Esther 1
DOYLYEsther 1:13
- — wise men, which knew the times.] Men of judgment and knowledge in affairs, able to give advice for the fittest times and manner of performance of all actions. Bp. Hall.
— (for so was the king’s manner &c.] It was his usual practice to consult with his counsellors who were skilled in the laws of their country, before he resolved on any measure. Dr. Wells.
Esther 1:14
- — which saw the king’s face, and which sat the first in the kingdom.] Who were his principal ministers, and were admitted into his presence, which was allowed only to the great men of the kingdom. In rank they were the first of all his subjects.
The seven counsellors of the king are spoken of in Ezra vii. 14, as being his advisers in granting Ezra his authority. Bp. Patrick.
Esther 1:15
- — Thus shall there arise too much contempt and wrath.] Too much contempt in the wives, and wrath in their husbands, which would cause great divisions and contentions in the several families of the kingdom. Bp. Patrick.
wise men, which knew the times, (for so was the king’s manner toward all that knew law and judgment:
Esther 1:21
- — and the king did according to the word of Memucan.] The conduct of Ahasuerus with respect to queen Vashti, it must be recollected, was that of an heathen, acting under the influence of anger and intemperance. It is recorded in Scripture, not that it may be imitated or alleged as a pretence for sin, but that we may derive improvement by observing the events to which it led; his violent will, although apparently ungoverned, being nevertheless so directed by Providence, that it brought forward the remarkable preservation of the Jews, which forms the chief subject of this book. Bp. Hall.
Chap. II. ver. 1. — he remembered Vashti.] His former affection for her revived: he nevertheless remembered her undutiful conduct, and the decree irrevocably passed against her, so that he was greatly perplexed. Wherefore his counsellors sought to divert his mind toward a new object of attachment. Bp. Patrick.