Esther 3:15
Esther 3:15 in Multiple Translations
The couriers left, spurred on by the king’s command, and the edict was issued in the citadel of Susa. Then the king and Haman sat down to drink, but the city of Susa was in confusion.
The posts went out, being hastened by the king’s commandment, and the decree was given in Shushan the palace. And the king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city Shushan was perplexed.
The posts went forth in haste by the king’s commandment, and the decree was given out in Shushan the palace. And the king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city of Shushan was perplexed.
The runners went out quickly by the king's order, and a public statement was made in Shushan: and the king and Haman took wine together: but the town of Shushan was troubled.
By order of the king the messengers hurried on their way. The decree was also issued in the fortress of Susa. The king and Haman sat down for a drink while the people in city of Susa were very disturbed.
And the postes compelled by the Kings commandement went forth, and the commandement was giuen in the palace at Shushan: and the King and Haman sate drinking, but the citie of Shushan was in perplexitie.
The runners have gone forth, hastened by the word of the king, and the law hath been given in Shushan the palace, and the king and Haman have sat down to drink, and the city Shushan is perplexed.
The couriers went out in haste by the king’s commandment, and the decree was given out in the citadel of Susa. The king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city of Susa was perplexed.
The posts departed, being hastened by the king's commandment, and the decree was given in Shushan the palace. And the king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city Shushan was perplexed.
The couriers that were sent made haste to fulfill the king’s commandment. And immediately the edict was hung up in Susan, the king and Aman feasting together, and all the Jews that were in the city weeping.
Then, according to what the king commanded, men riding horses took those letters quickly to every province in the empire. And one of the letters was read aloud to the people in the capital city, Susa. Then the king and Haman sat down and drank wine, but the people in Susa were very perplexed about why this was going to happen.
Berean Amplified Bible — Esther 3:15
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Esther 3:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הָֽ/רָצִ֞ים
יָצְא֤וּ
דְחוּפִים֙
בִּ/דְבַ֣ר
הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
וְ/הַ/דָּ֥ת
נִתְּנָ֖ה
בְּ/שׁוּשַׁ֣ן
הַ/בִּירָ֑ה
וְ/הַ/מֶּ֤לֶךְ
וְ/הָמָן֙
יָשְׁב֣וּ
לִ/שְׁתּ֔וֹת
וְ/הָ/עִ֥יר
שׁוּשָׁ֖ן
נָבֽוֹכָה
הָֽ/רָצִ֞ים
rûwts
H7323
to run
Art | V-Qal
יָצְא֤וּ
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
דְחוּפִים֙
dâchaph
H1765
to hasten
V-Qal-Inf-c
בִּ/דְבַ֣ר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
Prep | N-ms
הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
וְ/הַ/דָּ֥ת
dâth
H1881
law
Conj | Art | N-fs
נִתְּנָ֖ה
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Niphal-Perf-3fs
בְּ/שׁוּשַׁ֣ן
Shûwshan
H7800
Susa
Prep | N-proper
הַ/בִּירָ֑ה
bîyrâh
H1002
palace
Art | N-fs
וְ/הַ/מֶּ֤לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Conj | Art | N-ms
וְ/הָמָן֙
Hâmân
H2001
Haman
Conj | N-proper
יָשְׁב֣וּ
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
לִ/שְׁתּ֔וֹת
shâthâh
H8354
to drink
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
וְ/הָ/עִ֥יר
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Conj | Art | N-fs
שׁוּשָׁ֖ן
Shûwshan
H7800
Susa
N-proper
נָבֽוֹכָה
bûwk
H943
to perplex
V-Niphal-Perf-3fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Esther 3:15
הָֽ/רָצִ֞ים
rûwts
H7323
"to run"
Art | V-Qal
To run or rush, often used to describe someone moving quickly, as seen in the story of the runners in Jeremiah 51:31. This verb appears in various forms, including running swiftly or darting. It is used to convey a sense of urgency or haste.
