Before Christ 451. L Long before Human's plot was laid, we have here the providential introduction of Esther to court, who was designed as the instrument to defeat it. 1. Ahafuerus feasts all his great men, ver. 1—9. 2. So anger he divorced his queen, because she would not come to him when sent for, ver. 10—22. 9 Or eiuht. 4 Chap. xii. 8. Turk. xviii. 41. Amos. 1. &vi. 4. 2 Or of pur-phyrt, and marble, and alabaster, or three of him colour. 3 Heb. Wm. of the king-iron. 4 Heb. Hand. NOW it came to pass in the days of 1 Ahafuerus, (this is Ahafuerus which reigned from India even unto Ethiopia, 2 over an hundred and seven and twenty provinces) 2. That in those days, when the king Ahafuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which was in Shushan the palace, 3. In the third year of his reign he made 4 a feast unto all his princes, and his servants; the power of Persia and Media, 5 the nobles and princes of the provinces being before him. 4. When he shewed the riches of his glorious kingdom, and the honour of his excellent majesty, many days, even an hundred and fourfcore days. 5. And when these days were expired, the king made a feast unto all the people that were present in Shushan the palace, both unto great and small, seven days, in the court of the garden of the king's palace. 6. Where were white, green, and 7 blue hangings, fastened with cords of fine linen, and purple, to silver rings, and pillars of marble: 8 the beds were of gold and silver, upon a pavement 9 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 8 royal wine in abundance, according to the 9 state of the king. 8. And the drinking was according to the law: none did compel: for so the king had appointed to all the officers of his house, that they should do according to every man's pleasure. 9. Also Vashti the queen made a feast for the women in the royal house which belonged to king Ahafuerus. Which of the kings of Persia Ahafuerus was, is difficult to determine. The most probable opinion seems to fix on Xerxes, who succeeded Darius Hyfafnis. We have here, 1. An account of his vast empire, extending over 127 provinces; considerably increased since the time of Cyrus, Dan. vi. 1. and now reached the summit of its grandeur. 2. To display his magnificence, he made a most sumptuous feast during 180 days successively, entertaining his princes and great men; and when these were ended, for seven days more he feasted all the people, small and great, in the court of the garden of the palace, which was adorned with the most gorgeous tapestry and hangings, the pavement was marble of the most exquisite beauty, the beds on which they lay were many gold and silver, and all the vessels gold, of various and most curious workmanship. The nobles were plentifully flowed, and every guest was welcome, but none compelled to drink. Note, (1.) There is no evil in the splendor of a court, or the elegance of a royal table; the evil lies in the abuse of these things. (2.) Let the sobriety of a heathen feast confound the foretils customs of our entertainments; where repeated healths, as they are called, drown the lenses in drunkenness, and the soul in perdition and destruction. 3. The queen in her palace entertained her ladies at the same time, according to the eastern manner, where the women never mix in company, but are always kept separate from the men. 10. ¶ On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, 1 Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and 2 Carcas, the seven 3 chamberhans that served in the presence of Ahafuerus the king, 11. 3 To bring Vashti the We have here, 1. Either advanced to be queen, ver. 1—20. 2. A plot against the king's life discovered by Mordecai, ver. 21—23. 1. AFTER these things, when the wrath of king Ahafoerus was appealed, he remembered Vafiti, and what she had done, and what was decreed against her. 2. Then said the king's servants, that minifred unto him, Let there be fair young virgins sought for the king. 3. And let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the fair young virgins unto Shufan the palace, to the house of the women, unto the cuttody of Hege the king's chamberlain, keeper of the women, and let their things for purification be given them: 4. And let the maiden which pleaeth the king, be queen infreated of Vafiti. And the thing pleaded the king, and he did so. 5. Now in Shufan the palace, there was a certain Jew, whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kifis, a Benjamin: 6. Who 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 brought up Hadafah (that is Either) his uncle's daughter, for she had neither father nor mother, and the maid was 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 king's commandment and his decree was heard, and when many maidens were gathered together unto Shufan the palace, to the cuttody of Hegai, that Either was brought also unto the king's house, to the cuttody of Hegai keeper of the women. 9. And the maiden pleaded him, and the obtained kindness of him, and he speedily gave her things for purification, with such things as belonged to her, and seven maidens which were meet to be given her out of the king's house, and he preferred her and her maids unto the best place of the house of the women. 10. Either had not shewed her people nor her kindred: for Mordecai had charged her that she should not shew it. 11. And Mordecai walked every day before the court of the women's house to know how Either did, and what should become of her. 12. Now when every maid's turn was come, to go in to king Ahafoerus, after that she had been twelve months, according to the manner of the women (for so were the days of their purifications accomplished, to wit, the months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odours, and with other things for the purifying of the women). 13. Then thus came every maiden unto the king, whichever the desired was given her, to go with her out of the house of the women, unto the king's house. 14. In the evening she went, and on the morrow she returned into the second house of the women to the cuttody of Shaafsga, the king's chamberlain, which kept the concubines: 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 Ether, the daughter of Abhail, the uncle of Mordecai (who had taken her for his daughter) was come to go in unto the king, she required nothing, but what Hegai the king's chamberlain, the keeper of the women appointed: and Either obtained favour in the fight of all them that looked upon her. 16. So Ether was taken unto king Ahafoerus, into his house royal, in the tenth month (which is the month Teheris) in the seventh year of his reign. 