Annotations upon the Holy Bible. Vol. I wherein the sacred text is inserted, and various readings annex'd, together with parallel scriptures, the more difficult terms in each verse are explained, seeming contradictions reconciled, questions and doubts resolved, and the whole text opened / by the late reverend and learned divine Mr. Matthew Poole.

ESTHER.

THis Book was constantly received for a part of the Canon of the Scripture by the People of the Iews; whose au∣thority herein is the more considerable, because to them were committed the Oracles of God, Rom. 3. 2. to keep them safely, and transmit them carefully to Posterity. And it is a very strong presumption that they were true to their trust, that our blessed Lord, and his holy Apostles, who taxed the Iews with many faults both greater and less, never charged them with unfaithfulness herein: which, if the Iews had been guilty, they would certainly have done, and by their Office were obliged to do it for the Instruction and Caution of the Christian Church, whose Faith was built no less upon the Writings of the Prophets, than upon the Doctrine of the Apostles. The Pen-man of it is both by Iewish and Christian Interpreters, ancient and modern, thought to be Mordecai: who was both an holy man of God, and a principal Actor in this History. And therefore who so fit and proper for it as himself?

CHAP. I.

1 NOw it came to pass in the days of Aha∣suerus a 1.1, (this is Ahasuerus, which reigned from India even unto Ethio∣pia, over an hundred and seven and twenty provinces b 1.2.)

2 That in those days, when the king Ahasuerus sate on the Throne of his kingdom c 1.3, which was in Shu∣shan the ‖ 1.4 palace d 1.5,

3 In the third year of his reign, he made a feast un∣to all his Princes, and his servants, the power e 1.6 of Per∣sia and Media, the nobles and princes of the provinces being before him.

4 When he shewed the riches of his glorious King∣dom, and the honour of his excellent majesty, many days, even an hundred and fourscore days f 1.7.

5 And when these days were expired, the king made a feast unto all the people that were † 1.8 present g 1.9 in Shu∣shan the palace, both unto great and small, seven days, in the court of the garden h 1.10 of the kings palace.

6 Where were white, green, and ‖ 1.11 blue hangings fastened with cords of fine linnen and purple, to silver rings, and pillars of marble: the beds i 1.12 were of gold, and silver, upon a pavement ‖ 1.13 of red, and blue, and white, and black marble.

7 And they gave them drink in vessels of gold, (the vessels being divers one from another) and † 1.14 royal wine in abundance, † 1.15 according to the state of the king.

8 And the drinking was according to the law, none did compel k 1.16: for so the king had appointed to all the officers of his house, that they should do according to every mans pleasure.

9 Also Vashti the queen made a feast for the wo∣men l 1.17, in the royal house which belonged to king Aha∣suerus.

10 On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas, the seven ‖ 1.18 chamberlains m 1.19, that served in the presence of Ahasuerus the king,

11 To bring Vashti the queen before the king, with the crown royal, to shew the people and the princes her beauty, for she was † 1.20 fair to look on.

12 But the queen Vashti refused to come n 1.21 at the kings commandment † 1.22 by his chamberlains: therefore was the king very wroth, and his anger burned in him.

13 Then the King said to the wise-men, which knew the times o 1.23, (for so was the kings manner to∣wards all that knew law and judgment p 1.24.

14 And next unto him was Carshena, Shethar, Ad∣matha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, the * 1.25 seven princes of Persia and Media, * 1.26 which saw the kings face q 1.27, and which sate the first in the king∣dom r 1.28.)

15 † 1.29 What shall we do unto the queen Vashti, ac∣cording to law, because she hath not performed the commandment of the king Ahasuerus, by the cham∣berlains?

16 And Memucan answered r 1.30 before the king, and the princes, Vashti the queen hath not done wrong to the king onely, but also to all the princes, and to all the people s 1.31 that are in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus.

17 For this deed of the queen shall come abroad un∣to all women, so that they shall despise their husbands in their eyes, when it shall be reported, The king Aha∣suerus commanded Vashti the queen to be brought in before him, but she came not.

18 Likewise shall the ladies of Persia and Media say this day unto all the kings princes, which have heard of the deed of the queen. Thus shall there arise too much contempt and wrath t 1.32.

19 † 1.33 If it please the king u 1.34, let there go a royal commandment † 1.35 from him, and let it be written a∣mong the laws of the Persians, and the Medes, † 1.36 that it be not altered x 1.37, that Vashti come no more before king Ahasuerus, and let the king give her royal estate † 1.38 un∣to another that is better than she.

20 And when the kings decree which he shall make, shall be published throughout all his Empire, (for it is great) all the wives shall give to their husbands honour, both to great and small.

21 And the saying † 1.39 pleased the king and the prin∣ces y 1.40, and the king did according to the word of Me∣mucan:

22 For he sent letters into all the kings provinces, into every province according to the writing thereof, and to every people after their language, that every man should bear rule in his own house, and † 1.41 that it should be published according to the language of eve∣ry people z 1.42.

CHAP. II.

1 AFter these things when the wrath of king Aha∣suerus was appeased, he remembred a 1.43 Vashti, and what she had done, and what was decreed against her.

2 Then said the kings servants b 1.44, that ministred un∣to him, Let there be fair young virgins sought for the king.

3 And let the king appoint Officers in all the pro∣vinces of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the fair young virgins unto Shushan the palace, to the house of the women, † 1.45 unto the custody of ‖ 1.46 Hege the kings chamberlain, keeper of the women c 1.47, and let their things for purification d 1.48 be given them.

4 And let the maiden which pleaseth the king, be queen instead of Vashti. And the thing pleased the king, and he did so.

5 Now in Shushan the palace there was a certain Jew, whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite,

6 * 1.49 Who e 1.50 had been carried away from Jerusalem, with the captivity which had been carried away with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away.

7 And he † 1.51 brought up Hadassah (that is Esther f 1.52) his uncles daughter, for she had neither father nor mo∣ther, and the maid was † 1.53 fair and beautiful, whom Mordecai (when her father and mother were dead) took for his own daughter.

8 So it came to pass, when the kings command∣ment and his decree was heard, and when many maidens were gathered together unto Shushan the palace, to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was brought g 1.54 also unto the kings house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women.

9 And the maiden pleased him h 1.55, and she obtained kindness of him, and he speedily gave her her things for purification, with † 1.56 such things as belonged to her, and seven maidens, which were meet to be given her, out of the kings house, and † 1.57 he preferred her and her maids unto the best place of the house of the women.

10 Esther had not shewed her people, nor her kind∣red: for Mordecai had charged her that she should not shew it i 1.58.

11 And Mordecai walked every day before the court of the womens house, † 1.59 to know how Esther did, and what should become of her.

12 Now when every maids turn was come to go in to king Ahasuerus; after that she had been twelve months, according to the manner of the women k 1.60, for so were the days of their purifications accomplished, to wit, six months with oil of myrrhe l 1.61, and six months with sweet odours m 1.62, and with other things for the puri∣fying of the women.)

13 Then thus n 1.63 came every maiden unto the king; whatsoever she desired o 1.64 was given her, to go with her out of the house of the women, unto the kings house.

14 In the evening she went, and on the morrow she returned into the second house of the women, to the custody of Shaashgaz, the kings chamberlain, which kept the concubines p 1.65: she came in unto the king no more, except the king delighted in her, and that she were called by name.

15 Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail, the uncle of Mordecai (who had taken her for his daughter) was come to go in unto the king, she required nothing q 1.66, but what Hegai the kings cham∣berlain, the keeper of the women appointed: and Est∣her obtained favour in the sight of all them that look∣ed upon her r 1.67.

16 So Esther was taken unto king Ahasuerus, into his house royal s 1.68, in the tenth month (which is the month Tebeth) in the seventh year of his reign.

17 And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and ‖ 1.69 favour † 1.70 in his sight, more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti.

18 Then the king made a great feast unto all his princes and his servants, even Esthers feast, and he made a † 1.71 release to the provinces t 1.72, and gave gifts ac∣cording to the state of the king.

19 And when the virgins were gathered together the second time u 1.73, then Mordecai sat in the kings gate x 1.74.

20 Esther had not yet shewed her kindred, nor her people; as Mordecai had charged her: for Esther did the commandment of Mordecai, like as when she was brought up with him.

21 * 1.75 In those days (while Mordecai sat in the kings gate) two of the kings chamberlains, ‖ 1.76 Bigthan and Teresh, of those which kept the † door y 1.77, were wroth, and sought * 1.78 to lay hand z 1.79 on the king Ahasuerus.

22 And the thing was known to Mordecai, who told it unto Esther the queen, and Esther certified the king thereof, in Mordecai's name.

23 And when inquisition was made of the matter, it was found out, therefore they were both hanged on a tree: and it was written in the book of the chroni∣cles before the king ‖ 1.80.

CHAP. III.

AFter these things did king Ahasuerus promote Ha∣man the son of Hammedatha the * 1.81 Agagite a 1.82▪ and advanced him, and set his seat above all the prin∣ces that were with him b 1.83.

2 And all the kings servants that were in the kings † 1.84 gate bowed, and reverenced Haman; for the king had so commanded concerning him: but Mordecai * 1.85 bow∣ed not, nor did him reverence c 1.86.

3 Then the kings servants which were in the kings gate, said unto Mordecai, why transgressest thou the kings commandment?

4 Now it came to pass, when they spake daily unto him, and he hearkened not unto them, that they told Haman, to see whether Mordecai his matters would stand d 1.87, for he had told them that he was a Jew e 1.88▪

5 And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full of wrath.

6 And he thought scorn f 1.89 to lay hands on Morde∣cai alone; for they had shewed him the people of Mor∣decai▪ wherefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews g 1.90, that were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasue∣rus, even the people of Mordecai.

7 In the first month (that is the month Nisan) in the twelfth year of king Ahasuerus, * 1.91 they cast Pur, that is, the lot, before Haman from day to day, & from month to month h 1.92, to the twelfth month i 1.93, that is, the month Adar.

