Esther 9:3

3.—Mordecai—was next unto king Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews, &c.] Such were the temporal rewards of Mordecai’s exertions in behalf of his countrymen, and dutiful regard for the safety of his sovereign. This may afford us encouragement to be zealously affected in every good thing; to stand to our principles with cheerfulness and courage, to own the doctrines of our church, and to be true to our king, in the most perilous times. Wicked persons act but by a limited commission in this world; and in spite of all their rancour and malice, success will some time or other crown the righteous: and though the followers of Mordecai’s virtues may not be made like him in his earthly advancement, yet they shall enjoy peace of conscience and the favour of God. Bp. Andrews, Dr. Coney.

—seeking the wealth of his people.] Under all revolutions, the Jews of the captivity had the comfort to see that some persons of their own body were surprisingly advanced into power and authority to patronise and defend their cause: which as it shewed the concern of the Almighty for the welfare of the Jews, must also have excited in their minds a regard for His honour and glory: and must have confirmed their dependence upon His great and precious promises. Dr. Owen.

After the events here related, no man dares frown upon a Jew. They are now become lords in the midst

CHAP. X.

Esther 9:16

16. — and slew of their foes seventy and five thousand.] It is probable that these persons were destroyed in consequence of their having obstinately persevered in measures of active hostility against the Jews, notwithstanding the change in the disposition of the king. On this occasion was displayed the mischievous effect of that absurd law of the Medes and Persians, that the king’s decree, when signed by him and sealed with his seal, could not be changed or repealed. For the king was obliged to issue a counter-decree, empowering the Jews to take up arms in self-defence; and in consequence of this, eight hundred men were slain in Shushan, and in the provinces seventy-five thousand. Such was the calamitous result of a rash and unjust decree, ratified at a banquet; when “the king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city Shushan was perplexed.” Dr. Hales.

Esther 9:18

18. — and on the fifteenth day — they rested.] The Jews of Shushan rested a day later than the Jews of the provinces, having had two days of slaughter. Bp. Patrick. are made festival. The festival to be strictly kept.

ing into a good day: that they should make them days of feasting and joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor.

Esther 9:22

22. — and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor.] They made it a day both of thanksgiving and praise to God, and of feasting with one another: and they sent portions and gifts to their poorer neighbours, that they might partake in the festival. Bp. Patrick. In like manner almsgiving and attention to the poor ought to make part of every Christian festival. Bp. Andrewes. See the note on Neh. viii. 10.

Esther 9:25

25. — should return upon his own head.] For while he sought direction from the false gods of Persia, his whole undertaking was overruled by the God of Israel. Bp. Patrick.

When such men as Haman are not only supplanted in their wicked contrivances, but dismally chastised for them, these occurrences do more than insinuate Divine wisdom to intervene, countermining and confounding such devices. For He it is who, as the Scripture telleth us, maketh the diviners mad; that turneth wise men backward, and maketh their knowledge foolish; disappointeth the devices of the crafty, so that their hands cannot perform their enterprise; taketh the wise in their own craftiness, and turneth down the counsels of the froward headlong. Dr. Isaac Barroo.

Esther 9:28

28. — and that these days of Purim should not fail] Josephus bears testimony to the observance of this festival in his time, in the following words: “Hence even now all the Jews that are in the habitable earth keep these days festival, and send presents to one another.” It has also been regularly observed by the Jews to this day as an annual solemnity: and it forms a standing monument of the events recorded in this book. Dr. Gray.

The following accounts are found of the ceremonies used at this festival in different ages: some savouring the superstition of the apostate Jews; others, the piety of their forefathers.

The festival has been generally observed by a total rest from labour, by attendance in the synagogues, by sending presents to one another, by giving portions of food and gifts to the poor, and by great rejoicing and festivity. In the synagogue, the book of Esther is solemnly read from beginning to end; all Jews, whether men, women, children, or servants, being required to attend, because they all had a share in the deliverance obtained by Esther. Before the reading begins, three

Esther 9:29

29.—to confirm this second letter of Purim.] The Jews every where cheerfully agreed to the injunction of Mordecai: but, for fear of any neglect, and to give the greater authority to it, and prevent the memorial of so remarkable a blessing from decaying in after generations, a second injunction was sent by the queen to confirm it, and exhort all to the careful observance of it. Pyle.

Esther 9:31

31. To confirm these days of Purim &c.] The former Targum thus paraphrases this verse: “To confirm these days of Purim as Mordecai the Jew and Esther the queen appointed concerning them; and as the Jews ordained for themselves and for their posterity to keep in memory the matter of their fastings and their prayers.” Bp. Patrick.

Esther 9:32

32. And the decree of Esther &c.] Thus the forementioned decree, which confirmed the days of Purim, was recorded and made a publick act. Bp. Patrick.

Chap. X. ver. 1.—the isles of the sea.] Perhaps the isles of the Egean sea, conquered by Darius Hystaspes. Abp. Usher.