17. And the king loved Either above all the women, and the obtained grace and favour in his fight more than all the virgins: so that he let the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen infreated of Vafiti. 18. Then the king made a great fealt unto all his princes and his servants, now Either's fealt, and he made a *releaste to the provinces, and gave gifts according to the state of the king. 19. And when the virgins were gathered the queen before the king, with the crown royal, to shew the people and the princes her beauty: for she was fair to look on. 12. But the queen Vafiti refused to come at the king's commandment by his chamberlains: therefore was the king very wroth, and his anger buried in him. 13. Then the king said to the wife men, which knew the times, (for so was the king's manner towards all that knew law and judgment: 14. And the next unto him was Carfena, Shether, Admatha, Tarfith, Mores, Marfena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, which saw the king's face, and which sat the first in the kingdom) 15. What shall we do unto the queen Vafiti, according to law, because she hath not performed the commandment of the king Ahafoerus, by the chamberlains? 16. And Memucan answered before the king and the princes, Vafiti the queen hath not done wrong to the king only, but also to all the princes, and to all the people that are in all the provinces of the king Ahafoerus. 17. For this deed of the queen shall come abroad unto all women, so that they shall *despite their husbands in their eyes, when it shall be reported, The king Ahafoerus commanded Vafiti 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 king's princes, which have heard of the deed of the queen. Thus shall there arise too much contempt and wrath. 19. If it pleads the king, let there go a royal commandment from him, and let it be written among the laws of the Persians and the Medes; that it be not altered, that Vafiti come no more before king Ahafoerus, and let the king give her royal estate unto another that is better than she. 20. And when the king's 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 pleaded the king and the princes, and the king did according to the word of Memucan: 22. For he sent letters into all the king's 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 that it should be published according to the language of every people. 9. 17—22. The end of carnal mirth is commonly heaviness. The last day of Ahafoerus's jolling closes with vexation. 1. In the heat of wine, during the last day of the fealt, having delighted all his other magnificence, he resolved that his beautiful queen should appear in public, with her royal crown, and close with her majestic presence this grand entertainment. 2. The chamberlains, or eunuchs, who were dispatched to the queen, met with a resolute denial. She thought it an indignity to be thus exposed, and therefore proudly refused to come. 3. The refusal highly exasperated the monarch, and before his company he could not with-hold his anger, but rashly refused to be re-engaged of her. His counsellors are called, his princes considered, that in so unusual a case he might know what, according to law, he might do; for, though a king, he thought not himself above it. Note, (1.) Family quarrels, and before company too, are very grievous, and damp the joy of any entertainment. (2.) It is easier to govern a kingdom, than to rule over our own spirit. (3.) It is well for a kingdom, when princes profess such a veneration for the law. 4. Memucan, in the name of the rest, proposes his opinion, that Vafiti should be divorced for her disobedience. As the quarrel was public, it would be dangerous to the peace of families, if wives were permitted thus to despite their husbands command; and the queen's example would afford a dangerous precedent; while some condign punishment on one so great would for ever engage obedience from all infusions throughout the kingdom, and secure to every man the rule of his own house. Note, Where women insert the ordinance of God, refuse to be in subjection, and grasp at dominion, there will be confidious, and every evil work. 5. The advice was readily embraced, an edict instantly issued through the kingdom, and Vafiti divorced. Thus, however wrong the hope were which brought on this quarrel, the peace of the kingdom was greatly secured by this edict, and, through Divine Providence, a way opened for Either to the throne. Thus one God being good still out of evil, and make mean sins and follow subsystems to the purposes of his own glory. VOL. I. Babes Chief gathered together the second time, then Mordecai sat in the king's gate. 20. 'Either had not yet shewed her kindred, nor her people; as Mordecai had charged her: for Either did the commandment of Mordecai, like as when she was brought up with him. The advancement of Either is here recorded, with the various steps of Divine Providence, which led to this wonderful event. 1. The king soon repented of the raihenes that in his wine he had committed, and with deep regret parted with his beauteous queen, that by an unalterable law he must see no more. Note, What is done hastily in anger, often gives cause to long and bitter remorse. 2. The courtiers, to divert the king's melancholy, and by some new object to obliterate the remembrance of Vashti, propose to him the collecting of the most beautiful daniels in his dominions, that out of them he might select the most agreeable, as reign in the stead of the divorced queen. Note, In kings courts, enough watch the monarch's eye, and appear ready ministers to all his pleasures. 3. The king approved the proposal, and Hege, the king's chamberlain, or eunach, was appointed to take charge of them, and after a year for purification, that their native beauty might be heightened by the charms of art, they were then in turn to be brought to the king; and if they pleaded him not, they returned to be shut up in the scraglio, whilst the favoured virgin was to be chosen queen. 