CRITICAL NOTES.] ESTHER 5:1. THE THIRD DAY] must be counted from the day of the transaction between the queen and Mordecai; the first day being that on which it took place. The fasting, then, would not begin till midday; and on the third day Esther went to the king to invite him on that day to a ban... [ Continue Reading ]
CRITICAL NOTES.] ESTHER 5:3. WHAT WILT THOU, QUEEN ESTHER?] Rather, what ails thee? According to Herodotus (ix. 109), Xerxes, when pleased with one of his wives, offered to grant her any request whatever, without hesitation.—_Rawlinson_. ESTHER 5:4.] For the present she requests nothing further th... [ Continue Reading ]
CRITICAL NOTES.] ESTHER 5:6. AND THE KING SAID UNTO ESTHER AT THE BANQUET OF WINE] After the meats were removed it was customary in Persia to continue the banquet for a considerable time with fruits and wine (Herod. 1, 133). During this part of the feast the king renewed his offer.—_Rawlinson_. The... [ Continue Reading ]
CRITICAL NOTES.] ESTHER 5:9.] Haman was joyful at the thought of receiving such honour from the king and queen; but the greatness of his joy rendered him still more indignant at Mordecai for his stubborn refusal to show outward tokens of respect. ESTHER 5:10.] However, Haman refrained himself till... [ Continue Reading ]
CRITICAL NOTES.] ESTHER 5:11. THE MULTITUDE OF HIS CHILDREN] From Esther 9:7 we learn that Haman had ten sons; and many sons were not looked upon as a great blessing from God by the Israelites only, but were also esteemed a signal prosperity among the Persians, the king annually sending presents to... [ Continue Reading ]
CRITICAL NOTES.] ESTHER 5:14. THEN SAID ZERESH HIS WIFE AND ALL HIS FRIENDS UNTO HIM, &C.] The name Zeresh is probably connected with Zered Zara, “gold.” Compare the Greek _chrysis_.—_Rawlinson_. Zeresh led the counsel. Kings as well as their chief officers doubtless often allowed themselves to be d... [ Continue Reading ]