Esther 5 - Introduction
_A.M. 3494. B.C. 510._ Esther, finding favour with the king, invites him and Haman to a banquet, Esther 5:1. She invites them to a second, Esther 5:6. Haman makes a gallows for Mordecai, Esther 5:9.... [ Continue Reading ]
_A.M. 3494. B.C. 510._ Esther, finding favour with the king, invites him and Haman to a banquet, Esther 5:1. She invites them to a second, Esther 5:6. Haman makes a gallows for Mordecai, Esther 5:9.... [ Continue Reading ]
_It came to pass on the third day_ Of which see the notes on Esther 4:16. _Esther put on her royal apparel_ That she might render herself as amiable in the king's eyes as she could, and so obtain her request. _The king sat upon his royal throne, over against the gate_, &c. So that he could see every... [ Continue Reading ]
_What is thy request?_ &c. So far was the king from accounting her an offender, that he was glad to see her, and desirous to oblige her. Thus God, in his providence, often prevents the fears, and outdoes the hopes of his people. _It shall be given thee to the half of the kingdom_ A usual form of spe... [ Continue Reading ]
_Let the king and Haman come this day unto the banquet_ She thought it prudent not to open her mind to him immediately, but first to try how he stood affected to her, and endeavour to endear herself more to him, that he might be the better disposed to grant her request. To accomplish which purpose s... [ Continue Reading ]
_The banquet of wine_ So called, because it consisted not of meats, which probably the king had plentifully eaten before, but of fruits and wines; which banquets were very frequent among the Persians, after they had done eating; for they did not drink wine, but water, with their victuals.... [ Continue Reading ]
_I will do to-morrow as the king hath said_ I will acquaint thee with my humble request. She did not present her petition at this time, but delayed it till the next meeting; either, because she was a little daunted with the king's presence, and had not yet courage to propose it; or, because she woul... [ Continue Reading ]
_That he stood not up, nor moved to him_ To show how little he feared him, and that he had a firm confidence in his God, that he would deliver him and his people in this great exigency.... [ Continue Reading ]
_Nevertheless, Haman refrained himself_ From taking present vengeance upon Mordecai, which he might easily have effected, either by his own, or any of his servants' hands, without any fear of inconvenience to himself. But herein God's wise and powerful providence appeared in disposing Haman's heart,... [ Continue Reading ]
_Haman told them of the glory of his riches_ Partly to gratify his own vain-glorious humour, and partly to aggravate Mordecai's impudence in denying him reverence, and to alleviate his own vexation caused by it. _And to-morrow am I invited unto her also with the king_ Thus he makes that matter of gl... [ Continue Reading ]
_Yet this availeth me nothing_ It gives me no content. Such torment did his envy and malice bring upon him. _So long as I see Mordecai sitting at the king's gate_ Enjoying that honour and privilege without disturbance, and denying me the worship due to me by the king's command. Thus though proud men... [ Continue Reading ]
_Then said Zeresh his wife and all his friends_ They saw how gladly he would dispense with his own resolution, of deferring the slaughter till the time determined by the lot, and therefore advise him to take an earnest of the satisfaction he then expected, in the speedy execution of Mordecai: _Let a... [ Continue Reading ]