8 And Haman said unto king Ahasuerus, There is a certain people k 1.94 scattered abroad, and dispersed among the people l 1.95 in all the provinces of thy kingdom m 1.96, and * 1.97 their laws are divers from all people n 1.98, neither keep they the kings laws o 1.99; therefore it is not † 1.100 for the kings profit to suffer them p 1.101.

9 If it please the king, let it be written q 1.102 † 1.103 that they may be destroyed: and I will † 1.104 pay ten thousand talents of silver r 1.105 to the hands of those that have the charge of the business s 1.106: to bring it into the kings treasuries.

10 And the king took his ring from his hand, and gave it unto Haman t 1.107 the son of Hammedatha the A∣gagite, the Jews ‖ 1.108 enemy u 1.109.

11 And the king said unto Haman, The silver is given to thee x 1.110, the people also, to do with them as it seemeth good to thee.

12 Then were the kings ‖ 1.111 scribes y 1.112 called on the thirteenth day of the first month, and there was writ∣ten according to all that Haman had commanded unto the kings lieutenants, and to the governours that were over every province, and to the rulers of every people of every province according to the writing thereof, and to every people after their language, in the name of king Ahasuerus was it written, and sealed with the kings ring.

13 And the letters were sent by posts into all the kings provinces, to destroy, to kill, & to cause to perish all Jews, both young and old, * 1.113 little children and women, in one day, even upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month (which is the month Adar) and to take the spoil of them for a prey z 1.114.

14 The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province, was published unto all people, that they should be ready against that day.

15 The posts went out, being hastened by the kings commandment ‖ 1.115, and the decree was given in Shushan the palace: and the king and Haman sat down to drink, but the city Shushan † 1.116 was perplexed.

CHAP. IV.

1 WHen Mordecai perceived all that was done, Mordecai rent his clothes, and put on sackcloth with ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and cried with a loud and bitter cry a 1.117:

2 And came, even before the kings gate; for none might enter into the kings gate b 1.118 clothed with sack∣cloth c 1.119.

3 And in every province whithersoever the kings commandment, and his decree came, there was great mourning among the Jews, and fasting, and weeping, and wailing, and † 1.120 many lay in sackcloth and ashes.

4 So Esthers maids, and her † 1.121 chamberlains came and told it her. Then was the queen exceedingly grie∣ved, and she sent raiment to cloth Mordecai d 1.122, and to take away his sackcloth from him: but he received it not.

5 Then called Esther for Hatach, one of the kings chamberlains, † 1.123 whom he had appointed to attend upon

her; and gave him a commandment to Mordecai, to know what it was, and why it was.

6 So Hatach went forth to Mordecai, unto the street of the city, which was before the kings gate.

7 And Mordecai told him of all that had happened unto him, and of the sum of mony that Haman had promised to pay to the kings treasuries for the Jews, to destroy them.

8 Also he gave him the copy of the writing of the decree, that was given at Shushan to destroy them, to shew it unto Esther, and declare it unto her, and to charge her i 1.124 that she should go in unto the king, to make supplication unto him, and to make request be∣fore him for her people.

9 And Hatach came and told Esther the words of Mordecai.

10 Again Esther spake unto Hatach, and gave him commandment to say unto Mordecai;

11 All the kings servants, and the people of the kings provinces do know k 1.125, that whosoever, whether man or woman, shall come unto the king into the in∣ner court l 1.126, who is not called, there is one law of his to put him to death m, except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden scepter that he may live: but I have not been called to come in unto the king, these thirty days n 1.127.

12 And they told to Mordecai Esthers words.

13 Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thy self that thou shalt escape in the kings house o 1.128, more than all the Jews:

14 For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there † 1.129 enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place p 1.130▪ but thou and thy fathers house shall be destroyed q 1.131: and who know∣eth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this r 1.132?

15 Then Esther bad them return Mordecai this an∣swer,

16 Go, gather together all the Jews that are † 1.133 pre∣sent in Shushan, and fast ye s 1.134 for me, and neither eat nor drink t 1.135 three days, night or day: I also and my maidens u 1.136 will fast likewise x 1.137, and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law y 1.138, and if I perish, I perish z 1.139.

17 So Mordecai † 1.140 went his way, and did according to all that Esther had commanded him.

CHAP. V.

1 NOW it came to pass on the third day a 1.141, that Esther put on her * 1.142 royal apparel b 1.143, and stood in the inner court of the kings house, over against the kings house: and the king •…•…at upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the gate of the house.

2 And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she * 1.144 obtained favour in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden scep∣ter that was in his hand c 1.145. so Esther drew near, and touched the top of the scepter d 1.146.

3 Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what is thy request? * 1.147 it shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom.

4 And Esther answered, If it seem good unto the king, let the king and Haman e 1.148 come this day unto the banquet that I have prepared for him.

5 Then the king said, Cause Haman to make hast, that he may do as Esther hath said: so the king and Ha∣man came to the banquet that Esther had prepared.

6 And the king said unto Esther at the banquet of wine f 1.149, What is thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed.

7 Then answered Esther, and said, My petition, and my request is;

8 If I have found favour in the •…•…ight of the king, and if it please the king to grant my petition, and † 1.150 to perform my request, let the king and Haman come to the banquet that I shall prepare for them, and I will do to morrow as the king hath said g. * 1.151

9 Then went Haman forth that day, joyful, and with a glad heart: but when Haman saw Mordecai in the kings gate, that he stood not up, nor moved for him h 1.152, he was full of indignation against Mordecai.

10 Nevertheles, Haman refrained himself i 1.153, and when he came home, he sent and † 1.154 called for his friends, and Zeresh his wife.

11 And Haman told them of the glory of his rich∣es k 1.155, and the multitude of his children, and all the things wherein the king had promoted him, and how he had advanced him above the princes & servants of the king.

12 Haman said moreover, Yea, Esther the queen did let no man come in with the king unto the banquet that she had prepared, but my self; and to morrow am I invited unto her also with the king l 1.156.

13 Yet all this availeth me nothing m 1.157, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the kings gate n 1.158.

14 Then said Zeresh his wife, and all his friends un∣to him, Let a † 1.159 gallows be made of fifty cubits high o 1.160, and to morrow speak thou unto the king, that Mor∣decai may be hanged thereon: then go thou in merri∣ly with the king unto the banquet. And the thing pleased Haman, and he caused * 1.161 the gallows to be made.

CHAP. VI.

1 ON that night † 1.162 could not the king sleep a 1.163, and he commanded to bring the book of records of the chronicles b 1.164: and they were read before the king c 1.165.

2 And it was found written, that Mordecai had told of ‖ 1.166 Bigthana and Teresh, two of the kings chamber∣lains, the keepers of the † 1.167 door, who sought to lay h•…•…nd on the king Ahasu•…•…rus.

3 And the king said, What honour and dignity hath been done to Mordecai for this? Then said the kings servants that ministred unto him, There is nothing done for him p 1.168.

4 And the king said, Who is in the court? (now Haman was come q 1.169 into the outward court of the kings house r 1.170, to speak unto the king to hang Mordecai on the gallows that he had prepared for him.)

5 And the kings servants said unto him Behold, Ha∣man standeth in the court. And the king said, Let him come in.

6 So Haman came in, and the king said unto him, What shall be done unto the man s 1.171, † 1.172 whom the king delighteth to honour? (now Haman thought in his heart t 1.173, To whom would the king delight to do honour more than to my self?

7 And Haman answered the king, For the man † 1.174 whom the king delighteth to honour,

8 † 1.175 Let the royal apparel u 1.176 be brought, † 1.177 which the king useth to wear, and the horse that the king rideth upon x 1.178, and the crown royal which is set upon his head y 1.179.

9 And let this apparel and horse be delivered to th•…•… hand of one of the kings most noble princes, that they may array the man withal, whom the king delighteth to honour, and † 1.180 bring him on horseback through the principal street of the city, and proclaim z 1.181 before him, Thus shall it be done unto the man whom the king de∣lighteth to honour.

10 Then the king said to Haman, Make hast, and take the apparel, and the horse, as thou hast said, and do even so to Mordecai the Jew, that sitteth at the kings gate: † 1.182 let nothing fail of all that thou hast spoken.

11 Then took Haman the apparel, and the horse, and arrayed Mordecai, and brought him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaimed a 1.183 before him, Thus shall it be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour.

12 And Mordecai came again to the kings gate b 1.184: but Haman hasted to his house, mourning and having his head covered c 1.185.

13 And Haman told Zeresh his wife, and all his friends, every thing that had befallen him. Then said his wise men d 1.186, and Zeresh his wife unto him, If Mor∣decai be of the seed of the Jews e 1.187, before whom thou hast begun to fall, thou shalt not prevail against him, but shalt surely fall before him f 1.188.

14 And while they were yet talking with him, came the kings chamberlains, and hasted to bring Haman g 1.189 unto the banquet that Esther had prepared.

CHAP. VII.

1 SO the king and Haman came † 1.190 to banquet with Esther the queen.

2 And the king said again to Esther, on the se∣cond day, * 1.191 at the banquet of wine a 1.192, What is thy petition, queen Esther? and it shall be grant∣ed thee: and what is thy request? and it shall be performed, even to the half of the king∣dom.

3 Then Esther the queen answered and said, If I have found favour in thy sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be given me at my pe∣tition b 1.193, and my people c 1.194 at my request.

4 For we are * 1.195 sold d 1.196, I and my people e 1.197, † 1.198 to be destroyed, to be slain, and to perish f 1.199: but if we had been sold for bond-men, and bond-women, I had held my tongue g 1.200, al∣though the enemy could not countervail the kings damage h 1.201.

5 Then the king Ahasuerus answered and said unto Esther the queen, Who is he? and where is he i 1.202 † 1.203 that durst presume in his heart to do so k 1.204?