4. Among those that were collected at Shufian was a Jewess, named Esther; an orphan, brought up under the care of her cousin-german Mordecai, a Benjamin, whose sacrifice had been carried away from Jerusalem at the captivity of Jeconiah. As he in tenderness had shewed himself a father to her, and with daily solicitude enquired after her welfare, she, in obedience, behaved as a dutiful child, observant of his directions. He had had her conceal her parentage, as it might be an objection to her advancement; and as she was born in Shufian, no questions probably were asked of her country, and the puffed for one of Persian extraction. Note, (1.) They who show to orphans parental tenderness, should meet with the grateful return of said duty and affection. (2.) Though we may never call a lie, we are not always obliged to speak all we know. 5. The manners, as well as the beauty of this denial, exceedingly ingratiated her to the keeper of the women, and he shewed her especial regard and kindness. When her turn came to be introduced to the king, she required no ornament; her native beauty was sufficient distinction. She no sooner appeared, than all who saw, admired her; and the king, charmed with her person, determined to fix on her head the imperial diadem. Behold a captive, a Jew, an orphan, now exalted to the royal throne of Persia! Thus God can work, and radi the poor from the duft, to set them among princes. 6. At the coronation of Esther a royal feast is made, which she graced with her presence, which Vashti had refused. To heighten the general joy, a release of taxes was published thro' the provinces, and royal gifts followed. Though a second collection of virgins was made, Esther seems to have continued unrivalled in the king's affections; and Mordecai now was advanced to some honourable post at court, probably thro' Esther's influence, who retained the fame respect and defiance for his advice, and changed not her manners with her station, though she had still continued to conceal, as Mordecai directed, her kindred and people. Note, (1.) No change of station should make us forget our benefactors. (2.) Younger persons shew their wisdom in being guided by the counsel of their more aged and experienced friends. About 475. Hah. Irechid. = See Mid. II. 16. = Chap. vi. L. 21. ¶ In those days (while Mordecai sat in the king's gate) two of the king's chamberlains, Bigthan and Teereth, of those which kept the door, were wroth, and fought to lay hand on the king Ahafuerus: 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 chronicles before the king. We have here, 1. A plot formed against the king's life by two of his servants, whom he had disguised. Monarchs stand on a dangerous eminence: how many of these have gone down murdered in the grave! Let them learn justice, and to raids with equity, that they may engage the affections as well as the subposition of their subjects. 2. The plot was discovered by Mordecai, for treasons usually transpire; and, as a loyal subject, he communicates his intelligence through Esther to the king. Inquisition is made, the traitors convicted and hanged, and a record entered of the faithful service he had performed. Note, (1.) God has strange ways of bringing treasons and bloody designs to light. (2.) Concealment of any plot against the sovereign or state, is highly criminal. (3.) May every trainer meet a like reward. (4.) Good services done us deserve to be recorded, that they may be remembered long, and recompenseled. Here, 1. Haman becomes the king's favourite, ver. 1. 2. Mordecai refuses to do him honour, ver. 2—4. 3. Haman for this cause to be revenged upon all the Jews, ver. 5, 6. 4. He abtains an order from the king to have thus all unfiltered, ver. 7—13. 5. This order is dispersed through the kingdom, ver. 14, 15. 1. AFTER these things did king Ahafuerus 'promote Haman the son of Hammedatha' the Agagite, and advanced him, and set his seat above all the princes that were with him. 2. And all the king's servants that were in the king's gate, bowed, and reverenced Haman; for the king had to commanded concerning him: but Mordecai bowed not, nor did him ever since. 3. Then the king's servants which were in the king's gate, said unto Mordecai, Why transgresseth thou the king's commandment? 4. Now it came to pass, when they spake daily unto him, and the hearkned not unto them, that they told Haman, to see whether Mordecai his matters would stand; for he had told them that he was a Jew. 5. And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him ever since, then was Haman full of wrath. 6. And he thought soon to lay hands on Mordecai alone; for they had shewed him the people of Mordecai: wherefore Haman fought to destroy all the Jews that were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahafuerus, even the people of Mordecai. The people of God must not long expect the sunshine of prosperity. Though they had a queen on the throne, and a friend at court, a storm arises, which threatens to swallow them up with universal defunction. 1. Haman, an Agagite, some think a descendant of Agag the king of Amalek, the hereditary enemy of the Jews, others, a Persian of this name, is advanced to the first post of honour, becomes the king's favourite, and receives, at his command, such adoration and reverence as approached idolatry. 2. The rising sun is universally worshipped by the fawning courtiers; and as preferment could be hoped for only thus the favourites himself, all men bowed down before him. Mordecai alone could not conform to the extravagant honours paid him; not revision of his advancement, or proudly disrespectful, but conscientiously with-held from such impious adoration. In vain his fellow-servants advise compliance, or remonstrate on the danger of refusal: he chutes rather to lose his office, or life itself, rather than wound his conscience. Note, No consideration must foray or influence us to comply with what is evil. Better incur the wrath of princes, than offend the King of kings; better hazard life, than lose body and soul in hell. 3. Haman was soon informed of this obstinate disrespect, and that this Jew pleaded religion at the reason for refusing this adoration to a mortal man. His pride fired at the notice, and he refuses to wreak his vengeance not only on him, but on all his nation. Note, (1.) The redemptions of favourites hath been often fatal to the worthless subjects; but usually in the end they are made to drink of the cup they had mixed for others. (2.) Incident pride beasts unrelenting cruelty: woe to those who dare offend such. 7. ¶ In the first month (that is the month Nifan) in the twelfth year of king Ahafuerus, they call Pur, that is, the lot before Haman, from day to day, and from month to month, to the twelfth month, that is the month Adar. 8. ¶ And Haman said unto king Ahafuerus, There is a certain people scattered abroad, and dispersed among the people, in all the provinces of the kingdom, and their laws are divers from all people, neither keep they the king's laws: therefore it is not for the king's profit to suffer them. 9. If it please the king, let it be written that they may be destroyed: and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver, to she hands of those that have the charge of the business, to bring it into into the king's treasures. 