Esther 8:3-17. Arrangements for the deliverance of the Jews 3. _spake yet again before the king_ thus apparently taking the risk of again entering his presence unsummoned, but, under the new circumstances, free from such forebodings of evil as those which had attended her previous essay. _to put a... [ Continue Reading ]
_held out to Esther the golden sceptre_ Cp. Esther 4:11; Esther 5:2. On this occasion, however, the king's action was not in order to permit approach with a petition, but in token of the favourable hearing granted to a request already made.... [ Continue Reading ]
_If it please etc._ The long preface to the definite request shews some doubt on Esther's part whether it will be granted. _to reverse the letters devised by Haman … which he wrote_ She is careful to represent it as the work of Haman and not of the king. The latter however points out in reply that... [ Continue Reading ]
Ahasuerus says in effect, -I cannot reverse the decree. It is not, as you suggest, merely Haman's. It has been promulgated with my authority, and hence immutability attaches to it. But think of some means by which it may be neutralised.... [ Continue Reading ]
In the Hebrew this is the longest verse in the Hagiographa, consisting of 43 words and 192 letters. It may be added that the longest in the Prophets is Jeremiah 21:7, consisting of 42 words and 160 letters. (See the critical notes on these passages in Baer's _Massoretic Text of the O.T._) _in the t... [ Continue Reading ]
_riding on swift steeds_ As time was an object, it was important that the messengers should be well mounted. Both Herodotus (viii. 98) and Xenophon (_Cyrop_. viii. 6. 17) speak of _horses only_as being used in Persia to carry despatches. _that were used in the king's service_ This corresponds to bu... [ Continue Reading ]
The LXX. express the permission in much gentler form, viz. -to defend themselves and to treat their adversaries and foes as they please." But the author of the Book evidently means to bring out forcibly the fact that the parts which by the first decree had been assigned respectively to the Jews and... [ Continue Reading ]
_swift steeds that were used in the king's service_ See on Esther 8:10. _being hastened and pressed on_ The increased need for promptitude is indicated by the two synonymous participles, of which only the latter is used at the sending out of the first edict.... [ Continue Reading ]
_in royal apparel of blue and white_ by way of indicating externally the revulsion of feeling. The Persian king's own robe was purple, or purple embroidered with gold over another garment of purple striped or mixed with white. See Rawlinson's _Anc. Mon._(2nd ed.), iii. 203. _crown_ not _kether_, th... [ Continue Reading ]
_The Jews had light etc._ The expression reminds us of the Prayer Book Version of Psalms 97:11, -There is sprung up a light for the righteous." Cp. also Psalms 27:1; Psalms 36:9, for -light" used, as here, metaphorically as equivalent to prosperity and joy.... [ Continue Reading ]
_a good day_ The expression, occurring also in Esther 9:19; Esther 9:22, is found elsewhere only in 1 Samuel 25:8. _became Jews_ The LXX. have, -were circumcised and became Jews." They became proselytes in order to secure themselves, in the face of the increased importance and position which the Jew... [ Continue Reading ]