Definition: : run/runner/messenger 1) to run 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to run 1a2) runners (participle as subst) 1b) (Polel) to run swiftly, dart 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring or move quickly, hurry 1c2) to drive away from, cause to run away
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: break down, divide speedily, footman, guard, bring hastily, (make) run (away, through), post. See also: Genesis 18:2; 2 Kings 11:6; Psalms 18:30.
יָצְא֤וּ
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
דְחוּפִים֙
dâchaph
H1765
"to hasten"
V-Qal-Inf-c
To hasten or hurry is the meaning of this Hebrew word, as seen in the story of Jacob hurrying to meet Esau in Genesis 33:3-4. The word implies a sense of urgency or swiftness.
Definition: 1) to drive on, hurry, hasten 1a) (Qal) to hasten 1b) (Niphal) to hasten oneself, hurry
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: (be) haste(-ned), pressed on. See also: 2 Chronicles 26:20; Esther 6:12; Esther 8:14.
בִּ/דְבַ֣ר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
Prep | N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
וְ/הַ/דָּ֥ת
dâth
H1881
"law"
Conj | Art | N-fs
This word means a law or decree, like a royal command, as seen in Esther and Daniel. It can also refer to a custom or tradition, like the laws given to Moses. The word is used to describe the rules and regulations of a kingdom or society.
Definition: 1) decree, law, edict, regulation, usage 1a) decree, edict, commission 1b) law, rule Aramaic equivalent: dat (דָּת "law" H1882)
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: commandment, commission, decree, law, manner. See also: Deuteronomy 33:2; Esther 3:15; Esther 9:14.
נִתְּנָ֖ה
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Niphal-Perf-3fs
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
בְּ/שׁוּשַׁ֣ן
Shûwshan
H7800
"Susa"
Prep | N-proper
Shushan refers to a place in Persia where the Persian kings lived during winter, also meaning lily. It is mentioned in the Bible as the location of important events. The city was located on the river Ulai.
Definition: Shushan or Susa = "lily" the winter residence of the Persian kings; located on the river Ulai or Choaspes Also named: shu.shan.khi (שׁוּשַׁנְכָיֵא "Susa" H7801)
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: Shushan. See also: Nehemiah 1:1; Esther 8:14; Daniel 8:2.
הַ/בִּירָ֑ה
bîyrâh
H1002
"palace"
Art | N-fs
The Hebrew word for palace refers to a grand building, like King Solomon's palace in 1 Kings 7:1-12. It is a symbol of wealth and power.
Definition: 1) palace, castle 2) temple Aramaic equivalent: bi.ra (בִּירְתָא "citadel" H1001)
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: palace. See also: 1 Chronicles 29:1; Esther 2:5; Daniel 8:2.
וְ/הַ/מֶּ֤לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Conj | Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
וְ/הָמָן֙
Hâmân
H2001
"Haman"
Conj | N-proper
Haman was a powerful Persian official who opposed the Jews, as told in the book of Esther. He was the son of Hammedatha and the enemy of Mordecai, and his story is a significant part of the biblical narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Est.3.1; son of: Hammedatha (H4099); married to Zeresh (H2238); father of: Parshandatha (H6577), Dalphon (H1813), Aspatha (H0630), Poratha (H6334), Adalia (H0118), Aridatha (H0743), Parmashta (H6534), Arisai (H0747), Aridai (H0742), Vaizatha (H2055) § Haman = "magnificent" chief minister of Ahasuerus, enemy of Mordecai and the Jews, who plotted to kill the Jews but, being foiled by Esther, was hanged, with his family, on the gallows he had made for Mordecai
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: Haman. See also: Esther 3:1; Esther 6:6; Esther 9:24.
יָשְׁב֣וּ
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
לִ/שְׁתּ֔וֹת
shâthâh
H8354
"to drink"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to drink, and it's used in many ways, like drinking from a cup or feasting. It's also used to describe being drunk or taking part in a big celebration. We see it in stories like the Last Supper in Matthew 26:27.
