two
Esther 3:7–4:8

Haman spoke with King Ahasuerus. “Some people in your empire don’t keep your laws. O king, you should command that the Jews be destroyed. I’ll pay for putting them to death. The money will go into your treasury.”

“Do whatever seems best to you,” the king replied. So Haman wrote orders to every part of the empire.

“Destroy, kill, and wipe out all Jews,” the orders read. “This includes young and old, women and children. Do this on one day: The thirteenth day of the twelfth month. Those who kill these people may take their property.” Haman marked the orders with the king’s stamp and sent them out. “Be ready for that day!” Haman ordered.

Haman and the king sat down to drink. But the city around them was restless. Mordecai heard of the law and went to the king’s gate weeping. The Jews of the empire were in grief and mourning. Esther sent a servant to Mordecai to learn the news. Mordecai gave him a copy of the order with a message. “Take this to Esther,” he said.

Questions: What did Haman say was different about the Jews? What did the orders promise to people who killed the Jews?