6 And Esther said, † 1.205 The adversary and enemy is l 1.206 this wicked Haman. Then Haman was afraid, ‖ 1.207 before the king and the queen.

7 And the king arising from the banquet of wine in his wrath, went into the palace-garden m 1.208: and Haman stood up to make request for his life to Esther the queen: for he saw n 1.209 that there was evil determined against him by the king.

8 Then the king returned out of the palace-gar∣den, into the place of the banquet of wine, and Haman was fallen upon the bed o 1.210 whereon Esther was. Then said the king, Will he force the queen also p 1.211 † 1.212 before me in the house q 1.213? As the word went out of the kings mouth they r 1.214 covered Ha∣mans face s 1.215.

9 And * 1.216 Harbonah, one of the chamberlains t 1.217, said before the king, Behold also the † 1.218 gallows fifty cubits high, which Haman had made for Mor∣decai, who had spoken good for the king u 1.219, stand∣eth in the house of Haman. Then the king said, Hang him thereon.

10 So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared x 1.220 for Mordecai. Then was the kings wrath pacified y 1.221.

CHAP. VIII.

1 ON that day did the king Ahasuerus give the house of Haman a 1.222, the Jews enemy, unto Esther the queen, and Mordecai came before the king b 1.223, for Esther had told what he was unto her c 1.224.

2 And the king took off his ring d 1.225 which he had taken from Haman, and gave it unto Mordecai. And Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman e 1.226.

3 And Esther spake yet again before the king, and fell down at his feet, and † 1.227 besought him with tears, to put away the mischief of Haman f 1.228 the Agagite, and his device that he had devised against the Jews.

4 Then the king held out the golden scepter g 1.229 to∣ward Esther. So Esther arose, and stood before the king,

5 And said, If it please the king, and if I have found favour in his sight, and the thing seem right be∣fore the king, and I be pleasing in his eyes h 1.230▪ let it be written to reverse † 1.231 the letters devised by Haman i 1.232 the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, ‖ 1.233 which he wrote to destroy the Jews, which are in all the kings pro∣vinces.

6 For how can I † 1.234 endure to see the evil k 1.235 that shall come unto my people? or how can I endure to see the destruction of my kindred?

7 Then the king Ahasuerus said unto Esther the queen, and unto Mordecai the Jew, Behold I have gi∣ven Esther the house of Haman, and him they have hanged l 1.236 upon the gallows, because he laid his hand upon the Jews.

8 Write ye also for the Jews m 1.237 as it liketh you, in the kings name, and seal it with the kings ring n 1.238: for the writing which is written in the kings name, and sealed with the kings ring, * 1.239 may no man re∣verse o 1.240.

9 Then were the kings scribes called at that time in the third month (that is the month Sivan) on the three and twentieth day thereof p 1.241, and it was written (according to all that Mordecai commanded) unto the Jews q 1.242▪ and to the lieutenants, and the deputies, rulers of the provinces r 1.243, which are from India unto Ethiopia, an hundred twenty and seven provinces, un∣to every province according to the writing thereof and unto every people after their language, and to the Jews according to their writing, and according to their language.

10 And he wrote in the king Ahasuerus name, and sealed it with the kings ring, and sent letters by posts on Horse-back, and riders on mules, camels, and young dromedaries s 1.244:

11 Wherein the king granted the Jews, which were in every city † 1.245 to gather themselves together, and to stand for their life t 1.246, to destroy, to slay, and to cause to perish all the power of the people u 1.247, and pro∣vince, that would assault them, both little ones, and women x 1.248, and to take the spoil of them for a prey:

12 Upon one day, in all the provinces of king A∣hasuerus, namely upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar.

13 The copy of the writing, for a commandment to be given in every province, was † 1.249 published unto all people, and that the Jews should be ready against that day to avenge themselves on their Enemies.

14 So the posts that rode upon mules and camels went out, being hastened, and pressed on by the kings commandment y 1.250, and the decree was given at Shushan the palace.

15 And Mordecai went out from the presence of the king, in royal apparel of ‖ 1.251 blue and white, and with a great crown of gold z 1.252, and with a garment of fine linen, and purple; and the city of Shushan a 1.253 rejoiced and was glad:

16 The Jews had light b 1.254, and gladness, and joy c 1.255, and honour d 1.256.

17 And in every province, and in every city, whi∣thersoever the kings commandment and his decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a good day e 1.257▪ and many of the people of the land became Jews; for the fear of the Jews f 1.258 fell upon them.

CHAP. IX.

1 NOw in the twelfth month (that is the month Adar) on the thirteenth day of the same, when the kings commandment and his decree drew near to be put in execution, in the day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to have power over them a 1.259, (though it was turned to the contrary, that the Jews had rule over them that hated them.)

2 The Jews gathered themselves together in their cities, throughout all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, to lay hand on such as sought their hurt; and no man could withstand them b 1.260: for the fear of them c 1.261 fell upon all people.

3 And all the rulers of the provinces, and the lieutenants and the deputies, and † 1.262 officers of the king d 1.263 ‖ 1.264 helped the Jews: because the fear of Mor∣decai fell upon them.

4 For Mordecai was great e 1.265 in the kings house, and his fame went out throughout all the pro∣vinces: for this man Mordecai waxed greater and greater.

5 Thus the Jews smote all their enemies with the stroke of the sword, and slaughter, and de∣struction, and did † 1.266 what they would unto those that hated them.

6 And in Shushan the palace f 1.267 the Jews slew and destroyed five hundred men g 1.268.

7 And Parshandatha, and Dalphon, and As∣patha,

8 And Poratha, and Adalia, and Aridatha,

9 And Parmashta, and Arisai, and Aridai, and Vajezatha,

10 The ten sons of Haman, the son of Ham∣medatha, the enemy of the Jews, slew they; but on the spoil laid they not their hand h 1.269.

11 On that day the number of those that were slain in Shushan the palace, † 1.270 was brought before the king h 1.271.

12 And the king said unto Esther the queen, The Jews have slain and destroyed five hundred men in Shushan the palace, and the ten sons of Ha∣man; what have they done in the rest of the kings provinces i 1.272? now what is thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: or what is thy request further? and it shall be done.

13 Then said Esther, If it please the king, let it be granted to the Jews which are in Shushan, to do to morrow also according to this days decree k 1.273, and † 1.274 let Hamans ten sons be hanged upon the gal∣lows l 1.275.

14 And the king commanded it so to be done; and the decree was given at Shushan, and they hanged Hamans ten sons.

15 For the Jews that were in Shushan gathered themselves together on the fourteenth day also of the month Adar, and slew three hundred men at Shushan, but on the prey they laid not their hand.

16 But the other Jews that were in the kings provinces gathered themselves together, and stood for their lives, and had rest from their enemies, and slew of their foes seventy and five thousand; but they laid not their hand on the prey:

17 On the thirteenth day m 1.276 of the month Adar, and on the fourteenth day † 1.277 of the same, rested they▪ and made it a day of feasting and gladness.

18 But the Jews that were at Shushan, assem∣bled together on the thirteenth day thereof, and on the fourteenth thereof: and on the fifteenth day of the same they rested, and made it a day of feasting and gladness.

19 Therefore n 1.278 the Jews of the villages, that dwelt in the unwalled towns o 1.279, made the four∣teenth day of the month Adar, a day of gladness and feasting, and a good day, and of sending por∣tions one to another.

20 And Mordecai wrote these things p 1.280, and sent letters unto all the Jews that were in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, both nigh and far;

21 To stablish this among them, that they should keep the fourteenth day of the month Adar, and the fifteenth day of the same q 1.281 year∣ly:

22 As the days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning 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 r 1.282.

23 And the Jews undertook s 1.283 to do as they had begun, and as Mordecai had written unto them.

24 Because Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the enemy of all the Jews, had de∣vised against the Jews to destroy them, and * 1.284 had cast Pur (that is, the lot) to † 1.285 consume them, and to destroy them.

25 But † 1.286 when Esther came before the king, he commanded by letters that his wicked device which he devised against the Jews, should return upon his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows:

26 Wherefore they called these days Purim, after the name of ‖ 1.287 Pur; therefore for all the words of this letter, and of that which they had seen t 1.288 concerning this matter, and which had come unto them,

27 The Jews ordained, and took upon them, and upon their seed, and upon all such as joined themselves unto them u 1.289 so as it should not † 1.290 fail, that they would keep these two days, according to their writing x 1.291, and according to their appoint∣ed time every year:

28 And that these days should be remembred, and kept throughout every generation, every fa∣mily, every province, and every city; and that these days of Purim should not † 1.292 fail from among the Jews, nor the memorial of them † 1.293 perish from their seed.

29 Then Esther the queen, the daughter of Abihail, and Mordecai the Jew, wrote with † 1.294 all authority y 1.295, to confirm this second letter of Purim.

30 And he sent the letters unto all the Jews, to the hundred twenty and seven provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, with words of peace and truth z 1.296.

31 To confirm these days of Purim in their times appointed, according as Mordecai the Jew, and Esther the queen, had enjoined them, and as they had decreed † 1.297 for themselves and for their seed, the matters of the fasting and of their cry ‖ 1.298.

32 And the decree of Esther † 1.299 confirmed these matters of Purim, and it was written in the book * 1.300.

CHAP. X.

1 ANd the king Ahasuerus laid a tribute upon the land, and upon the isles of the sea a 1.301.

2 And all the acts of his power, and of his might, and the declaration of the greatness of Mor∣decai, whereunto the king † 1.302 advanced him, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Media and Persia?

3 For Mordecai the Jew was next unto king Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews, and accep∣ted of the multitude of his brethren b 1.303, seeking the wealth of his people, and speaking peace to all his seed c 1.304.

