Bible Commentary

The Jews gathered themselves together in their cities throughout all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, to lay hand on such as sought their hurt: and no man could withstand them; for the fear of them fell upon all people. 2. to lay hand on such as sought their hurt ] Thus it was open … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Esther 9:2”

Now in the twelfth month, that [is], the month Adar, on the thirteenth day of the same, when the king’s commandment and his decree drew near to be put in execution, in the day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to have power over them, (though it was turned to the contrary, that the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Esther 9:1”

And in every province, and in every city, whithersoever the king’s commandment and his decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a good day. And many of the people of the land became Jews; for the fear of the Jews fell upon them. 17. a good day ] The expression, occurring … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Esther 8:17”

The Jews had light, and gladness, and joy, and honor. 16. The Jews had light etc. ] The expression reminds us of the Prayer Book Version of Psa 97:11, ‘There is sprung up a light for the righteous.’ Cp. also Psa 27:1; Psa 36:9, for ‘light’ used, as here, metaphorically as equivalent to prosperity and … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Esther 8:16”

And Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal apparel of blue and white, and with a great crown of gold, and with a garment of fine linen and purple: and the city of Shushan rejoiced and was glad. 15. in royal apparel of blue and white ] by way of indicating … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Esther 8:15”

[So] the posts that rode upon mules [and] camels went out, being hastened and pressed on by the king’s commandment. And the decree was given at Shushan the palace. 14. swift steeds that were used in the king’s service ] See on Est 8:10. being hastened and pressed on ] The increased need for promptitude … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Esther 8:14”

The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province [was] published unto all people, and that the Jews should be ready against that day to avenge themselves on their enemies. The copy of the writing, for a commandment to be given in every province, was published to all people,…. A … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Esther 8:13”

Upon one day in all the provinces of king Ahasuerus, [namely], upon the thirteenth [day] of the twelfth month, which [is] the month Adar. Upon one day, in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, namely, upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar. The day appointed and fixed in the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Esther 8:12”

Wherein the king granted the Jews which [were] in every city to gather themselves together, and to stand for their life, to destroy, to slay, and to cause to perish, all the power of the people and province that would assault them, [both] little ones and women, and [to take] the spoil of them for … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Esther 8:11”

And he wrote in the king Ahasuerus’ name, and sealed [it] with the king’s ring, and sent letters by posts on horseback, [and] riders on mules, camels, [and] young dromedaries: 10. riding on swift steeds ] As time was an object, it was important that the messengers should be well mounted. Both Herodotus (viii. 98) … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Esther 8:10”