Definition: 1) to drink 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to drink 1a1a) of drinking cup of God's wrath, of slaughter, of wicked deeds (fig) 1a2) to feast 1b) (Niphal) to be drunk Aramaic equivalent: she.tah (שְׁתָה "to drink" H8355)
Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] assuredly, banquet, [idiom] certainly, drink(-er, -ing), drunk ([idiom] -ard), surely. (Prop. intensive of H8248 (שָׁקָה).) See also: Genesis 9:21; 2 Kings 19:24; Psalms 50:13.
וְ/הָ/עִ֥יר
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
Conj | Art | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
שׁוּשָׁ֖ן
Shûwshan
H7800
"Susa"
N-proper
Shushan refers to a place in Persia where the Persian kings lived during winter, also meaning lily. It is mentioned in the Bible as the location of important events. The city was located on the river Ulai.
Definition: Shushan or Susa = "lily" the winter residence of the Persian kings; located on the river Ulai or Choaspes Also named: shu.shan.khi (שׁוּשַׁנְכָיֵא "Susa" H7801)
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: Shushan. See also: Nehemiah 1:1; Esther 8:14; Daniel 8:2.
נָבֽוֹכָה
bûwk
H943
"to perplex"
V-Niphal-Perf-3fs
To perplex or confuse, as seen in the Bible when people are entangled in difficult situations. This word involves being mixed up or disordered. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to perplex, confuse, be confused 1a) (Niphal) to be confused, be in confusion
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: be entangled, (perplexed). See also: Exodus 14:3; Esther 3:15; Joel 1:18.
Study Notes — Esther 3:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Esther 3:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Esther 3:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Esther 3:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Esther 3:15
- Trapp's Commentary on Esther 3:15
- Ellicott's Commentary on Esther 3:15
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Esther 3:15
- Cambridge Bible on Esther 3:15
- Barnes' Notes on Esther 3:15
- Whedon's Commentary on Esther 3:15
- Sermons on Esther 3:15
Context — Haman’s Plot against the Jews
13And the letters were sent by couriers to each of the royal provinces with the order to destroy, kill, and annihilate all the Jews—young and old, women and children—and to plunder their possessions on a single day, the thirteenth day of Adar, the twelfth month.
14A copy of the text of the edict was to be issued in every province and published to all the people, so that they would be ready on that day.
15The couriers left, spurred on by the king’s command, and the edict was issued in the citadel of Susa. Then the king and Haman sat down to drink, but the city of Susa was in confusion.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Esther 8:15 | Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal garments of blue and white, with a large gold crown and a purple robe of fine linen. And the city of Susa shouted and rejoiced. |
| 2 | John 16:20 | Truly, truly, I tell you, you will weep and wail while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. |
| 3 | Proverbs 29:2 | When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan. |
| 4 | Esther 4:16 | “Go and assemble all the Jews who can be found in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day, and I and my maidens will fast as you do. After that, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish! ” |
| 5 | Amos 6:6 | You drink wine by the bowlful and anoint yourselves with the finest oils, but you fail to grieve over the ruin of Joseph. |
| 6 | Hosea 7:5 | The princes are inflamed with wine on the day of our king; so he joins hands with those who mock him. |
| 7 | Proverbs 4:16 | For they cannot sleep unless they do evil; they are deprived of slumber until they make someone fall. |
| 8 | Proverbs 1:16 | For their feet run to evil, and they are swift to shed blood. |
| 9 | Revelation 11:10 | And those who dwell on the earth will gloat over them, and will celebrate and send one another gifts, because these two prophets had tormented them. |
Esther 3:15 Summary
[This verse shows how the king and Haman were more concerned with their own pleasure and power than with the welfare of their people, as they sat down to drink after issuing a devastating edict. In contrast, the city of Susa was filled with confusion and fear, highlighting the human cost of their actions. This reminds us of the importance of considering the impact of our decisions on others, as seen in Proverbs 24:23-25, where we are called to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves. By looking to Jesus as our example, we can learn to prioritize love, compassion, and justice in our own lives, as seen in Matthew 25:31-46, where Jesus teaches us to care for the least of these.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the king and Haman sit down to drink after issuing such a devastating edict?
