Esther 2

Esther 2:2

Let there be] To divert his minde from Vasthi; and to prevent displeasure from him, and her, against those who any wise did counsel and animate him against her, if he should repent, and she be restored to favour. See Dan. VI. 24.

Esther 2:3

to the house of the women] Ver. 14. Mention is made of a second house; for the Concubines: Hege, or Hegai, ver. 8. the Keeper of the first: Shaahgaz, the Keeper of the second, ver. 14.

purification] ver. 12.

Esther 2:5

Mordecai] This might well be that Mordecai, which came up with Zerubbabel, Ezra II. 2. And evinceth this Ahasuerus to be Darius Hystaspides; and not Xerxes, or Artaxerxes; because he and not Kish, was the man that was carried captive with Jechoniah, ver. 6. And so he lived above sixty years in the Captivity; two years under Darius Medus; seven under Cyrus; seven under Cambyses; one under Smerdis; twelve under Darius Hystaspis, when Haman conspired against the Jewes, chap. III. 7. And so he was eighty nine years old at that time; besides the age that he was of, when he was carried away captive; and the time that he lived after that conspiracy. All which may well stand together.

But if by Ahasuerus be meant Xerxes, then instead of those eighty nine, we must reckon one hundred thirty five, that is, adding to them twenty four more of Darius Hystaspis, and twelve of Xerxes: which, together with his age before his captivity; and after the said conspiracy, intimated chap. X. would make him out-live the age of men in that age of the world.

Esther 2:7

Hadassah] Not the same with Atossa or Vashti who was the daughter of Cyrus; though the Greek Historians seeme to take Atossa for Esther: But this Hadassa is Esther: called so, as may seeme from the Myrtle-tree, dedicated by the Paynims to Venus; or from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the Star of Venus.

his Uncles daughter] So Mordecai and Esther were cosen-germans, brothers-children.

Esther 2:9

best of the house] Best places and roomes in that house.

Esther 2:12

twelve moneths] Many were purifying together.

Esther 2:15

the turne] Which was in the fourth year since Vasthi was put away; and in the seventh year of the Kings reigne. She was taken into the house a year before.

Esther 2:16

Tebeth] The Jewes after their returne from the Babylonish captivity used the Chaldee and Persian names of moneths. To this Tebeth our December, our tenth moneth, most what answereth; they beginning the year at the vernal equinoctial.

Esther 2:17

Queene] The year after the Temple was finished, Ezra VI. 15.

Esther 2:19

the second time] To what ends then gathered, it is not expressed.