Notes

• a 1.1

  Qu. Who was this King? Ans. It is confessed and manifest that this was one of the Kings of Persia: But which of them it was, is not yet agreed, nor is it of any necessity for us now to know. But it is sufficiently evident that this was either▪ 1. Darius Hystas∣pis, as divers both Jewish and Christian Writers affirm: for his Kingdom was thus vast, and he subdued India, as Herodotus reports: and one of his Wives was called Atossa, which differs little from Ha∣dassah, which is Esthers other name, Esth. 2. 7. Or 2. Xerxes, whose Wife, as Herodotus notes, was called Amestris, which is not much differing from Esther: by whom all these things were trans∣acted whilst he was potent and prosperous, before his unhappy ex∣pedition against the Grecians. Or 3. Artaxerxes Longimanus; to whom the characters of Ahasuerus represented in this Book do not disagree. And whereas it is objected that by this account Mordecai must be a man of about 140 Years, and consequently Esther, who is called his Uncles daughter, ch. 2. 7. must be too old to make a Wife for the King; as for Mordecai it may be granted, there being divers instances of persons of greater Age than that in sacred and prophane Historians; and for Esther it may be said that she was his Uncles Grand-Daughter, nothing being more frequent than for the names of sons or daughters to be given to more remote posterity.
• b 1.2

  So seven new Provinces were added to those 120 mentioned, Dan. 6. 1.
• c 1.3

  i. e. Either was lately advanced to it: or rather was settled in the peaceable possession of it.
• ‖ 1.4

  Or, chief city.
• d 1.5

  Or, the castle: or the chief or roy∣al city, as both Jewish and Christian Interpreters render it. Shushan might be the proper name of the Palace, which thence was given to the whole City. Here the Kings of Persia used to keep their Courts chiefly in Winter, as ordinarily they were in Ecbatana in Summer.
• e 1.6

  i. e. The mighty men; the chief Officers of State, and Com∣manders of all his Forces: whom by this splendid entertainment he endeavoured to oblige and assure to himself.
• f 1.7

  Making every day a magnificent Feast either for all his Princes, or for some of them, who might come to the Feast successively, as the King ordered them to do. The Persian Feasts are much cele∣brated in Authors for their length and Luxury.
• † 1.8

  Heb. found.
• g 1.9

  Both such as constantly resided there, and such as were come thither upon their occasions, of whatsoever condition or quality.
• h 1.10

  The Persian Gardens were exceeding large and pleasant.
• ‖ 1.11

  Or, 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• i 1.12

  For in those Eastern Countries, and ancient times, they did not sit at Tables, as we do, but rested or leaned upon Beds: of which we have many testimonies both in Scripture, as Esth. 7. 8. Amos 2. 8. & 6. 4. Ioh. 13. 23. and in all other Authors.
• ‖ 1.13

  Or, of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• † 1.14

  •…•…eb. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• † 1.15

  Heb. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 king.
• k 1.16

  i. e. According to this Law which the King had now made▪ that none should compel another to drink more than he pleased▪ which the Persians, and other loose and heathenish Nations used to do; though that practice was connemned by the wise and sober Heathens, and among others by this great Prince. Or, no man did compel another to drink according to the Law, i. e. as by the Laws or Orders of the Persians prescribed and used in their Feasts they might have done, if not restrained by this Law.
• l 1.17

  Whilest the King entertained the men. For this was the com∣mon custom of the Persians, that Men and Women did not feast together, but in several places.
• ‖ 1.18

  Or, 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• m 1.19

  Or, Eunuchs, which were much in use, and in favour in the Eastern Courts, and particularly with the Persian Emperours, as ancient Histories inform us.
• † 1.20

  Heb. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 countinance.
• n 1.21

  Being favoured in this refusal by the Laws and customs of Persia, which was to keep Mens Wives, and especially Queens, as much as might be, from the view of other men.
• † 1.22

  Heb. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 was b•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of his 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• o 1.23

  Either 1. The Histories of former times, what Princes have done in such cases as this was. Or 2. Things done or to be done in time, what was just and fit to be done, or what was the Law and Iudgment in these cases, as the following words explain it, and how and when things were to be done. See my Notes on 1 Chr. 12. 32. Times are oft put in Scripture, and other Authors, for the things done in them, by a common Figure called a Meto∣nymy of the Adjunct.
• p 1.24

  To wit, to consult with them in all mat∣ters of moment.
• * 1.25

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 14.
• * 1.26

  〈◊〉〈◊〉. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 1•…•….
• q 1.27

  Which had constant freedom of access to the King, and fa∣miliar converse with him: which is thus expressed, because the Persian Kings were very seldom seen by their Subjects.
• r 1.28

  Which were his chief Counsellors and Officers, and had the precedency from all others.
• † 1.29

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 to do.
• r 1.30

  Who, though last named, spake first, either because the king first asked him; or because he was the chief of them all, either in Dignity, or in Reputation: or because it then was, as now it is in many places, the custom for the youngest Counsellors or Judges to deliver their opinion first.
• s 1.31

  By giving them an Example and En∣couragement to contemn and disobey their Husbands. It is a crime of an high nature, and therefore deserves an exemplary punish∣ment.
• t 1.32

  Contempt in the Wives, and thereupon wrath in the Husbands; and consequently Strife in Families; which may produce great and general mischiefs.
• † 1.33

  Heb. if it 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with the King.
• u 1.34

  Which this cunning Politician knew it would do.
• † 1.35

  Heb. from 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• † 1.36

  Heb. that it 〈◊〉〈◊〉 away. Ch. 8. 8.
• x 1.37

  Which caution was necessary for his own security; for if the Queen should recover her State, and the kings Favour, he was most likely to fall into his displeasure.
• † 1.38

  Heb. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 c•…•…panion.
• † 1.39

  Heb. was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the eyes of the king.
• y 1.40

  Partly because their own Authority and Interest was concern∣ed in it: and especially by the singular Providence of God who designed to bring about his own great work by this small occa∣sion.
• † 1.41

  Heb. that one 〈◊〉〈◊〉 publish •…•… according to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…guage of •…•… people.
• z 1.42

  That all sorts of persons, not Men only (who by study or tra∣vel many times understand divers Languages) but the Women also might understand it, and therefore be inexcusable if they did not comply with it; for which end it was not only written in each language, for that writing might come but to few hands, but more∣over it was published in the several Cities and Towns by such per∣sons as used to publish the Kings Edicts. Others, That he should speak in the language of his own People; i. e. that Men should not in compliance with their Wives, who were oft of other Nations and Languages, inure themselves to it, and bring their Wives Lan∣guage into the Family; but that men should use their own proper Language, and cause their Wives and Children to use it; this be∣ing one sign of Dominion, and therefore frequent after this time among the Greeks and Romans, who, together with their victorious Arms, brought in their Language into other Countries, and in a great measure imposed it upon them.
• a 1.43

  With grief and shame, that in his Wine and Rage, he had so severely punished, and so irrevocably rejected so beautiful and de∣sireable a Person, and that for so small a provocation, to which she was easily led by the modesty of her Sex, and by the Laws and Customs of Persia.
• b 1.44

  Who for their own Interests were obliged to quiet the Kings Mind, and procure him another amiable Consort.
• † 1.45

  Heb. unto the hand.
• ‖ 1.46

  Or, Hegai▪ v. 8.
• c 1.47

  Either 1 Of the Virgins, who are oft called Women, as here v. 11, 12. and elsewhere. So it is a Synecdoche. Or 2. Of all the Women, both Virgins and Concubines: only the Virgins he himself took care of, as requiring more care and caution, and the Concubines he committed to Shaashgaz, ver. 14. his Deputy.
• d 1.48

  i. e. To cleanse them from all impurities and indecencies, to a∣noint, and perfume, and adorn, and every way prepare them for the Kings presence and service: for the legal purifications of the Jews he never regarded.
• * 1.49

  2 Kin. 24. 15. 2 Chr. 36. 10, Jer. 24. 1.
• e 1.50

  This may be referred either 1. To Kish, Mordecai's Grand-Father last mentioned; or 2. To Mordecai, who was then carried away either 1. In the Loins of his Parents, in which sense Levi is said to be tithed in Abraham, Heb. 7. and as those persons named Ezra 2. are said to have been carried away by Nebuchadnezzar, Ezra 2. 1. which is not true of the most of them in their own per∣sons, but only as in their Fathers Loins. Or 2. In his own per∣son: and then indeed he was a man of more than ordinary years. But of that see the notes on ch. 1. 1.
• † 1.51

  Heb. nou∣rished.
• f 1.52

  Hadassah was her Hebrew name before her marriage; and she was called Esther by the King after it.
• † 1.53

  Heb. fair of form, and good of countinance.
• g 1.54

  Or, taken, and that by force, as that word oft signifies: So great was the power and Tyranny of the Persian Kings, that they could and did take what persons they liked to their own use.
• h 1.55

  Partly because she was very beautiful, and therefore he suppo∣sed she would be very acceptable to the King; which would be his advantage; and partly by the Divine Power, which moveth the hearts of men which way he pleaseth.
• † 1.56

  Heb. her por∣tions.
• † 1.57

  Heb. he changed her.
• i 1.58

  Lest the knowledge hereof should either make her contempti∣ble or odious; or bring some inconvenience to the whole nation, as things might happen. But there was also an hand of God in cau∣sing this to be concealed for the better accomplishment of that which he designed, though Mordecai was ignorant of it.
• † 1.59

  Heb. to know the peace.
• k 1.60

  Who were kept so long, partly for their better purification, as it here follows; partly out of state, as that which became so great a King, & partly that being so long in safe custody, the King might be sure that the Child▪ begotten upon any of them was his own.
• l 1.61

  Which is useful both for making the skin exactly clean▪ and smooth and solid, and for giving strength and vigour to the body.
• m 1.62

  Which was the more necessary, because the bodies of men and women in those hot Countries, did of themselves yield very ill scents, if not corrected and qualified by art.
• n 1.63