10. And the king took his ring from his hand, and gave it unto Haman the son of Hammadatha the Agagite, the Jews enemy. 11. And the king said unto Haman, The silver is given to thee, the people also, to do with them as it seemeth good to thee. 12. Then were the king's scribes called on the thirteenth day of the first month, and there was written according to all that Haman had commanded unto the king's lieutenants, and to the governors 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 Ahafurus was it written, and sealed with the king's ring. 13. And the letters were sent by polls into all the king's provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish all Jews, both young and old, 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. 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 polls went out, being halted by the king's commandments, and the decree was given in Shulhan the palace: and the king and Haman fat down to drink, but the city Shulhan was perplexed. c. 7—15. Urged on by impatience of revenge, the wicked Haman converts his black design, and obtains the most favourable prospect of success. 1. By misrepresentation he obtains of the king full licence to execute his bloody purpose. He describes the Jews as a people vile and despicable, vagabonds and fugitives, different in their manners from all the king's subjects, numerous in principle, and dangerous to the State: that it would be highly advantageous for the kingdom not to suffer them, but to destroy them, not and branch. And, left the revenue might seem to suffer by the loss of the tribute they paid, he offers ten thousand talents, near four millions of our money, to reimburse the king's treasury. The king, without enquiry, easily confessed to the favourite's request, sacrifices the people to his will; remits the offer of the ten thousand talents; and, as a token of his regard and affection, gives him the ring from his finger, or perhaps the royal figure, as a mark of his implicit confidence, that he might often whatever order concerning the matter he thought fit. Note, (1.) The people of God have been often rendered as despicable, and represented as dangerous; and because their holy manners correspond not with a wicked world, their singularity is treated as design, and their religion counted rebellion. (2.) If Christians were not first dressed up as monsters, their enemies could not so easily worry and destroy them. (3.) Kerenge is so sweet, that wicked men stick at nothing to gratify it. 2. Having obtained the king's consent, (as the 8th verse may be rendered, New Haman had just unto the king, &c.) he next confesses his divines to fix the lucky moment for the malfears. In order for this the lot is cast, and to Divine Providence ordered it, that it fell on the twelfth month; so that eleven months were given for the disappointment of the wicked device: and, notwithstanding his malice and haffe, Haman's superannuation prevailed, and he waited for the subpoena day. Note, God has secret ways of disappointing the designs of his people's enemies, and making them abortive, by the very means they are to enlist success. 3. The time being fixed, the bloody edict is drawn, sealed, and dispatched into all the provinces, and the thirteenth of the twelfth month is the fatal day. How many times have the enemies of God's church and people thought their prey thus secure; but he thus fiftieth on the heavens laugheth them to learn. 4. The messengers in halfe-being gone, Haman and the king sit down at the fallal board, where wine and revelry shut out from the royal breath all thoughts of the bloody feces ready to commence. But though they were merry, the city was perplexed, the poor Jews in terror, those who befriended them scrambled in their danger, and the most indifferent shocked at the barbarity of the order, and dreading the consequence of such a promiscuous slaughter. Note, (1.) Kings are often the greatest strangers to their people's situation. (2.) In times of public calamity, metrimony and feasting are most unfeasible. In this chapter, 1. The "Jesus wing, and nature on account of this edict, sec. 1—4. 2. When enquiries the angel, sec. 5—7. 3. Mordecai informs her, and begs her to intercede with the king, ver. 8, 9. 4. She objects the danger; yet, or Mordecai's request, refuses to venture, after a three days felons fall, sec. 10—17. 1. WHEN Mordecai perceived all that was done, a Chap. III. Mordecai rent his clothes, and put on fackcloth with ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and cried with a loud and bitter cry: 2. And came even before the king's gate: for none might enter into the king's gate clothed with fackcloth. 3. And in every province whistelfever the king's commandment, and his decree came, there was great mourning among the Jews, and fasting, and weeping, and wailing, and many lay in fackcloth and ashes. 4. So Esther's hands and her chamberlains came and told of her: Then was the queen exceedingly grieved, and she sent raiment to clothe Mordecai, and to take away his fackcloth from him: but he received it not. a Chap. III. 5—11. c. 1—4. No sooner was the bloody edict, noised abroad, than terror and distress seized on the unhappy victims. 1. Mordecai, as most nearly concerned, and the innocent cause of all the evil, rent his chasits, and with an exceeding bitter cry, which bespoke his anguish, went forth into the city, to alarm his countrymen, and afford them with a circle of their danger. And though none cheathed with fackcloth might by law appear in the king's court, all such unwelcome objects being banished from the royal prelence; yet he came before the gate, that Esther might some way be made acquainted with their deep calamity. Note, A good man feels and laments the heavy strokes of Providence, whilst with humble resignation he submits to the rod. 2. The former soon spread through every province whither the decree was sent, and nothing was heard but weeping and wailing. At last, the notice of it reached the queen, and Mordecai's disconfortable appearance, to whom she might have shown particular marks of her favour, was reported to her, and grieved her exceedingly. Having heard he was in fackcloth, she sent him new apparel; but he refused it, nor would appear out of the habit of a mourner, whilst the cause of his distress subsisted. Note, They who are united under one head, Christ Jesus, cannot but sympathize with every fellow-member that suffers. 