The Jews were spread all throughout the vast Persian Empire, living as exiles among unbelieving peoples and the enemies of Israel. Haman, an enemy of the Jews, convinces the king to have a decree issued that will lead to the death of all Jews - this leads to great mourning and sorrow for God’s people. However, unlike the supernatural miracles of the exodus from Egypt, God uses many regular means and circumstances to protect His people, such that the Jews would even be greatly blessed by God’s orchestration of the Persian kingdom and its earthly authority.