  Thus purified and prepared; and thus as it follows.
• o 1.64

  For ornament, or by way of attendance.
• p 1.65

  Whereof Darius Nothus is reckoned to have had 360.
• q 1.66

  To shew that she was not desirous to please the King, and that she was brought to the King without, and against her own inclina∣tion and choice.
• r 1.67

  i. e. Was admired by them for her beauty.
• s 1.68

  And into his bed, as is implied. To which it is not strange, if she, though a vertuous person, did in those circumstances yield, considering the infirmity of humane nature, and of that sex, and the state of those times, when plurality of Wives were permitted, and Concubines were owned as Wives; and these Virgins were by this action made his Wives or Concubines. Besides it is not known to us whether Mordecai and Esther had not direction or a dispensati∣on from God in this matter; it being certain that God can dispense with his own positive laws.
• ‖ 1.69

  Or, kindness.
• † 1.70

  Heb. before him.
• † 1.71

  Heb. rest.
• t 1.72

  i. e. He took off a good part of those heavy taxes which the Persian Kings laid upon their people.
• u 1.73

  Either 1. When Esther with others were brought to the Kings house as it was decreed above. v. 2, 3. which is called the second time, because they had taken this course once before when Vashti was chosen Queen; But there is no mention of any such former use; and by the manner of proposing, it seems to have been a new project. Or, 2. Since Esther was decla∣red Queen; for though that point was determined, the the Kings lust was not yet satisfied, and therefore being pleased with the for mer experiment, he desired another collection of Vir∣gins whom he might make his Concubines. And this seems best to agree with the following words. For it is not probable that Mordecai sate at the kings gate till Esther was Queen: for till then he only walked before the court of the womens house, as is expressed. v. 11.
• x 1.74

  Either 1. Voluntarily, to learn the pregress of afairs. Or, rather 2. By office, as one of the Kings guard or Ministers: being advanced to this place by Esthers favour, though without any discovery of her relation to him.
• * 1.75

  See 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…. 1.
• ‖ 1.76

  Or, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ch. •…•…. •…•….
• y 1.77

  Either 1. Of the Kings Chamber. Or, 2. Of his Court; and so they •…•…ate in the gate, as Mordecai did, who by that means contracting some familiar acquaintance with them, might make some discovery of their minds and design.
• * 1.78

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• z 1.79

  i. e. Violent hand; to kill him as this phrase is used, ch. 3. 6. and elsewhere.
• ‖ 1.80

  This may be referred, either 1. To the writing to note that this was written in the Kings presence by Scribes, who were con∣tinually present with the King to write all remarkable passages hap∣pening in the Court from time to time. Or, 2. To the book, which was laid up before the King, that he might more easily and fre∣quently peruse it for his own delight or direction.
• * 1.81

  See Est. 3▪ 10.
• a 1.82

  i. e. An Amalekite of the royal seed of that nation, whose Kings were commonly and successively called Agag, as hath been observed before. It is true, he is called a Macedonia•…•… in the Apocry∣phal additions to this book, and so he might be by his birth or ha∣bitation in that place, though by his original he was of another people.
• b 1.83

  Gave him the first place and seat, which was next to the King. Compare 2 Kings 25. 28.
• † 1.84

  Gr▪ 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 1.85

  See E•…•… •…•…. 19.
• c 1.86

  The reason of which obstinate refusal, was either 1. The quality of the person; that he was not only an infamously wicked man, and an heathen, but of that nation, which God had obliged the Israelites to abhor and oppose from generation to generation; and therefore he durst not shew outward respect to a man whom he did, and ought inwardly to contemn. Or, rather 2. The nature of the thing; for the worship required was not only civil, but di∣vine: which as the Kings of Persia did undoubtedly arrogate to themselves, and expect and receive from their subjects and others who came into their presence, as is affirmed by divers authors, so they did sometimes impart this honour to some of their chief fa∣vourites, that they should be adored in like manner. And that it was so here, seems more than probable, because it was wholly su∣perfluous, and almost ridiculous to give an express and particular command to all the Kings Servants that were in the Kings Gate, as here it was, to pay a civil respect to so great a Prince, which of course they used, and were ever obliged to do: and therefore a divine honour must be here intended. And that a Jew should de∣ny this honour, or the outward expressions of it, to such a person, is not strange, seeing the wise and sober Graecians did positively re∣fuse to give this honour to the Kings of Persia themselves, even when they were to make their addresses to them, and one Timocrates was put to death by the Athenians for worshipping Darius in that man∣ner.
• d 1.87

  i. e. Whether he would persist in his refusal, and what the event of it would be.
• e 1.88

  And therefore did not deny this reve∣rence to Human out of pride, or any personal grudge against him, much less out of a rebellious mind and contempt of the Kings Authority and Command, but meerly out of conscience, because he was a Iew, who was obliged to give this honour to none but to God only.
• f 1.89

  He thought that particular vengeance was unsuitable to his quality, and to the greatness of the injury.
• g 1.90

  Which he attemp∣ted, partly from that implacable hatred, which, as an Amalekite, he had against them: partly from his rage against Mordecai: and part∣ly from Mordecai's reason of this contempt, because he was a Iew, which as he truly judged, extended itself to all the Jews, and would equally ingage them all in the same neglect and hatred of his per∣son.
• * 1.91

  Chap. 9. 24.
• h 1.92

  The diviners cast lots, according to the custom of those anci∣ent, and eastern people, what day, and what month would be most lucky, not for his success with the King (of whose compliance with his request he made no doubt) but for the most effectual and uni∣versal extirpation of the Jews.
• i 1.93

  Wherein appears both his im∣placable malice, and unwearied diligence in seeking vengeance of them with so much, and so long trouble to himself; and Gods sin∣gular providence in disposing the lot to that time, that so the Jews might have sufficient space of time to get the decree reversed, as they did.
• k 1.94

  Mean and contemptible, not worthy to be named.
• l 1.95

  Who therefore, if tolerated, may poyson all thy subjects with their per∣nicious principles; and whom thou mayest easily crush without any great noise or difficulty.
• m 1.96

  For though many of their brethren were returned to their own land, yet great numbers of them stay∣ed behind, either because they preferred their ease and worldly commodities before their spiritual advantages: or because they wanted conveniency or opportunity for a remove; which might happen from divers causes.
• * 1.97

  〈◊〉〈◊〉. 4▪ 13. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 16. 20.
• n 1.98

  They have peculiar and fantastical rites, and customs, and religion; and therefore are justly offensive to all thy people, and may either infect them with their conceits, or occasion great dissensions and distractions among them.
• o 1.99

  As is manifest by Mordecai's bold contempt of thy late Edict concer∣ning me, which being done by him as a Iew, the whole nation are involved in his crime▪ and are prepared to do so when they have occasion.
• † 1.100

  〈…〉〈…〉
• p 1.101

  To live in his kingdom. I do not seek herein so much my own revenge as thy service.
• q 1.102

  Let there be a written Edict from the King.
• † 1.103

  〈◊〉〈◊〉. to de∣•…•….
• † 1.104

  〈◊〉〈◊〉. weigh.
• r 1.105

  Whether these were Hebrew, or Babylonish, or Graecian talents we cannot cer∣tainly know. But whichsoever they were, it was a vast sum to be paid out of his own estate, which he was willing to sacrifice to his revenge.
• s 1.106

  Either 1. Of this business, to wit, of destroying the Jews: which as soon as they have procured to be done, I will pay the mony into their hands, that by them it may be paid into the Kings Exchequer. Or rather 2. Of the Kings business, or of the treasures, as is implied in the following words. I will pay it to the Kings receivers, that they may put it into the Kings treasures.
• t 1.107

  That he might keep it as a badge of his supreme authority under the King, and that he might use it for the sealing of this de∣cree which now he desired, or of any other as hereafter he should see fit. Compare ch. 8. 2, 8. and Gen. 41. 42.
• ‖ 1.108

  〈◊〉〈◊〉, oppres∣•…•….
• u 1.109

  So he was both by inclination, as he was an Amalekite, and especially by this ma∣licious and destructive design and resolution.
• x 1.110

  Keep it to thy own use, I do not desire it, I accept thy offer for the deed.
• ‖ 1.111

  Or, secreta∣ries.
• y 1.112

  This he did so speedily, though it was a year before the inten∣ded execution, lest the King should change his mind, either by his own clemency; or by the persuasion of others.
• * 1.113

  〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• z 1.114

  Which was to oblige them to the greater severity and readi∣ness to execute this Edict for their own advantage.
• ‖ 1.115

  Either by this Decree made in the Kings name: or by some particular and succeeding command, which Haman could easily ob∣tain from the King.
• † 1.116

  Not only the Jews, but a greater number of the Citizens, either because they were related to them, or enga∣ged with them in worldly concerns: or out of humanity and com∣passion towards so vast a number of innocent people now appoin∣ted as sheep for the slaughter: or out of a fear either of some se∣dition and disturbance which might arise by this means; or of some damage which might accrue to themselves or friends, who happily under this pretence might be exposed to rapine or slaughter; or of a publick judgment of God upon them all for so bloody a decree.
• a 1.117

  Partly to express his deep sense of the mischief coming upon his people: partly to move the pity of others to do what they could to prevent it: and partly that by this means it might come to the Queens ear.
• b 1.118

  And therefore he might not sit there, as he had hitherto done.
• c 1.119

  Left is should give the King any occasion of grief or trouble.
• † 1.120

  Heb▪ sack∣cloth and a his were laid under many.
• † 1.121

  Heb. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• d 1.122

  That so he might be capable of returning to his former place, if not of coming to her to acquaint her with the cause of that unu∣sual sorrow.
• † 1.123

  Heb. whom he had set be∣fore her.
• i 1.124

  Not only in his own name, to whom she manifested a singular respect, though his relation to her was yet unknown, but also in the name of the great God.
• k 1.125

