At the feast, the king asked Esther, "What is your request?" She said, "My people have been sold by Haman." The king had Haman hanged. The king gave his ring to Mordecai. Mordecai sent letters to the provinces allowing the Jews to defend themselves. The Jews rejoiced. On the day of the king's decree, the Jews destroyed their enemies. Mordecai wrote to all the Jews and established the Feast of Purim. Mordecai the Jew was second only to King Ahasuerus.