Esther 3

Esther 3:1

THe Agagite] It is likely he was an Amalekite, and of the race of Agag, 1 Samuel 15:8. which might be one cause why Mordecai would not stoop so low to him, v. 2. See Exodus 17:16. Numbers 24:7.

set his seat above all the princes] 2 Kings 25:28.

Esther 3:2

but Mordecai bowed not] The Persians manner was to fall down and reverence their kings, and such as he appointed in chief authority, which Mordecai would not do to this ambitious and proud man.

Esther 3:3

the kings servants] Such courtiers as attended at the gate.

Esther 3:4

they told Haman] Thus we see that there is none so wicked, but they have their flatterers to accuse the godly.

Esther 3:6

for they had shewed him the people of Mordecai] Or, but seeing they had shewed him the people of Mordecai, Haman sought, &c. See here the extremity of pride and malice.

Esther 3:7

the moneth Nisan] Which containeth part of March, and part of April.

they cast Pur, that is, the lot before Haman] According to the Persian superstition, to know what moneth and day should be good to enterprise this thing, that it might have good successe: but God disappointed their lots and expectation.

the moneth Adar] Containing part of February, and part of March.

Esther 3:8

their laws are diverse from all people, neither keep they the kings laws] These be the two arguments which commonly the worldlings and the wicked use toward princes; against the godly, to wit, The contempt of their laws, And diminution of their profit; without respect how God is either pleased or displeased, Daniel 3:12. and Daniel 6:13.

for the kings profit] Heb. meet, or equall.

Esther 3:9

that they may be destroyed] Heb. to destroy them.

pay] Heb. weigh.

ten thousand talents of silver] To make the king mor willing to yeeld to the destruction of the Jews, he promiseth this great sum to the king, out of their estates. For talents, see 1 Chronicles 22:14.

that have the charge of the businesse] That received the kings moneys.

Esther 3:10

took his ring from his hand] Genesis 41:42.

enemy] Or, oppressour.

Esther 3:12

scribes] Or, secretaries.

had commanded] Or, did command.

according to the writing thereof] Chap. 8. 9.

Esther 3:13

the spoil of them] The fore-named sum, v. 9. being remitted to him, v. 11. he disposeth the spoil to the executioners, to make them more eager in the work.

Esther 3:14

was published] Or, to be published.

Esther 3:15

was given in Shushan] Chap. 8. 14.

the city Shushan was perplexed] To wit, the Jews that were in Shushan, who were condemned by this decree, made great lamentation, as soon as they heard of it.