CRITICAL NOTES.] ESTHER 6:1. ON … SLEEP] Heb. the king’s sleep fled away, an unusual thing. “THAT NIGHT] which succeeded the events of the last chapter, settled with apparently a most ominous cloud upon the future of Mordecai, but it was the harbinger of a most auspicious day for him. God, who works... [ Continue Reading ]
CRITICAL NOTES.] ESTHER 6:2.] The name Bigthana is in Esther 2:21 written Bigthan. ESTHER 6:3.] The king’s question means what honour and reward has been assigned him? What has been apportioned? How has he been requited? “It was a settled principle of the Persian government that royal benefactors w... [ Continue Reading ]
CRITICAL NOTES.] ESTHER 6:4.] The question, WHO IS IN THE COURT?] means what officer is now present. The king desires to consult with him as to what distinction would be appropriate to Mordecai. It seems that those desiring to be admitted to the king’s presence bad to wait in the outer court.—_Lang... [ Continue Reading ]
CRITICAL NOTES.] ESTHER 6:6.] When the king had asked the question, Haman thought within himself, TO WHOM WOULD THE KING DELIGHT TO DO HONOUR MORE THAN TO MYSELF?] Going beyond me, more than myself.—_Lange_. ESTHER 6:7.] Haman was quickly prepared to give answer, and without any difficulty called... [ Continue Reading ]
CRITICAL NOTES.] ESTHER 6:12.] It is quite consonant with Oriental notions that Mordecai, after receiving the extraordinary honours assigned him, should return to the palace and resume his former humble employment, Ahasuerus regarding him as sufficiently rewarded, and not yet intending to do anythin... [ Continue Reading ]