  By common •…•…ame of this received custom and law.
• l 1.126

  With∣in which, the Kings residence and throne was in. This was decreed, partly to maintain both the Majesty, and the safety of the Kings person: and partly by the contrivance of the greater officers of state, that few or none might have access to the King but them∣selves and their friends. And many such severe laws there were in the Persian Court, which profane Historians relate, as that if any person looked upon one of the Kings Concubines, or wore any of his own clothes, or drunk of that water which he had appropriated to himself, and other such like things, he was punished with death.
• n 1.127

  Which gives me just cause to suspect and fear that the kings af∣fections are alienated from me, and therefore that neither my per∣son nor petition will be acceptable to him.
• o 1.128

  i. e. Being, or because thou art in the Kings house, and an eminent member of his family.
• † 1.129

  Heb. respi∣ration.
• p 1.130

  From another land, and by another means; which God can, and I am fully persuaded, will raise up.
• q 1.131

  By the righteous and dreadful judgment of God, punishing thy cowardize, and self-see∣king, and thy want of love to God, and to his and thy own peo∣ple.
• r 1.132

  It is probable God hath raised thee to this honour for this very season: and therefore go on couragiously, and doubt not of the success.
• † 1.133

  Heb. found.
• s 1.134

  And pray; which was the main business, to which fasting was only an help and an handmaid.
• t 1.135

  To wit, so as you use to do, ei∣ther deliciously or plentifully. Leave off your common meals, din∣ners by day, and suppers at night, and eat and drink no more than meer necessity requires; that so you may give your selves to con∣stant and servent prayers, for which your ordinary repasts will un∣fit you. For it is not likely that she would impose the burden of absolute fasting so long upon all the Jews, which very few of them were able to endure. And so the like phrase is taken, Act. 27. 33. where he saith, This is the fourteenth day that ye have continued fasting, having taken nothing.
• u 1.136

  Which she had chosen to attend upon her person, and were doubtless either of the Jewish nation, or prosely∣ted by her, or others means to that Religion.
• x 1.137

  Which may be∣long, either 1. To the thing only, that as they did fast, so she would. Or rather, 2. To the time of three days and three nights; for so she might do, though she went to the King o•…•… the third day. For the fast began at evening, and so she might continue her fast three whole nights, and two whole days and the greatest part of the third; a part of a day being reputed a day in the account of Scripture and other Authors: of which see on Mat. 12. 40. Yea, she might fast all that day too: for it is probable she went not to the King till he had dined; when she supposed she might find him in the most mild and pleasant humour, and then returned to her apartment, where she fasted till the evening.
• y 1.138

  Which is a∣gainst the law now mentioned.
• z 1.139

  Although my danger be great and evident considering the expressness of that law, and the uncer∣tainty of the Kings mind, and that severity which he shewed to my predecessor Vashti; yet rather than neglect my duty to God and to his people, I will go to the King, and cast my self chearfully, and resolutely upon Gods providence for my safety and success.
• † 1.140

  Heb. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• a 1.141

  Of which see the notes on ch. 4. 16.
• * 1.142

  Chap. 6. •…•…. & 8. 15.
• b 1.143

  That she might ren∣der her self as amiable in the Kings Eyes as she could; and so ob∣tain her request.
• * 1.144

  Chap. 5. •…•…. & 7. 3.
• c 1.145

  In testimony that he pardoned her presumption, and accepted her person, and was ready to grant her petition.
• d 1.146

  In token of her thankful acceptance of the Kings great favour, and of her re∣verence and submission to his Majesty, whereof that might possi∣bly be an usual token, and it may be, at the kings call and invitation to her to come near to him.
• * 1.147

  See 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…. 23.
• e 1.148

  Whom she invited, partly that by shewing such respect to the Kings great favourite, she might insinuate her self into the Kings good opinion and affection; and partly, that if she saw fit, she might then present her request to the King.
• f 1.149

  Either 1. At the latter end of the feast, when they used to drink Wine more freely, whereas in the former part, most of their drink was water. Or, 2. At her banquet; which is so called, because it consisted not of meats, which probably the King had plentifully eaten before at his own Table, but of Fruits and Wines; which banquets were very frequent among the Persians.
• † 1.150

  Heb. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.151

  f I will acquaint thee with my humble request. She did not present her petition at this time, but delayed it till the next mee∣ting; either through modesty, or because she was a little daunted with the Kings presence, and had not yet good courage to propose her request: or in policy, because she would further engage the Kings affection to her by a second entertainment, and would also in∣timate to him that her petition was of a more than ordinary na∣ture: and principally by direction and disposition of the divine providence, which took away her courage or utterance for this time that she might have a better opportunity for it the next time by that great accident which happened before it.
• h 1.152

  Partly lest he should•…•…eem, or •…•…e interpreted to give him that adoration which he hitherto had justly denied: partly because by his bloody and barbarous design and practise, he had put off all hu∣manity, and forfeited all respect; and partly to shew how little he •…•…eared him, and that he had a firm confidence in his God that he would deliver him and his people in this great exigency; which he was the more encouraged to hope, because God had enclined Esthers heart to that pious & valiant resolution of interceding with the King, which he doubted not would meet with good success.
• i 1.153

  From taking present vengeance upon Mordecai, to which he was strongly inclined, & which he might easily have effected either by his own, or any of his servants hands, without any expectation, or fear of inconvenience to himself, who having obtained licence to destroy an whole nation, could easily get a pardon for having killed one obscure and infamous member of it. Herein therefore Gods wise and powerful providence appeared in disposing Hamans heart, contrary to his own inclination and interest, and making him as it were to put fetters upon his own hands.
• † 1.154

  Heb. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• k 1.155

  Partly to gratify his own vain-glorious humour: and partly to aggravate Mordecai's impudence in denying him civil respect, and to alleviate his own vexation caused by it.
• l 1.156

  Thus he makes that matter of glorying, which was designed for, and the occasion of his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ruine. So ignorant are the wi∣sest men▪ and subject to fa•…•…al mistakes, rejoycing when they have most cause of fear and grief, and sorrowing for those things which tend to joy and comfort.
• m 1.157

  i. e. Gives me no content. Such torment did his envy and malice bring upon him.
• n 1.158

  Enjoying that honour and priviledge without disturbance, and denying me the worship due to me by my place, and by the Kings command: though this last, and the chief cause of his rage, he was somewhat ashamed to express. Either Morde∣cai was come, having laid by his sackcloth for this time, that he might be in a capacity of coming thither, and so of understanding how matters proceeded. Besides this was a private fast, and so he was not oblig'd alwaies to wear his sackcloth in publick, during the whole time of the fast, though he did once come abroad with it, that the cause of it might be publickly known, and so come to Esthers ears.
• † 1.159

  〈◊〉〈◊〉. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• o 1.160

  That it might be more conspicuous to all, and thereby be more disgraceful to Mordecai, and strike all Hamans enemies with the great dread of despising or opposing him.
• * 1.161

  Chap. 7. 9.
• † 1.162

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 t•…•…e 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…ed 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• a 1.163

  How vain are all the contrivances and indeavours of this foo∣lish impotent man against the wise and omnipotent God, who hath the hearts and hands of Kings and all men perfectly at his dispose, and can by such trivial accidents (as they are accounted) change their minds, and produce such momentous and terrible effects!
• b 1.164

  His mind being troubled he knew not how, nor why, he chuseth this for a divertisement, God putting this thought & 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to him, for otherwise he might have diverted himself, as he used to do at other times, with his Wives or Concubines, or voices and in∣struments of musick; which was far more agreeable to his temper.
• c 1.165

  Until the morning when he intended to rise out of his bed.
• ‖ 1.166

  Or, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, ch. 2. 21.
• † 1.167

  Heb. thresh∣old.
• p 1.168

  He hath had no recompence for this great and good service▪ Which might happen either through the Kings forgetfulness; or through the envy of the Courtiers; or because he was a Jew, and therefore odious and contemptible.
• q 1.169

  Early in the morning, because his malice probably would not suffer him to sleep; and he was impatient till he had executed his desired revenge; an•…•… he was resolved to watch for the very first opportunity of speaking to the King, before he was •…•…gaged in o∣ther matters.
• r 1.170

  Where he wa•…•…ed; because it was dangerous to come into the inuer Court without special licen•…•…e, ch. 4. 11.
• s 1.171

  He names none, because he would have the more impartial answer. And probably he knew nothing of the difference be∣tween Haman and Mordecai.
• † 1.172

  Heb. in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 honour the king delighteth.
• t 1.173

  As indeed he had great reason to presume, because he had not yet for•…•…ed that favour which the King had shewed to him above all others.
• † 1.174

  Heb. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 honour the king 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• † 1.175

  Heb. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 them bring the •…•…l apparel.
• u 1.176

  His outward garment which was made of purple, interwo∣ven with gold, as Iustin and Curtius relate.
• † 1.177

  Heb. where∣with the king clotheth him∣self.
• x 1.178

  Usually: which was well known both by his excellency, and especially by his peculiar trappings and ornaments. Comp. 1 Kings 1. 33.
• y 1.179

  Either 1. Up∣on the Kings head. Or, 2. Upon the Horses head▪ which seems best to agree. 1. With that antient Chaldee Interpreter, and other Jews who take it thus. 2. With the signification and order of the Hebrew words. 3. With the following verses, in which there is no further mention of this Crown, but only of the apparel, and of the horse, to which the Crown belonged as one of his ornaments. 4. With the custom of the Persians, which some affirm to have been this, to put the Crown upon the head of that Horse, upon which the King rode.
• † 1.180

  Heb. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him to ride.
• z 1.181

  i. e. Cause this to be proclaimed, to wit, by some publick Officer appointed for that service. Compare Gen. 41. 43.
• † 1.182

  Heb. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 not a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to fail.
• a 1.183

  Either himself; or by the Officer.
• b 1.184

  To his former place and office; shewing that as he was not overwhelmed by Hamans threats, and malicious design, as appears by ch. 5. 9. So now he was not puf•…•…ed up with all this honour. Be∣sides, he came thither to attend the issue of the main business, and to be at hand to assist or encourage the Queen, if need were: which now he was more capable of doing than hitherto he had been.
• c 1.185

