But thirty days have passed since I was called to go to the king.”. 1:21-2:4). Commentary Esther 2 King James Version (KJV). Do not neglect anything you have recommended.”, So Haman got the robe and the horse. Book of Esther THE OLD TESTAMENT PRESENTS... Esther said, “An adversary and enemy! Book of Esther, OUR DAILY BREAD The word translated ''green'' is really an old Persian word meaning ''fine cotton.'' Satan knew that the great Deliverer who was to arise of the House of David was to destroy his power, and we may trace his hand behind such events of history as Saul throwing his javelin at the youthful David [1Sam 18:9-11; 19:9,10], and Queen Athaliah's attempt to destroy all the seed royal [2Kin 11:1-3]. to bring before him Queen Vashti, wearing her royal crown, in order to display her beauty to the people and nobles, for she was lovely to look at. 1030 B.C.) A copy of the text of the edict was to be issued as law in every province and made known to the people of every nationality so they would be ready for that day. Free eBook: Getting Through the Storms in Life. While God was not mentioned in Esther, He was everywhere apparent as the One who opposed and foiled Satan’s diabolical schemes by providential intervention. But the writings of Herodotus and the discoveries at Xerxe's palace of Shushan by the Frenchman Dieulafoy, together bring out the truthfulness of every detail of the story. It appears to me that Esther foreshadows that faithful Jewish remnant in the days of the tribulation. Haman was even more enraged when the king told him it was for Mordecai! Esther had not revealed her nationality and family background, because Mordecai had forbidden her to do so. When the virgins were assembled a second time, Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate. For I and my people have been sold to be destroyed, killed and annihilated. Devotional Commentary on Esther, JOHN TRAPP His advisers and his wife Zeresh said to him, “Since Mordecai, before whom your downfall has started, is of Jewish origin, you cannot stand against him—you will surely come to ruin!”. All the royal officials at the king’s gate knelt down and paid honor to Haman, for the king had commanded this concerning him. The corresponding electric pen in the station would move in the exact handwriting of the originator. still exists. Queen Vashti also gave a banquet for the women in the royal palace of King Xerxes. But Haman, realizing that the king had already decided his fate, stayed behind to beg Queen Esther for his life. The work is evangelical, but some will think it strange that Baldwin says some details “continue to seem improbable” (p. 24). We need never fear that our King will refuse us an audience, or that we shall incur His anger by drawing nigh; but there are seasons when He seems in a special manner to hold out the golden sceptre, and to give us more abundant access to Him in prayer. We would tend to ask why, but the book of Esther shows us clearly that the trial of faith results in final victory for the righteous. (Smith & Cornwall). But when the attendants delivered the king’s command, Queen Vashti refused to come. And what is your request? The king holding out the golden sceptre has been an encouragement to many a saint of God in bringing their petitions to the King of kings. Book of Esther Commentary on Esther And behind the dim unknown Esther feared for her life and tried to avoid his request to do something. This message is clear: God is sovereign even when life doesn’t make sense. Published 1871, COMMENTARY CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY “Get the robe and the horse and do just as you have suggested for Mordecai the Jew, who sits at the king’s gate. Esther's Jewish name was Hadassah, meaning ''myrtle.'' The Doom of the People, Gospel in the book of Esther 2. The same scaffold proved to be the undoing of his enemy, and Mordecai was exalted to the throne. And Memucan answered before the king and the princes, Vashti 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 Ahasuerus⦠as. Samuel finally hacked Agag into pieces (1 Sam. God will take the remnant of believing Israel out of great suffering and trial and bring the nation to the place of exaltation. Affirmed the authority and sufficiency of Scripture, but held a belief of "plenary dynamic inspiration" (idea of every thought inspired), thus falling short of "plenary verbal inspiration" (every single word inspired) (Bib. The queenship was an honorary/political position. How forcefully this speaks of Him who is greater than Mordecai, and who will bring peace to His earthly people and the nations of the world. 17:8–16), whose lineage began with Amalek, son of Esau (Gen. 36:12). The story of Esther begins with a grand banquet at the palace of King Ahasuerus, also referred to as King Xerxes. Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset and David Brown. But he went only as far as the king’s gate, because no one clothed in sackcloth was allowed to enter it. Click the following links to search by topic, author, or bible reference. 