5. Then called Esther for Hatach, one of the king's chamberlains, 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 king's gate. 7. And Mordecai told him of all that had happened unto him, and of the sum of the money that Haman had promised to pay to the king's treasures for the Jews, to destroy them. 8. All so he gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given at Shulhan to destroy them, to shew it unto Esther, and to declare it unto her, and to charge her that she should go in unto the king, to make supplication unto him, and to make request before 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 unto Mordecai: 11. All the king's servants and the people of the king's provinces do know, that whosoever, whether man or woman, shall come unto the king into the inner court, who is not called, there is one law of his to put him to death, 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 there, thirty days. 12. And they told to Mordecai Esther's words. 13. Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king's house, more than all the Jews. 14. For if thou altogether holdeth thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place, but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth, whether thou are come to the kingdom for such a time as this? 15. Then Esther hade these return. Mordecai also answer. 16. Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shulhan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise, and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law; and if I perish, I perish. 17. So Mordecai went his way, and did according to all that Esther had commanded him. c. 5—17. Before Chall 436. As yet Efther feems to have had but an imperfect knowledge of the cause of Mordecai's affliction; and as it was impossible, by the custom of Persia, to have a personal conference with him, the fends Hatach, a truffy eunuch, to enquire and report the particulars. Hereupon, 1. Mordecai relates the whole of the matter; transmits, by the eunuch, a copy of the decree, and charges her by all means to use her utmost influence to get it reverber, by undergiving the king with regard to the misrepresentations of Haman. Note, Could truth but find its way to the royal ear, much of the people's miseries would be relieved. 2. Efther returns, by the fame meffenger, an answer to Mordecai's request. Uncalled, to appear in the royal pretence, was death by the Persian law, except the king stretched out the golden sceptre; nor were the queens excepted from it: and, for some time past, the king feems to have neglected her, which would make the eBay more dangerous, and therefore the rather wishes him to seek some other advocate, than expose her to the peril of imminent death. Note, (1.) The King of kings is not thus inaccessible; whosoever will, may come unto him boldly with every request, and are sure never to be denied. (2.) God in his providence permits the most discouraging circumstances, in order to exercise the faith, and brighten the crown of the redeemed. 3. Mordecai leffens not his importunity by the danger which Efther suggested to him. He let her know, that if her kindred fell, the must not hope to escape; that he fully believed God would stand by them, and he would hide the honour of being their deliverer, if he declined this service; may, that God would visit upon her and her father's house such a cowardly refuish, and, whilst the rest escaped, they would be left to perish; and he concludes with suggesting, that her advancement was ordered for this great purpose, and that the was therefore bound to correspond with the designs of God herein. Note, (1.) If we have faith to trust God, he will never fail us. (2.) They who through unbelieving fear decline the path of duty, are justly given up to the danger they seek thus finally to them. (3.) It is good to observe the leading of providence, and correspond with what appears to be the design of God, in placing us in such a station, or circumstance. 4. Determined at last, Efther resolves at all hazards to make the eBay: but first the enjoined Mordecai, and all the Jews in Shushan, to spend three days in prayer and talking, whilst the did the fame in the palace, to humble their souls for the sins which provoked their threatened judgments, and to seek God's favour and blessing on her attempt, who alone could incline the king's heart to grant her suit. Putting her life in her hand, the then resolved to go to the king: the could but perish. Note, (1.) In all our distresses there is a throne of grace open, and a God who heareth prayer. (2.) When we are truly humbled under our sins, we may hope God will deliver us from our afflictions. (3.) Whilst we are desiring the prayers of others, let us not forget to be importunate for ourselves. (4.) When we can trust God with all, then all is safe. Here, 1. Efther proves successful in her application, and is honoured with the king's presence of her banquet, ver. 1—8. 2. Haman, still more enraged at Mordecai, prepares a gallows for his execution, ver. 9—14. a Chap. in. 10. b Chap. in. 11. &v. 4. c Pour. vii. d. Lib. 40. e Chap. vii. f. g John vii. h. See Mgr. i. v. 1. i. Pour. vii. j. Mar. 6. k. Chap. vii. l. Chap. in. m. 1. NOW it came to pass on the third day, that Efther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king's house, over against the king's house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the gate of the house. 2. And it was so, when the king saw Efther the queen standing in the court, that the obtained favour in his fight: and the king held out to Efther the golden sceptre that was in his hand: so Efther drew near, and touched the top of the scepter. 3. Then said the king unto her, 'What wilt thou, queen Efther?' and what is thy request? 'it shall be even given thee, to the half of the kingdom. 4. And 'Efther answered, if it seem good unto the king,' let the king and Haman come this day unto the banquet that I have prepared for him. 5. Then the king said, 'Cause Haman to make halfe, that he may do as Efther hath said: so the king and Haman came to the banquet that Efther had prepared. 6. And the king said unto Efther at the banquet of wine, 'What is thy pension?' 