_A.M. 3494. B.C. 510._ The estate of Haman is given to Esther, vv1, vv2. Esther petitions the king to reverse the edict against the Jews, Esther 8:3. They are authorized to defend themselves, Esther 8:7. The Jews and their friends rejoice, Esther 8:15.... [ Continue Reading ]
_Did the king give the house of Haman unto Esther_ That is, he bestowed upon her the whole estate belonging to his family, his lands, his goods, his servants, his cattle, with all the money he had treasured up. All this is included here in his _house_, which, being justly forfeited to the king, is n... [ Continue Reading ]
_The king took off his ring_ That ring which he had formerly given to Haman, but had resumed, he now gives to Mordecai, in token of his favour, and with it that power whereof this ring was a sign, making him, as Haman had been, the keeper of his signet. _And Esther set Mordecai over the house of Ham... [ Continue Reading ]
_Esther spake yet again before the king_ Haman, the chief enemy of the Jews, was hanged, Esther and Mordecai, their chief friends, were sufficiently protected; but many others there were in the king's dominions that hated the Jews, and desired their ruin, and to their rage and malice all the rest of... [ Continue Reading ]
_Then the king held out the golden sceptre_ Esther had presumed to come a second time into the king's presence without being called: which he did not take ill, but by this token graciously invited her to approach him, indicating that he accepted her person. _So Esther arose_ Having before fallen at... [ Continue Reading ]
_Him they have hanged, because he laid his hand upon the Jews _ That is, intended to destroy them all. By what the king had done to show his resentment against Haman, they might easily believe he would deny them nothing for their preservation: as if he had said, You see how ready I have been to gran... [ Continue Reading ]
_Write ye also for the Jews_ On their behalf, to the governors and commanders of the king's forces, or to whom you please. _In the king's name, and seal it with the king's ring_ I offer you my authority and seal, to confirm whatsoever you shall think fit to write. _The writing which is written in th... [ Continue Reading ]
_On the three and twentieth day thereof_ Which was above two months after the former decree. All which time God suffered the Jews to lie under the terror of this dreadful day, that they might be more thoroughly humbled for, and purged from, those many and great sins under which they lay, that they m... [ Continue Reading ]
_And he wrote in King Ahasuerus's name_ Josephus has given us a true copy, as he says, of this decree; or, as he terms it, of the letters which Artaxerxes sent to all nations which lie between India and Ethiopia; wherein he represents the abuse which favourites are wont to make of their power and cr... [ Continue Reading ]
_To stand for their life_ To fight for the defence of their lives, against all that should seek to destroy them. _To cause to perish the power of the people_, &c. Either governors or governed, without any exception either of age, dignity, or sex. _Both little ones and women_ Which is here added, to... [ Continue Reading ]
_Upon one day_, &c. Which day was chosen and appointed by Haman for their destruction. _That the Jews should be ready against that day_ Should be furnished with arms, and all things necessary for their defence. _Being hastened by the king's commandment_ By his particular and express command to that... [ Continue Reading ]
_With a great crown of gold_ Which the chief of the Persian princes were permitted to wear, but with sufficient distinction from the king's crown. For it must be observed, that the word _royal_ is not added here, as in chap. Esther 6:8, nor is the horse mentioned, as there, because no extraordinary... [ Continue Reading ]
_The Jews had light_ Light is often put for gladness, as 2 Samuel 22:29, and Job 18:5, because it is pleasant, and disposeth a man to joy. _And gladness, and joy_ Here the sacred writer explains the former metaphor, by two words signifying the same thing, to denote the greatness of the joy. _And hon... [ Continue Reading ]
_A feast and a good day_ That is, a time of feasting, rejoicing, and thanksgiving. Not only in Shushan, but in all other places where they resided, they entertained one another at their houses, and feasted together, being full of joy at this unexpected alteration of their affairs. For they doubted n... [ Continue Reading ]