The king and Haman's actions demonstrate a callous disregard for human life, as seen in Esther 3:15, and a desire to celebrate their perceived victory, much like the wicked in Psalm 73:11, who seem to prosper in their evil ways.
What was the mood like in the city of Susa after the edict was issued?
The city of Susa was in confusion, as stated in Esther 3:15, indicating that not everyone was in agreement with the king's decree, and some were likely frightened or distressed by the news, much like the fear that gripped the disciples in Matthew 26:56 when Jesus was arrested.
How did the king's command affect the spread of the edict?
The king's command spurred on the couriers, ensuring the edict was quickly disseminated throughout the land, as seen in Esther 3:15, much like the swift spread of the gospel in Acts 2:41, where thousands were added to the church in a short time.
What can we learn from the contrast between the king's actions and the city's response?
The contrast between the king's celebration and the city's confusion in Esther 3:15 highlights the difference between those who prioritize power and pleasure, and those who value justice and compassion, as seen in Micah 6:8, where we are called to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond when I see injustice or suffering in the world around me, and what can I do to make a positive impact?
- In what ways can I be a voice for those who are marginalized or oppressed, as Esther and Mordecai were in this story?
- What are some ways I can cultivate a sense of compassion and empathy for those who are different from me, as Jesus demonstrated in his ministry?
- How can I trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even when circumstances seem dark or uncertain, as they did for the Jews in Esther 3:15?
Gill's Exposition on Esther 3:15
The post went out, being hastened by the king's command,.... Both to set out and make as much dispatch as possible: and the decree was given in Shushan the palace; by the king, and with the advice of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Esther 3:15
Then were the king's scribes called on the thirteenth day of the first month, and there was written according to all that Haman had commanded unto the king's lieutenants, and to the governors that
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Esther 3:15
By the king’ s commandment; either by this decree made in the king’ s name, or by some particular and succeeding command, which Haman could easily obtain from the king. The city Shushan was perplexed; 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 towards so vast a number of innocent people, now appointed as sheep for the slaughter; or out of a fear either of some sedition and disturbance which might arise by this means; or of some damage which might accrue to themselves or friends, who haply under this pretence might be exposed to rapine or slaughter; or of a public judgment of God upon them all for so bloody a decree.
Trapp's Commentary on Esther 3:15
Esther 3:15 The posts went out, being hastened by the king’ s commandment, and the decree was given in Shushan the palace. And the king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city Shushan was perplexed. Ver. 15. The posts went out, being hastened by the king’ s commandment] As if the enemy had been at the gates, and his crown had hanged on the one side of his head; he could not have been more earnest and diligent in such a case than he now is. So much set upon it are God’ s enemies, to bring their evil purposes to pass that till then neither themselves nor others can be suffered to rest for them. Quicquid volunt, valde volunt, bearing down with crest and breast whatsoever stands in the way of their sinful lusts. What a shame is it, then, for saints not to be zealous of good works, valiant for the truth, and violent for the kingdom. And the decree was given in Shushan the palace] Pependit, saith the Vulgate, it hung up upon the posts to be read by all, the king not shaming to have his privities seen (as the phrase is, Ezra 4:14), to traduce himself (as it were) in a public theatre, for a foolish and oppressive prince; neither caring what might be the evil consequents thereof, so that he may satisfy his own lust, and gratity his minion. And the king and Haman sat down to drink] So to drown the noise of conscience (if not altogether dead and dedolent), and so to nourish their hearts as in a day of slaughter. Thus Joseph’ s brethren, when they had cast him into the pit, sat down to eat bread, Genesis 37:25, when it had been better for them to have wept for their wickedness.