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 Efther, and said, 'My pension was my request is; 8. If I have found favour in the fight of the king, and if it pleads the king to grant my petition, and to perform my request, let the king and Haman come to the banquet that I shall prepare for them, and I will do no-morrow as the king hath said. On the third day, when their prayers and talking had come up for a memorial before God, 1. Efther boldly approaches the royal throne, dressed in royal apparel, meet for the presence of the king. Having in faith and prayer commended herself to God, she could with confidence meet the danger. 2. The king no sooner perceived her standing in the inner court, than God, who hath in his hands the hearts of kings, inclined him to show her the greatest kindness and regard. He stretches out the sceptre, as an assurance to her of life, and encourages her to propose her request, (which such an unusual appearance of the queen spoke to be of importance) and it should be granted. Note, (1.) They who venture all for God, will find him able to do for them unfeasantly better than their most sanguine hopes. (2.) The inner that draws near the throne of the eternal King, shall find a like favourable acceptance; his fears shall vanish, his pardon be sealed, his petitions granted, and this exceeding abundantly above all he can ask or think. 3. As it seemed not yet a fit occasion to open her design, she only humbly entreats the king's presence with Haman to her banquet. There she would try his kind regard to her; revive the affliction that had deemed to fashish; watch the favourable moment when his heart was open; and charge Haman to his face with the wickedness he medicated. The request is infirmly granted. Haman is sent for, and happy; no doubt, in this honourable distinction. There the king again bids her ask, and renews his promise of granting her request. Another day she begs his company, and then the important sincere shall be disloved; hoping thus to engage his increasing affection, and the more firmly to obtain her request. Also, to watch the favourable moment is the way to ensure success. 9. Then went Haman forth that day, joyful, and with a glad heart: but when Haman saw Mordecai in the king's gate, that he stood not up, nor moved for him, he was full of indignation against Mordecai. 10. Nevertheless Haman refrained himself, and when he came home, he sent and called for his friends, and Zereish his wife. 11. And Haman told them of the glory of his riches, and the multitude of his children, and all the kings wherein the king had promoted him, and how he had advanced him above the princes and servants of the king. 12. Haman said moreover, 'Yes Efther the queen did let no man come in with the king unto the banquet that he had prepared, but myself; and to-morrow am I invited unto her also with the king. 13. Yet all this available me nothing, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew fitting at the king's gate. 14. Then said Zereish his wife, and all his friends unto him, Let a gallows be made of fifty cubits high, and to-morrow speak thou unto the king, that Mordecai may be hanged thereon: then go thou in merrily with the king unto the banquet. And the thing pleased Haman, and he caused the gallows to be made.' Little thought Haman, how deceitful was the honour of which he boasted, or how vain the revenge he medicated. 1. He departs from the banquet highly elated with the honour shown him, and more with the renewal of the invitation; flattering himself, that none he was equally the favourite of the king and queen, and reigned without a rival in their regard. Note, When pride is wound up to the highest pitch, the fall, like Lucifer's, is more terrible. 2. Mordecai still persevered in refusing him the adoration he demanded. Notwithstanding the danger which threatened, he dared not, by mean and sinful compliance, seek to avert it; in conditions uprightness secure, and only disincline to keep a confederate void of offence. Note, They who are careful to plead God, need not fear or care who are dishealed with them for so doing. 3. Haman's bosom swelled with indignation: he could not beat this company, as he regarded it, without the dreadful anguish; and though he refrained himself in the view of the revenge he medicated, this troubled his reproof, and made all his enjoyments unheard. His riches, his family, his advancement at court, all are nothing in his eyes, whilst Mordecai lives, and his revenge is dishealed. Note, (1.) Pride and dishonest create as numberless miseries, and rob us of the enjoyment of all our mercies. (2.) The earth of God is often visible on the wicked in the midst of all their possessions. 4. Haman 4. Names disobeyed his complaints to his wife and friends, and they should the malignancy of his heart, and provide a speedy pre-treatment of his strength. That a gallows should be treated only with a high, before his own door, that all might for the microcuri, and himself be delighted with the execution; that on the return, he would early get the death warrant signed, for even for the general medicine, but keep Mordecai without delay; and then with greater delight he might go to the queen's hangers, and meet no more that unwelcome for at court. The thing pleased Haman, and in no fount (quite than done) but little thought the builder for whom this gallows was erected. Now, When the expectation of the fount is proved, then rain and death cannot see at the door. In this chapter, 1. The king makes Haman de honour to Mordecai for dislocating a plot against his life, ver. 1—11. 2. Haman's friends farthest his deem, ver. 12—14. 1. ON that night + could not the king sleep, and he commanded to bring the book of records of the chronicles; and they were read before the king. 2. And it was found written, that Mordecai had told of Sisthans and Terefs, two of the king's chamberlains, the lawyers of the door, who fought to lay hand on the king Ahauserus. 