Esther 3:1
Agagite — An Amalekite of the royal seed of that nation, whose kings were successively called Agag. All the princes — Gave him the first place and seat, which was next to the king.... [ Continue Reading ]
Agagite — An Amalekite of the royal seed of that nation, whose kings were successively called Agag. All the princes — Gave him the first place and seat, which was next to the king.... [ Continue Reading ]
But, &c. — Probably the worship required was not only civil, but Divine: which as the kings of Persia arrogated to themselves, so they did sometimes impart this honour to some of their chief favourites, that they should be adored in like manner. And that it was so here, seems more than probable, bec... [ Continue Reading ]
To see — What the event of it would be. For, &c. — And therefore did not deny this reverence out of pride, but merely out of conscience.... [ Continue Reading ]
Scorn — He thought that vengeance was unsuitable to his quality. Destroy — Which he attempted, from that implacable hatred which, as an Amalekite, he had against them; from his rage against Mordecai; and from Mordecai's reason of this contempt, because he was a Jew, which as he truly judged, extende... [ Continue Reading ]
They cast — The diviners cast lots, according to the custom of those people, what day, and what month would be most lucky, not for his success with the king (of which he made no doubt) but for the most effectual extirpation of the Jews. Wherein appears likewise both his implacable malice, and unwear... [ Continue Reading ]
The silver — Keep it to thy own use; I accept the offer for the deed.... [ Continue Reading ]
The city — Not only the Jews, but a great number of the citizens, either because they were related to them, or engaged with them in worldly concerns; or out of humanity and compassion toward so vast a number of innocent people, appointed as sheep for the slaughter.... [ Continue Reading ]