Pray. Hebrew, "fast." They might take some refreshment in the evening, (Lyranus) of dried meats. (Josephus) (Grotius) --- Few constitutions could have done without any thing. Yet after two nights and one full day were elapsed, Esther ventured to go to the king, chap. v. 1. We have here another instance of places for prayer, Judith vi. 21. The old Vulgate has, "publish a fast, and tell the ancients to fast. Let the infants be kept from the breast during the night, and let no food be given to the oxen and other animals, while I and my maids shall fast," &c. Then at the end of this chapter, in the Septuagint, follow the prayers of Mardochai and of Esther, (chap. xiii. 8., and chap. xiv.; Haydock) which is their proper place. (Calmet)

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