Esther

Now it came to pass in the days of Ahasuerus, (this is Ahasuerus which reigned, from India even unto Ethiopia, over an hundred and seven and twenty provinces:)

During the time of King Ahasuerus, who ruled over 127 provinces stretching from India to Ethiopia, something significant happened.

Esther had not yet shewed her kindred nor her people; as Mordecai had charged her: for Esther did the commandment of Mordecai, like as when she was brought up with him.

Esther hadn't revealed her family or her people, following Mordecai's strict instructions. She obeyed Mordecai just as she did when she was raised by him.

Then answered Esther, and said, My petition and my request is;

Esther responded with a heartfelt plea, "My earnest appeal and my desire is this;

Wherein the king granted the Jews which were in every city to gather themselves together, and to stand for their life, to destroy, to slay and to cause to perish, all the power of the people and province that would assault them, both little ones and women, and to take the spoil of them for a prey,

In this verse, the king gave permission to the Jews in every city to unite and defend their lives. He allowed them to fight back, even destroy, any force that threatened them, regardless of age or gender. They were also permitted to claim the spoils of their enemies as their own.