3. And the king said, 'What honour and dignity hath been done to Mordecai for this? Then said the king's servants that ministered unto him, There is nothing done for him. How vain are all human contrivances! How easily can God disappoint the devices of his enemies to their confusion? He hath access to the spirits of men; and by means unseen, but irresistible, will accomplish all his pleasure. Mordecai as little dreamt of the honour which was designed him, as of the difficulties threatened him; and Haman as little suspected his morning visit to court would be attended with such consequences. We have here, 1. The king, restless on his bed; his sleep was sled: for he who seals up the eye-lids, had forbidden his to close. To a-mys the tedious hour, and perhaps to try this expediting result his wakeful eyes to lull reports, he calls for the book of prophets, and so God explained that the portion fixed upon was the detection of that dangerous conspiracy, to which Mordecai had been so instrumental. Note, The minutest circumferences may be pregnant with the greatest events; the opening at a particular leaf of this book, conducted eminently to the preservation of the Jewish people, and in them of God's whole church in all future ages. 2. The remembrance of the service naturally excited enquiry about the honour and advancement of the person who had so well deserved it; and it appeared he had been overlooked and neglected; nor was he advanced to any higher poll than what he had held at court before. Note, (1.) The greatest services are often forgotten and unrewarded. (2.) In courts, modest more is usually overlooked, which forward flatterers through themselves into the seat of honour. (3.) When we remember the necessities which have been done us, the longer we have neglected to recompense them, the deeper should we count our arrears, and the more diligentful discharge there. 4. ¶ And the king said, Who is in the court? (now Haman was come into the outward course of the king's house, to speak unto the king to hang Mordecai on the gallows that he had prepared for him) 5. And the king's servants said unto him, Behold, Haman handseth 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 + whom the king delighteth to honour? (Now Haman thought in his heart, To whom would the king delight to do honour, more than to myself?) 7. And Haman answered the king, For the man whom the king delighteth to honour, 8. Let the royal apparel be brought which the king wizh to wear, and the horse that the king stole upon; and the crown royal which is set upon his head: 9. And let this apparel and horse be delivered to the hand of one of the kings snoth noble princes, that they may aray the man misled, whom the king delighteth to honour, and bring him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaim before him, Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king de- lighteth to honour. 10. Then the king said to Haman, Make hafe, and take the apparel, and the horse, as thou hast said, and the even so to Mordecai the Jew, that stretch at the king's gate: 1 let nothing fail of all that thou hast spoken. 11. Then took Haman the apparel, and the horse, and prayed Mordecai, and brought him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaimed before him, Thus shall it be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour. The banquet again is ready, and the noble guests stated; and now the king the third time demands the petition, and renews the solemn promise to grant it. Hereupon, 1. Either presents an unexpected request. She fought no honour for herself, or posts at court for her friends; more than these was at stake her life, and the life of her people; these he begs may be granted them, and the due decree reversed that threatened their fearful doom. Had it extended no further than the same, she had in silence submitted; but so cruel a mafiare was not only inhuman, but would be a loss to the government, for which the 10,000 talents of Haman could make poor satisfaction. Note, (1.) Persecution is not only impious in the fight of God, but highly detrimental to the state, where nothing can repair the loss of industrious subjects. (2.) When bodily life is at stake, how solicitous are we to obtain deliverance; when the eternal life of body and soul is in danger, shall we be less importunate? 2. With astonishment the king hears the strange petition, and with impatient eagerness demands who dared attempt so vile a deed. Probably in his cups the decree had been obtained, at least he little suspected his queen was mustered in it. Note, (1.) That is often done rashly and thoughtlessly, at which on a moment's cool reflection we cannot but be shocked. (2.) Many form amazed at the wickedness of others, who overlook the same, or greater it may be, in themselves. 3. Haman is accused as the contriver of this disabusual scheme: to his face the queen charges him with his malicious design, and conscious guilt fills him with fear and trembling, before the enraged king, whom he had drawn into the heart. Also, If the terror of human majesty offended, overwhelms the traitor with horror and dismay, what will the dinner feel when arranged at the bar of God, and self-convicted before the eternal judge and king? c Pres. vii. 14. c Chap. i. 6. f Jer. ix. ix. a Chap. ii. b Ibid. v. 14. f Ibid. vi. b. 1. 2. Prev. vii. 6. 7. And the king arising from the banquet of wine in his wrath, went into the palace-garden; and Haman stood up to make request for his life to Either the queen: for 'he saw that there was evil determined against him by the king. 8. Then the king returned out of the palace garden into the place of the banquet of wine; and Haman was fallen upon the bed whereon Either saw. Then said the king, Will he force the queen also before me in the house? As the word went out of the king's mouth, they 'covered Haman's face. 9. And Harbona, one of the chamberlains, said before the king, Behold also the gallows fifty cubits high, which Haman had made for Mordecai, who had spoken good for the king, standeth in the house of Haman. Then the king said, Hang him thereon. 10. So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then was the king's wrath parched. Probably when the design of God's providence was answered, the king kept in peace; but no sooner awaked in the morning, than he is oblivious to honour the ungodied Mordecai. 