So did the Israelites when they had made them a golden calf, Exodus 32:6. Herod feasteth when he had cast the Baptist into prison, Matthew 14:6. The antichristian rout, revel, and riot, when they had slain the two witnesses, Revelation 11:10. The pope proclaimed a jubilee upon the Parisian Massacre. The king of France swore that he never smelled anything more sweet than the admiral’ s carcase, when it stank with long lying. As for his head, he sent it for a present to the queen mother. And she, embalming it, sent it to her holy father the pope for an assurance of the death of his most capital enemy. Thuanus writeth that the pope caused that massacre to be painted in his palace. Had the gunpowder plot succeeded it should have been portrayed, surely, in his chapel or oratory. Fawkes was to get into the fields to see the sport; for they made no other reckoning, but that all was their own.
No more did the king and Haman here, and hence their jollity, but it proved somewhat otherwise.
Ellicott's Commentary on Esther 3:15
(15) Perplexed.—The inhabitants of the capital were puzzled and alarmed, as well they might be, at so marvellously reckless an order. Their sympathies, too, were clearly with the Jews and against Haman. (See Esther 8:15.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Esther 3:15
Verse 15. The posts] Literally, the couriers, the hircarrahs, those who carried the public despatches; a species of public functionaries, who have been in use in all nations of the world from the remotest antiquity. The decree was given at Shushan] It was dated from the royal Susa, where the king then was. The city Shushan was perplexed.] They saw that in a short time, by this wicked measure the whole city would be thrown into confusion; for, although the Jews were the only objects of this decree, yet, as it armed the populace against them, even the Persians could not hope to escape without being spoiled, when a desperate mob had begun to taste of human blood, and enrich themselves with the property of the murdered. Besides, many Persian families had, no doubt, become united by intermarriages with Jewish families, and in such a massacre they would necessarily share the same fate with the Jews. A more impolitic, disgraceful, and cruel measure was never formed by any government; and one would suppose that the king who ordered it must have been an idiot, and the counsellors who advised it must have been madmen. But a despotic government is ever capable of extravagance and cruelty; for as it is the bane of popular freedom and happiness, so is it the disgrace of political wisdom and of all civil institutions. Despotism and tyranny in the state are the most direct curses which insulted justice can well inflict upon a sinful nation.
Cambridge Bible on Esther 3:15
15. went forth in haste] Haman fearing lest the king should change his mind and forbid the decree to be published. the king and Haman sat down to drink] We are reminded of Gloucester’s words to Buckingham (Richard III. Act iii. Sc. 1, end), “Come, let us sup betimes, that afterwards We may digest our complots in some form.” The writer of the Book of Esther has an eye for the literary effect of contrasts. The callousness of the Jew’s enemy is contrasted with the dismay which even the Gentile city of Susa felt at the prospect of bloodshed.
Barnes' Notes on Esther 3:15
Shushan was perplexed - Susa was now the capital of Persia, and the main residence of the Persians of high rank.
Whedon's Commentary on Esther 3:15
15. The king and Haman sat down to drink — Like the most cool and bloodthirsty tyrants.
Sermons on Esther 3:15
| Sermon | Description | |
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The Israel of God - Part 1 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a genuine heart relationship with God. He uses the analogy of a tree that appears to be real but is hollow on the in |
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The Vine and the Branches by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a man who mistreats grapes, showing a lack of understanding and appreciation for their delicacy. The speaker then uses this story t |
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Studies in the Gospel of John 06 - Spirit as a Teacher by Alden Gannett | The sermon transcript discusses the issue of being dull of hearing and the need for believers to continually grow in their understanding of God's word. The writer emphasizes the im |
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Reality Check Conference 2007 by Paul Washer | In this video, the speaker discusses the transformative power of receiving a revelation of God. He emphasizes that when someone truly hears the Gospel for the first time, it opens |
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The Travail of the Soul by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of soul travail and how it doesn't fit into the materialistic society we live in. He uses the example of Jacob in Genesis 32, who |
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The Cross and the Mystery of Suffering by Sadhu Sundar Singh | Sadhu Sundar Singh preaches about the meaning and purpose of the cross, explaining that through Jesus bearing the cross, heaven was opened to believers, and by believers taking up |
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Agape Love by A.W. Tozer | The preacher delves into the concept of joy (chara) in the Bible, emphasizing that it is a feeling of inner gladness and delight based on spiritual realities, independent of circum |