Esther 3:7

In the first month, that [is], the month Nisan, in the twelfth year of king Ahasuerus, they cast Pur, that [is], the lot, before Haman from day to day, and from month to month, [to] the twelfth [month], that [is], the month Adar.

Ver. 7. In the first month] The time is thus noted, ad maiorem historiae fidem et lucern, to give more credit to the history, and to lend some light to it.

That is, the month Nisan] The Chaldees call it Abib, from the new fruits or ears of grain then first appearing. It was the first month unto Israel, in respect of sacred, not civil, affairs, because of their coming out of Egypt therein. It answereth to part of March with us, and part of April.

In the twelfth year of king Ahasuerus] When Esther had now been queen for over four years, and, being greatly beloved, was in a capacity to do her people good. This was a sweet providence, the remedy was ready before the disease broke out. No country hath more venomous creatures than Egypt, none more antidotes. So godliness hath many troubles, and as many helps against trouble.

They cast Pur, that is, the lot] The old interpreter addeth in urnam, into the pitcher. And the new annotations tell us that, about casting lots, there was a pitcher into which papers, with names of the several months written on them, and rolled up, were cast; yea, also papers with the names of every day and of every month were cast in; then one, blindfolded, put in his hand and pulled out a paper, and according to the marks which they had set down, such a month proved lucky, and such a day in the month; and, by God's providence, it so fell out that their supposed lucky day was on the twelfth month, whereby it came to pass that their plot was defeated before the time of accomplishing thereof, Esther 9:1,11 .

From day to day, &c.] This is not to be taken as if they had continued twelve months about in casting of these lots; but as in the note next above.

That is, the month Adar] In all which time that wicked Haman might have bethought himself (as one noteth), and returned to a better mind toward God's people. But he, after the hardness of his heart, that could not repent, treasured up unto himself wrath against the day of wrath, &c., Romans 2:5 .