1. He makes enquiry who was in the court; and who should be there but Haman, early attending on the king, big with impatience to see Mordecai on the gallows, and not doubting to succeed enily in his petition; him the king commands to be introduced, little suspecting the design of his maher, and probably counting it a happy circumstance that he was called for. 2. No sooner is Haman introduced, than the king proposes a question to him, v. 6, which fell love strongly interpreted in his own favour, and therefore he lavishly advises to heap the most signal distinctions on the man whom the king delighted to honour. He prescribes the royal apparel to adorn him, the royal crown to be set upon his head, the king's own horse to carry him, and one of the chief of the princes as his footman and herald to lead his horse, and proclaiming the king's delight in the favoured person, to command universal reverence and obeyance. Note, (1.) Pride and ambition are never satisfied with the most accumulated honour. (2.) Self-concelt, and a high opinion of ourselves, is a most dangerous rock, against which we cannot too carefully guard. (3.) It should be the delight of kings, and all in authority, to bellow honour on the deserving, and to encourage those who do well. 3. The king expressed his approbation of the advice, and Haman expected with rapture the issue; when how astonished to hear the name of Mordecai as the honoured person, and himself fixed on to lead his horse, and proclaim his high desires. 4. The mandate must be obeyed, and Haman, however flung with envy and grief, is obliged to comply. Mordecai is appurtened, his horse ready, and Haman the herald of his honour. If such be the dignity of him whom man will have exalted, what shall be their portion whom the eternal king delights to honour? 12. ¶ And Mordecai came again to the king's gate: 1. And, but Haman haffed to his house, mourning, and having his head covered. 2. And Haman told Zerefs his wife and all his friends, every thing that had befallen him. Then said his wife men, and Zerefs his wife unto him, If Mordecai be of the feed of the Jews, before whom thou hast begun to fall, thou shalt not yet avail against him, but shalt surely fall before him. 14. And while they were yet talking with him, came the king's chamberlains, and haffed to bring Haman unto the banquet that either had prepared. We have here, 1. The king rising in fury, and retiring to the garden of the banqueting-house, that he might compose his ruffled spirits, and deliverant: or Haman's punishment. Note, (1.) Judges must be used in their decisions, and however glaring or aggravated the offence, preserve their temper towards the criminal. (2.) It is very difficult to restrain the first part of sudden and heinous provocation. 3. Haman perceived by the king's abrupt departure, his ruin determined; and with abject substation falls at the queen's feet, to beg his life at her hands. Note, (1.) The most haughty in prosperity, are usually the most dejected in adversity. (2.) The enemies of God's people, however proud and unborn, must one day bow at their feet. 4. The king returning, found him at Either's feet; and filled with prejudice, interprets his most innocent, nay commendable humiliation, into a design unnecessarily criminal. Note, When a man's character is proved to be infamous and abandoned, every motion creates suspicion. 4. No sooner is Haman's ruin evident, than they who late adored him, are ready to hurry him down the precipice; so support are high places, and so precarious kings' favour. The King of kings is not thus changeable in his regards. They cover his face, as a person unworthy the royal prelence, or as a malefactor prepared for execution; and one of them who had called Haman in the morning to the banquet, acquaints the king with the gallows erected at the door, obligated for that loyal subject Mordecai, to whose fidelity the king had owed his life. Hereupon instantly the king orders his execution, and on this very gallows a righteous sentence, and just retaliation. Note, (1.) With more terrible confusion will the sinner's face be covered in the great day of the wrath of the Lamb. (2.) The malicious often fall themselves into the pit they have digged for others. 5. The execution is no sooner ordered than done. Haman hangs a spectacle and warning to all the children of pride; and now justice is satisfied, the king's anger subdues. With very different sensations these two returned; the one to his place at court, the other to his house in the city. Mordecai thanked and comforted, receiving the favour done him as a token for good, that God would shall the designs of his inveterate enemy. Haman covered with confusion, flung with envy, and mourning as under the bitterest affliction; thus will God render tribulation to those who trouble his people, but to us who are troubled, rest with him. 1. Haman unhooves his griefs to his wife and friends. Usually the communicating our afflictions is a relief, here it tended to aggravate their burden. For, 2. They prove miserable comfortors, and read his doom instead of touching his complaints. They foresee the disappointment of all his schemes: Mordecai is of the feed of the Jews, and no weapon forged against them can prosper; they preach his own fall in the struggle, and heighten his distress into despair; what had happened was but the earnest of what would ensue. Note, (1.) It is in vain fighting against those whom God protects. (2.) Falling favourites hurry downwards fall. (3.) Sad pledges of approaching ruin, often seize the sinner before destruction comes upon him to the uttermost. 3. Haman's grief probably made him disloy, and he forebodied now no good from the banquet in which he had so lately gloried. The eunuchs are sent to hasten him, and he goes; where we shall find him, in the next chapter, receiving the judgment he had so well deserved. 6 R CHAP. At the second banquet, 1. Either petitions for hot-offs, and the life of her people, ver. 1—4. 2. She assails Haman as the author of the plot, ver. 5, 6. 3. The king heresque orders him to be hanged on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai, which was done accordingly, ver. 7—10. Heb. Dunk. c Chap. v. 6. Ibid. ii. &iv. 7. c Chap. ii. Heb. The man, the advertory. Heb. At the preface of. 1. So the king and Haman came to banquet with Either the queen. 2. And the king said again to Either, on the second day, 'at the banquet of wine, What at thy petition, queen Either? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? and it shall be performed, ever to the half of the kingdom. 3. Then Either the queen answered and said, If I have found favour in thy fight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request. 4. For 'we are fold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be slain, and to perish: but if we had been fold for bond-men and bond-women, I had held my tongue, although the enemy could not countervail the king's damage. 5. ¶ Then the king Aha-fuerus answered and said unto Either the queen, Who is he? and where is he that thrift petition in his heart to do so? 6. And Either said, The advertory and enemy is this wicked Haman. Then Haman was afraid before the king and the queen.