Esther 5

Esther 5:1

ON the third day] To wit, after that the Jews had begun to fast.

Esther 5:2

the king held out to Esther the golden scepter] Which was a signe that her coming was well pleasing unto him, as ch. 4. 11.

touched the top of the scepter] For the scepter being stretched out to her, the top was next her. This she toucheth, in acknowledgement of the kings favour, and of submitting her self and her petition to him.

to the half of the kingdom] Meaning hereby, that whatsoever she asked, should be granted, as Mark 6:23.

Esther 5:4

let the king and Haman come this day] She invites Haman also, that she might accuse him to his face, and he might not by false suggestions disswade the king privily from believing her complaint.

Esther 5:6

at the banquet of wine] Because they used to drink excessively in their banquets, they called the banquet by the name of that which was most in use, and most highly esteemed: or, in which wine was most plentifull, for it was not the ordinary drink.

Esther 5:8

to perform] Heb. to do.

I will do to morrow as the king hath said] I will then dclare what thing I demand. She expected a more fit opportunity.

Esther 5:9

joyfull] Thus wicked men triumph, when death is neerer them then they are aware of.

glad] Heb. good, chap. 1. 10. and 9. 19.

Esther 5:10

called] Heb. caused to come.

Esther 5:11

of the glory of his riches] He rips up his greatnesse, to exaggerate Mordecai’s offence, and his own discontent.

wherein the king had promoted him] The wicked, when they are promoted, in stead of acknowledging their charge, and humbling themselves, wax ambitious, disdainfull and cruell.

Esther 5:13

Yet all this availeth me nothing] No honour can satisfie malicious men, without revenge. Haman cannot stay for Mordecai’s death till the tiem appointed to kill all the Jews, though it drew neer.

so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the kings gate] And not rising up to me, as others do.

Esther 5:14

gallows] Heb. tree.

then go thou in merrily] Then thou mayest be merry, when thy adversary is hanged.