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Haman thought the king was talking about himself and responding saying extravagant gifts and honor. Aretha Franklin became a music superstar as the Queen of Soul, but her father was a recording artist of another genre, as the remarkable new documentary "The ⦠Copyright © 2021, Bible Study Tools. You can also search by chapter like: John 1 or Gen. 2, You can also search by simple or complex references like: James 1:2 or Hebrews 1:1-3,6; 5:4, W. BURROWS When life doesn’t make sense, do you turn to God or away from Him? It was found recorded there that Mordecai had exposed Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king’s officers who guarded the doorway, who had conspired to assassinate King Xerxes. Morning and Evening, JOSEPH SUTCLIFFE 25:17–19). He sent dispatches to all parts of the kingdom, to each province in its own script and to each people in their own language, proclaiming that every man should be ruler over his own household, using his native tongue. Book of Esther, DAVE GUZIK 15:2, 3), he disobeyed (1 Sam. Along with Song of Solomon, Ruth, Ecclesiastes, and Lamentations, Esther stands with the OT books of the Megilloth, or “5 scrolls.” Rabbis read these books in the synagogue on 5 special occasions during the year—Esther being read at Purim (cf. So Mordecai went away and carried out all of Esther’s instructions. of
Mordecai told Queen Esther of the plan and Esther told the king, giving credit to Mordecai for overhearing the plan. But all along, God has been in the shadows watching over His covenant people Israel. i. The heroine of the book named for her, Esther is a young Jewish woman living in exile in the Persian Lit. The queen of Persia was not simply the wife of the king. Jesus called us “friends” ( John 15:15), and the Spirit is our “Helper” (Jn 14:26). The experience of the psalmist is recorded as follows: ''For I was envious of the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked'' (Psalm 73:3). The military leaders of Persia and Media, the princes, and the nobles of the provinces were present. When these days were over, the king gave a banquet, lasting seven days, in the enclosed garden of the king’s palace, for all the people from the least to the greatest who were in the citadel of Susa. Thru the Bible Esther went to King Xerxes after three days of fasting and the king asked her what her request was. If it pleases the king, let a decree be issued to destroy them, and I will give ten thousand talents of silver to the king’s administrators for the royal treasury.”. Another very practical lesson to be gained from the book of Esther is that the prosperity of the wicked is unsafe and unsatisfying, and that it ends in adversity. If we fail just there, it may be that He will work out His purpose in some other way; but we shall suffer untold loss. His wife Zeresh and all his friends said to him, “Have a pole set up, reaching to a height of fifty cubits, and ask the king in the morning to have Mordecai impaled on it. PDF transcripts - variable quality. So he answered the king, “For the man the king delights to honor. Similarly, the providential hand of an Almighty God is behind the destiny of nations. 7:8–16) were jeopardized. Mordecai was concerned for the welfare of his people, the Jews. Be a Berean. She sent clothes for him to put on instead of his sackcloth, but he would not accept them. The Expositor's Bible, Warren W. Wiersbe - If you can locate the six-volume edition of the Expositor’s Bible, buy it immediately! Nothing is truly coincidental, the book of Esther says to us. âShe has not obeyed the command of King Xerxes that the eunuchs have taken to her.â 16 Then Memukan replied in the presence of the king and the nobles, âQueen Vashti has done wrong, not only against the king but also against all the nobles and the peoples of all the provinces of King Xerxes. Haman went out that day happy and in high spirits. Note that the dramatic events of the book of Esther take place between the events of Ezra 6 and Ezra 7, between the first return led by Zerubbabel and the second return led by Ezra. Any commentary, even those by the most conservative and orthodox teacher/preachers cannot help but have at least some bias of the expositor based upon his training and experience. who had been carried into exile from Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, among those taken captive with Jehoiachin king of Judah. Haman was still so enraged with Mordecai that he went to set up a pole to impale Mordecai the morning before the banquet. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. Smith & Cornwall), Haman (note) - His name means Alone; solitary. The two guards were hanged. Esther 3:1; 1Sam 15:2,3,7,8], is a picture of the wicked one who will arise in the end-time of this age and seek the extermination of Israel. Dieulafoy has set up the bithan (apadana, the great banqueting-hall or throne-room) in the museum of the Louvre, where one can now see the remains of the marble pavement, of the hall of the feast.'' Mordecai Speaks Peace, Holman Christian Standard Bible Study Bible -, Sermons (4) on Esther - click OT than Esther, The Book of Esther - Something Hidden - interesting work - tells story of this book from Esther's perspective, Esther 2:19-3:6 The Plot Of Haman (Part 1), Esther 4:1-5:14 The Preservation Of Israel (Part 1), Esther 6:1-7:10 The Preservation Of Israel (Part 2), Esther 8 The Preservation Of Israel (Part 3), Esther 9-10 e Preservation Of Israel (Part 4), Esther - Same Introductory Notes as found in the MacArthur Study Bible, Selected Bibliography of the Book of Esther, An Introduction to the Books of Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther, Esther Sermons - search list of 252 sermons, The Way Back: Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther - Transcript, Book of Esther Overview - Insight for Living Ministries - click for book chart at bottom of page, If I Perish I Perish-01 Ministry From Esther, If I Perish I Perish-02 Ministry From Esther, If I Perish