in the book, the author repeatedly talks about the conflict between israel and the amalekites, a conflict that began during the exodus and continued through israel's history. the author of esther views them as the symbol of all the powers of the world against god's people. now that israel has been released from captivity, haman's dangerous edict is the final try in the old testament time to get rid of them. when haman is defeated, israel enjoys a time of rest.