Esther 5:1
ON THE THIRD DAY] This indicates that the fast of href='190 4:16'>Est 4:16 is not to be regarded as extending over three whole days.... [ Continue Reading ]
ON THE THIRD DAY] This indicates that the fast of href='190 4:16'>Est 4:16 is not to be regarded as extending over three whole days.... [ Continue Reading ]
ESTHER'S PETITION TO THE KING An account of how Esther, being favourably received by the king, invited him, together with Haman, to a banquet whereat she promised to make known her petition, and how Haman prepared for the execution of Mordecai.... [ Continue Reading ]
THE BANQUET OF WINE] This presumably followed the dinner. Herodotus states that the Persians, though moderate at their meals, were much addicted to wine.... [ Continue Reading ]
I WILL DO.. HATH SAID] i.e. to make known to him her request. Esther hoped that by preparing a second banquet for the king before presenting her petition, she would render him more disposed to grant it.... [ Continue Reading ]
IN THE KING'S GATE] Since his hopes had been raised by Esther's undertaking to supplicate the king, he had laid aside his garb of mourning (href='190 4:2'>Est 4:2), and resumed his previous station (href='190 2:21'>Est 2:21).... [ Continue Reading ]
THE MULTITUDE OF HIS CHILDREN] A Jew regarded a large family as a blessing (Genesis 30:20), and, according to Herodotus, a Persian's strongest motive for pride, next to his personal bravery, was the number of his children. Haman had ten sons (href='190 9:10'>Est 9:10).... [ Continue Reading ]
A GALLOWS] lit. 'a tree' (or 'stake').... [ Continue Reading ]