  In token of his shame and grief for his unexpected, and great disappointment of his hope and desire, and for the great honour done to his most despised and abhorred adversary, and this by his own hands, and with his own publick disgrace; and for such fur∣ther inconveniences as this unlucky omen seemed to presage to him.
• d 1.186

  The Magicians, whom after the Persian manner he had called together consult with upon this great and strange emergency.
• e 1.187

  Which they were told, and was generally supposed, but they were not infallibly sure of it.
• f 1.188

  This they concluded, either 1. By rules of policy; because Hamans reputation and interest was hereby sinking, and Mordecai (whom they understood to be a man of great wisdom and courage, and government of himself) was now got into the Kings favour, and thereby was likely to gain an opportunity of making his addresses to the King, who being of a mild disposition, might easily be moved to a dislike (if not re∣vocation) of his own bloody decree, and consequently to a de∣testation of that person who had procured it. Or, 2. By former experience, and the observation of Gods extraordinary actions on the behalf of the Jews, and against their enemies in this very Court and Kingdom. Or, 3. By instinct and inspiration to their minds, either from God, who might suggest this to them, as he did other things to other wicked men, Balaam, Ca•…•…aphas, &c. for his own greater glory, and the good of his people: or from the Devil; who by Gods permission, might know this, and reveal it to them who sought to him in their superstitious and idolatrous methods.
• g 1.189

  Who was now slack to go thither, by reason of the great de∣jection of his own mind, and the fear of a worse entertainment from the King and Queen than he had formerly received.
• † 1.190

  Heb. to drink.
• * 1.191

  Ch. 5. 6.
• a 1.192

  So it is called to note that it was not designed for a seast to fill their bellies, but rather for a banquet to delight and please their palates with wine and other delicacies, see on ch. 5. 8.
• b 1.193

  It is my humble and only request that thou wouldst not give me up to the malice of that man that •…•…esigns to take away my life, and will certainly do it, if thou dost not prevent it.
• c 1.194

  And the lives (which is easily supplied out of the foregoing branch) of my people the Jews, of whom I am descended.
• * 1.195

  Ch. 3. 9.
• d 1.196

  By the craft and cruelty of that man who offered a great sum of mony to purchase our destruction.
• e 1.197

  For we are all given up to his malice and rage, without any exception of my own person.
• † 1.198

  Heb. that they should de∣stroy, and kill, and cause to pe∣rish.
• f 1.199

  She useth variety of expressions to make the deeper impression upon the Kings mind.
• g 1.200

  Because that calamity had neither been irrecoverable, nor intolerable, nor yet unprofitable to the King for whose honour and service, I should willingly have submitted my self and people to any kind of bondage.
• h 1.201

  His ten thousand ta∣lents, if paid into the Kings treasury, would not repair the Kings loss in the customs and tributes which the King receives from the Jews within his dominions.
• i 1.202

  The expressions are short and doubled, as proceeding from a discomposed and enraged mind.
• † 1.203

  Heb. w•…•…se heart 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…∣led him.
• k 1.204

  i. e. To circumvent me, and by subtilty to procure an irrevocable decree, whereby not only my estate should be so much impaired, and so many of my innocent Subjects be destroyed without mercy, but my Queen also should be involved in the same danger and destruction.
• † 1.205

  Heb. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 adversary.
• l 1.206

  Of the King, and of my Person and People.
• ‖ 1.207

  Or, at the presence of.
• m 1.208

  Partly as disdaining the company and sight of so ungrateful and audacious a person: partly to cool and allay his troubled and inflamed spirits, and partly to consider within himself the hainous∣ness of Hamans crime, and the mischief which himself had done by his own rashness. and what punishment was fit to be inflicted upon so great a delinquent.
• n 1.209

  By the violent commotion of the Kings mind and passions.
• o 1.210

  Or, by, or beside the bed, on which the Queen sat at meat, after the manner: where he was fallen upon his knees, and upon the ground, at her feet, as humble suppliants used to do, and as the Queen did at the Kings feet, ch. 8. 3.
• p 1.211

  Will he now attempt my Queens Chastity as he hath already attempted her life! His pre∣sumption and impudence I see will stick at nothing. He speaks not this out of a real jealousy, for which there was no cause in those circumstances, but from an exasperated mind which takes all occa∣sions to vent itself against the person who gave the provocation, and makes the worst construction of all his words and action.
• † 1.212

  Heb. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• q 1.213

  In my own presence and palace.
• r 1.214

  i. e. The Kings and Queens Chamberlains then attending upon them.
• s 1.215

  Partly that the King might not be offended or grieved with the sight of a Person whom he now loathed: and partly because they looked upon him as a condemned person; for the faces of such used to be covered.
• * 1.216

  Ch. 1. 10.
• t 1.217

  Who knew this either by his own observation, or by the in∣formation of some of his brethren, who were lately sent to Hamans house, ch. 6. 14. where they might easily see it, or at least hear of it. And this he said, either out of a distast which he had taken against Haman for his great insolency, and barbarous cruelty: or in com∣pliance with the Kings inclinations, and the Queens desires.
• † 1.218

  Heb. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• u 1.219

  E∣ven to the saving of the Kings life, ch. 2. 21, 22, 23. and therefore deserved a better requital than this even from Haman, if he had not basely preferred the satisfaction of his own revenge before the preservation of the Kings life.
• x 1.220

  Which stood in his own house, as was now said, and made the punishment more grievous and ignominious.
• y 1.221

  Judgment being now most justly executed upon this abominable criminal.
• a 1.222

  With all his Goods and Estate, which being justly forfeited to the King, he no less justly bestows it upon the Queen to compen∣sate the danger to which Haman had exposed her.
• b 1.223

  i. e. Was by the Queens desire admitted into the Kings Presence, and Favour, and Family, and, as it seems, made one of the seven Princes.
• c 1.224

  i. e. How nearly he was related to her: which till this time she had wisely concealed; this being the fit season to declare it.
• d 1.225

  That Ring which he had formerly given to Haman for that pre∣sent or any further use, ch. 3. 10. he now gives to Mordecai, & with it that Power and Authority, whereof this Ring was a sign, making him, as Haman had been, the keeper of his signet.
• e 1.226

  As her Steward to manage that great Estate for her as he thought fittest.
• † 1.227

  〈…〉〈…〉.
• f 1.228

  To repeal that cruel Decree, of which see ch. 3. 13.
• g 1.229

  In token that he accepted her Person and Petition, and that she should stand upon her feet.
• h 1.230

  She useth various Expressions, that she might insinuate her self into the Kings Favour by such a full and repeated resignation and submission of her self to the kings good pleasure.
• † 1.231

  〈…〉〈…〉
• i 1.232

  She pru∣dently takes off all the Envy and hatefulness of the action from the King, and lays it upon Haman, who had for his own wicked and selfish ends contrived the whole business, and circumvented the King in it: which she alledgeth as a reason why it should be repeal∣ed, because it was surreptitiously and craftily procured.
• ‖ 1.233

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• † 1.234

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 able 〈◊〉〈◊〉 see.
• k 1.235

  My heart will sink under it, and I shall never be able to sur∣vive it.
• l 1.236

  You see how ready I have been to grant your requests, and I do not repent of my Favour to you, and am ready to grant your further Desires, as far as the Law will permit me to do.
• m 1.237

  On their behalf, to the Governours and Commanders of the Kings Forces, or to whom you please.
• n 1.238

  I offer you my Autho∣rity and Seal to confirm whatsoever you shall think fit to write.
• * 1.239

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 1. 19. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 6. 8, 12, 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• o 1.240

  This reason may belong either 1. To the writing of these pre∣sent Letters: and so the sense is, These letters will be most effe∣ctual, being no less irrevocable than the former, and coming last will repeal the former. Or 2. To the former Letters, as a rea∣son why he could not grant their Desires in recalling them, because they were irrevocable by the Law of the Medes and Persians. And this sense, though rejected by many, seems to be the truest, be∣cause here is no mention of reversing Haman's Letters, which Esther had desired, v. 5. and the King denied for the reason here alledg∣ed; and because the following Letter doth not contain one word about the reversing of the former, nor doth it take away that Power which was given to all Rulers to destroy all the Jews, ch. 3. 12, 13. but only gives the Jews Power and Authority to stand up in their own defence, v. 11. which, all circumstances considered, was sufficient for their preservation.
• p 1.241

  Which was above two months after the former decree. All which time God suffered the Jews to lie under the terrour of this dreadful day, partly that they might be more throughly humbled for, and purged from those many and great sins under which they lay; partly and particularly that they might be convinced of their great sin and folly in neglecting the many offers and opportunities they had of returning to their native Country, and to the free and full exercise of the true Religion, which could be had no where but in Ierusalem; by which means they being now dispersed in the several parts of this vast Dominion, were like to be a very easie prey to their Enemies, whereas their Brethren in Iudaea were in a better capacity to preserve themselves: partly that their most malicious and inveterate Enemies might have an opportunity of discovering themselves to their ruine, as the event shewed: and partly for the greater illustration of Gods glorious Power, and Wisdom, and Goodness, in giving his People such an admirable and unexpected deliverance. Yet God so ordered things, that this Letter should be sent in due time before it was too late: for there were yet near nine Months to come before that appointed day.
• q 1.242

  That they might understand their Liberty, and be en∣couraged to use it for their own defence.
• r 1.243

  That they should publish and disperse them into all parts, that both themselves and others might take notice of the Kings Pleasure and Kindness to the Jews.
• s 1.244

  Which were not employed in the sending of the former Let∣ter: but this coming later required more care and speed, that the Jews might be eased from the torment of their present Fears, and have time to furnish themselves with necessaries for their own de∣fence.
• † 1.245

  Liberty and authority.
• t 1.246

  To stand up and fight for the defence of their Lives against all that should seek to destroy them.
• u 1.247

