Esther 3:15

But the city Shushan was perplexed— Not only the Jews, but a great many others in Shushan, might be concerned at this horrid decree, either because they were engaged with them in worldly concerns, or perhaps out of mere humanity and compassion to such a number of innocent people, now appointed as sheep to the slaughter. They might apprehend likewise, that, upon the execution of the decree, some sedition or tumult might ensue; that in so great a slaughter it was hard to tell who would escape being killed or plundered, became those who were employed in this bloody work would be more mindful to enrich themselves than to observe their orders. See Patrick and Le Clerc.

REFLECTIONS.—The people of God must not long expect the sunshine of prosperity. Though they had a queen on the throne, and a friend at court, a storm arises which threatens to swallow them up with universal destruction.

1. Haman the Agagite, an hereditary enemy of the Jews, is advanced to the first post of honour, becomes the king's favourite, and receives, at his command, such adoration and reverence as approached idolatry.
2. The rising sun is universally worshipped by the fawning courtiers; and, as preferment could be hoped for only through the favourite's interest, all men bowed down before him. Mordecai alone could not conform to the extravagant honours paid him; not envious of his advancement, nor proudly disrespectful, but conscientiously withheld from such impious adoration. In vain his fellow-servants advise compliance, or remonstrate on the danger of refusal: he chooses rather to lose his office, or life itself, than wound his conscience. Note; No consideration must sway or influence us to comply with what is evil. Better incur the wrath of princes, than offend the King of kings; better hazard life, than lose body and soul in hell.

3. Haman was soon informed of this obstinate disrespect, and that this Jew pleaded religion as the reason for refusing this adoration to a mortal man. His pride fired at the intelligence, and he resolved to wreak his vengeance, not only on him, but on all his nation. Note; (1.) The resentment of favourites has been often fatal to the worthiest subjects; but, in the end, they are generally made to drink of the cup which they had mixed for others. (2.) Insolent pride begets unrelenting cruelty.