  Either Governours or go∣verned, without any exception either of Age, Dignity, or Sex, as it follows.
• x 1.248

  Which is here added, because it was put into the for∣mer decree; and to strike the greater terrour into their enemies; and according to the Laws and customs of this Kingdom; whereby Children were punished for their Parents offences: which also in some cases was allowed and practised in sacred story. Yet we read nothing in the execution of this decree of the slaughter of Women or Children, nor is it probable that they would kill their innocent Children, who were so indulgent to their Families, as not to med∣dle with the spoil.
• † 1.249

  Heb. •…•…∣ed.
• y 1.250

  By his particular and express Command to that purpose.
• ‖ 1.251

  Or, violet.
• z 1.252

  Which the chief of the Persian Princes were permitted to wear, but with sufficient distinction from the Kings Crown.
• a 1.253

  Not only Jews, but the greatest number of the Citizens, who by the Law of Nature written upon their hearts, had an abhorrency from bloody Counsels and designs, and a compiacency in acts of benignity and Mercy: or for other reasons; of which see on Chap. 3. 15.
• b 1.254

  Which is oft put for gladness, as 2 Sam. 22. 29. Iob 18. 5, 6. Psal. 27. 1. because light is pleasant and disposeth a man to joy, whereas darkness inclines a man to sorrow.
• c 1.255

  This explains the former Metap•…•…or by two words expressing the same thing, to note the greatness of the joy.
• d 1.256

  Instead of that contempt under which they had lain.
• e 1.257

  i. e. A time of feasting, and rejoicing, and thanksgiving.
• f 1.258

  Whom possibly they had irritated by their former threatnings, and now gave this evidence of their Repentance, that they were willing to submit to that severe precept of Circumcision.
• a 1.259

  In that day which was selected by Haman with great Industry and Art, as the most lucky day, and which their Enemies had oft times formerly thought of, and •…•…o doubt threatned the Jews with it.
• b 1.260

  Their Enemies though they did and were allowed to take up Arms against them, yet were easily conquered and destroyed by the Jews.
• c 1.261

  Who had such potent Friends at Court, and so great a God on their side, who by such unusual and prodigious Methods (whereof doubtless they had been particularly informed) had brought about such a mighty and unexpected deliverance.
• † 1.262

  Heb. those which did the business that belonged to the king.
• d 1.263

  Heb. and all them that did the Kings business; i. e. Not only the chief persons designed by the foregoing words, but all his other Ministers or Officers of what quality soever.
• ‖ 1.264

  Or, ex•…•…lled, Gr. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• e 1.265

  i. e. The greatest in Place, and Power, and Favour with the King, both for his near relation to his beloved Queen, and for his good service done to him in preserving his Life, and managing his Affairs; and for those excellent Abilities and Virtues which he dis∣covered in him; and especially by the disposition of the heart∣ruling God.
• † 1.266

  Heb •…•…d∣ing to their will.
• f 1.267

  i. e. In the City so called, as was noted before ch. 1. 2. it not being probable either that they would make such a slaughter in the Kings palace, or that they would be suffered so to do.
• g 1.268

  Whom by long experience they knew to be their constant and inveterate Enemies, and such as would watch all opportunities to destroy them; which also they might possibly now attempt to do. Part of them also might be Friends and Allies of Haman, and therefore the avowed Enemies of Mordecai.
• h 1.269

  Either because they were desirous it should come into the Kings Treasury: or because they would leave it to their Children, that it might appear that what they did that day was not done out of malice to their Persons and Families, or covetousness of their Estates, but out of meer necessity, and by that great and approved Law of Self-preservation, and that they were ready to mix Mer∣cy with Judgment, and would not deal with their Enemies so ill as it was apparent that their Enemies intended to do against them.
• † 1.270

  Heb. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• h 1.271

  Possibly with evil design to incense the King against the Jews.
• i 1.272

  In which doubtless many more were slain. So that I have ful∣ly granted thy Petition. And yet, if thou hast any thing further to ask, I am here ready to grant it.
• k 1.273

  i. e. To kill their implacable Enemies. For it is not impro∣bable that the greatest and worst of them had politickly withdrawn or hidden themselves for that day; after which, the Commission granted to the Jews being expired, they confidently returned to their homes; where they were taken and slain by vertue of this private and unexpected decree.
• † 1.274

  Heb. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• l 1.275

  They were sl•…•…in before; now let their Bodies be hanged upon their Fathers Gallows, for their greater Infamy, and the terrour of all others who shall presume to abuse the King in like manner, or to persuade him to execute such cruelties upon his own Subjects. This custom of hanging up the Bodies of Malefacto•…•… after their death was frequent among the Jews and Persians al•…•…o, as is well known.
• m 1.276

  This belongs not to the Feast, but to the work done before it. The meaning is, This they did, i. e. they slew their Foes, as was now said, •…•…. 16. upon the 13th day.
• † 1.277

  Heb. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• n 1.278

  To wit, because they did their whole work upon the 13th day, as was noted v. 17. to which this manifestly relates, the 18th verse coming in as it were by wa•…•… of Parenthesis.
• o 1.279

  Heb. I•…•… the ci∣ties of the villages, i. e. in the lesser Cities and Villages: which are here opposed to the great City Shushan, and those who dwelt in it.
• p 1.280

  Either 1. The Letters here following. But that is distinct∣ly mentioned in the next word. Or 2. The History of these things which was the ground of the Feast; which Mordecai knew very well ought to be had in remembrance, and to be told to their Children and Posterity, through all ages, according to the many commands of God to that purpose and the constant practice of the holy men of God in such cases.
• q 1.281

  Because both these days had been set apart this year, the lat∣ter at Shushan, the former in other parts; and because that great work of God which was the ground of this solemnity had been done both upon the 13th, and the 14th day.
• r 1.282

  Which they used to give upon days of Thanksgiving; of which see Nehem. 8. 10.
• s 1.283

  Having by this means opportunity to gather themselves toge∣ther upon any occasion, the chief of them assembled together and freely, and unanimously consented to Mordecai's desire in this matter, and bound it upon themselves and Posterity.
• * 1.284

  〈◊〉〈◊〉. 3. •…•….
• † 1.285

  〈◊〉〈◊〉. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• † 1.286

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• ‖ 1.287

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 is 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• t 1.288

  i. e. Both for the respect which they justly bare to Mordecai's •…•…etter; and because they themselves had seen and felt this wonder∣ful work of God on their behalf.
• u 1.289

  i. e. Gentile Proselites; who were obliged to submit to other of the Jewish Laws, and therefore to this also; the rather because they enjoyed the benefit of this days deliverance; without which the Jewish Nation and Religion had been in a great measure, if not wholly, extinct in the World.
• † 1.290

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• x 1.291

  i. e. According to that writing which was drawn up by Mordecai with Esthers consent, v. 23, 29. and afterwards confirmed by the consent of all the Jews in the se∣veral places.
• † 1.292

  Heb pass.
• † 1.293

  Heb. •…•…nded.
• † 1.294

  Heb. all strength.
• y 1.295

  The former Letter v. 20. did only recommend, but this en∣joins, the observation of this solemnity; because this was not only Mordecai's Act, who yet had by the King's Grant a great Power and Authority over the Subjects of that Kingdom, and consequently over the Jews, but it was the Act of all the Jews, binding them∣selves and Posterity to it, v. 27. Or, with all might or efficacy, and as that word usually signifies; He pres•…•…ed it with all earnestness and vehemency.
• z 1.296

  Or, even words of peace and truth. Which may respect either 1. The form of the writing, wherein after the custom he saluted them with hearty wishes of their true Peace or prosperity, or of the continuance of those two great blessings of God, truth, i. e. the true Religion and Peace, either among themselves, or with all men, that they might peaceably and quietly enjoy and profess the truth. Or 2. The manner of his writing which was with peace, i. e. friend∣ship and kindness to his Brethren, and truth, i. e. sincerity; which is the more noted and commended in him, because it is so unusual in such great Courtiers, as he now was. Compare ch. 10. 3. or the matter of his Writing; which was to direct and persuade them to keep both peace and truth, i. e. both to live peaceably and lovingly both one with another, and with all their Neighbours, not insult∣ing over them upon their confidence in Mordecai's great power, or upon this late and great success, as men naturally and commonly do, nor giving them any fresh provocations, and yet holding fast the true Religion in spight of all the artifices or hostilities of the Gentiles among whom they lived.
• † 1.297

  Heb. for their souls.
• ‖ 1.298

  For or about those great and overwhelming calamities which were decreed to all the Jews, and for the removing of which not only Esther, and the Jews in Shushan, but all other Jews in all places, as soon as they heard those dismal tidings did doubtless according to the precepts of Scripture, and the constant practice of their godly Predecessors in all Ages, fly to that last and only Refuge of seeking to God by Fasting, and earnest Prayers and strong Cries un∣to God; which God was pleased graciously to hear, and in answer thereunto to give them this amazing Deliverance. And this was that which they were now to remember, to wit, the greatness of their danger and of their rescue from it. And accordingly the Jews use to observe the first of these days with Fasting, and crying, and other expressions of vehement grief and fear, and the latter with Feasting, and Thanksgiving, and all demonstrations of Joy and Triumph.
• † 1.299

  Who had received Authority and commission from the King to impose this upon all the Jews.
• * 1.300

  Either in the publick Regi∣sters of that Kingdom: Or rather, in the Records which the Jews kept of their most memorable passages.
• a 1.301

  i. e. Upon all his Dominions, whether in the main continent, or in the Islands.
• † 1.302

  〈…〉〈…〉
• b 1.303

  Who did not envy his greatness, as men most commonly do in such cases, but rejoiced in it, and blessed God for it, and praised and loved him •…•…or his right & sweet management of his vast power.
• c 1.304

  Or, for all his seed, to wit, the Jews, who were of the same seed and root from which he was descended. He spoke and acted with great Kindness and Friendliness to them, when they resorted to him upon any occasion.