I Perish-03 Ministry From Esther, 1:1-2 The Providence of God in the land of Persia, 2:21-3:2 The Humbling of the People of God, Esther: God is in Control - Easy English Commentary, An Explanatory Commentary on Esther (1888), Lectures, Expository and Practical on the Book of Esther (1859), Esther in "A Commentary on the Holy Bible", God in the Shadows - The Life of Esther - Recommended, Esther - from Grace Notes Online Bible Teaching - 55 pages - well done, Esther and Her People - A Practical Exposition in 10 Lectures (1842), Esther and Her Times - a series of 12 lectures (1859), Esther - Lessons from Union Bible College - go to Page 303, Commentary on Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther - 188 pages, Devotional Commentary on the Book of Esther chapter by chapter - Recommended, Esther 1:1 Audio of talk to missions conference, Esther 1-10 Maximizing Ministry Potential, Esther 1:11 The Persian Court (In "Daily Bible Illustrations), Esther 1:5 The Court of the House - Handbook of Bible Manners & Customs, Esther 1:6 Curtains/Couches - Handbook of Bible Manners & Customs, Esther 1:8 Drinking Customs - Handbook of Bible Manners & Customs, Esther 1:9 Feasts for the Women - Handbook of Bible Manners & Customs, Esther 1:10 Chamberlains - Handbook of Bible Manners & Customs, Esther 1-2: Witnesses for God In Dark and Evil Times, Esther 2:17-23 Commentary -Wells of Living Water, Esther 2:5-10 The Silent Sovereignty of God, Esther 2:13 The Royal Harem - Handbook of Bible Manners & Customs, Esther 2:16 Tebeth- Handbook of Bible Manners & Customs, Esther 2:17 The Persian Queen - Handbook of Bible Manners & Customs, Esther 3-4 - Haman's Plot Against the Jews, Esther 3:1 The Man the King Delights to Honor, Esther 3: Witnesses for God In Dark and Evil Times, Esther 3-4 Haman's Plot Against the Jews - Devotional, Esther 3-10 Providence (In "Daily Bible Illustrations), Esther 4 Audio of talk to missions conference, Esther 4:11 Etiquette of the Persian Court - Handbook of Bible Manners & Customs, Esther 4:12-16 Overcoming Fear of the Future, Esther 4-5: Witnesses for God In Dark and Evil Times, Esther 4:14 The Strength of Joy - 14 pages! Purim is not biblically mentioned again, although it has been celebrated throughout the centuries in Israel. Long before Esther’s time, the people of Israel and Judah (later called Jews) had been dispersed throughout the Near East by the Assyrians and the Babylonians. Search for any Scripture reference on Bible.org... For best results, be as specific as possible. Richard Hawker, MATTHEW HENRY'S King Ahasuerus held a great banquet for his new queen, Esther. The couriers went out, spurred on by the king’s command, and the edict was issued in the citadel of Susa. Even though, in their present unbelief, they may refuse to recognize His hand, He continues His watchful care over His ancient people. As they were drinking wine, the king again asked Esther, “Now what is your petition? The Greek title for this book is Esther (Latin = Hester). Even up to half the kingdom, it will be granted.”. Queen Ester asked that the king and Haman join her at a banquet the next day. He was a despised Jew for whom the scaffold was built. This is what happened during the time of Xerxes, the Xerxes who ruled over 127 provinces stretching from India to Cush : At that time King Xerxes reigned from his royal throne in the citadel of Susa. “Nothing has been done for him,” his attendants answered. Queen Esther and Mordecai were given Haman's estate. King Xerxes was so angry at her disrespect and disregard for his request that he divorced her. But Mordecai found out about the plot and told Queen Esther, who in turn reported it to the king, giving credit to Mordecai. Henry Morris, C J ELLICOTT, ED. Whitcomb’s introductory remarks are very good but regrettably brief. Yet having learned who Mordecai’s people were, he scorned the idea of killing only Mordecai. Book of Esther, A C GAEBELEIN It takes up less space than the original fifty-volume set, and not everything in the original set is worth owning. But Vashti, sensing the indignity of the request, refused (Es. Finally, Satan entered into Judas who then betrayed Christ to the Jews and Romans (Luke 22:3–6). He includes a helpful bibliography along with charts and time-line illustrations. Should you discover some commentary or sermon you feel may not be orthodox, please email your concern. Excerpt - Historical and Theological Themes - All 167 verses of Esther have ultimately been accepted as canonical, although the absence of God’s name anywhere has caused some to unnecessarily doubt its authenticity. Conservative, Millennial, Click for introduction not found in notes below, A D DAVIDSON Esther's cousin Mordecai had taken Esther in and raised her as his own after Esther's parents had died. Commentary on Esther Sacra: Vol 125, p 163, 1968). Wrong forever on the throne; 16:22). Just type in the book only (like: John or Gen. standard abbreviations are accepted) and you will get the same functionality as the old site. This commentary is the culmination of his study of God's Word. have them bring a royal robe the king has worn and a horse the king has ridden, one with a royal crest placed on its head. (1706), HOMILETICS ON ESTHER Esther's beauty won her Hegai's favor and she was given special attention. And Esther won the favor of everyone who saw her. Esther replied, “My petition and my request is this: If the king regards me with favor and if it pleases the king to grant my petition and fulfill my request, let the king and Haman come tomorrow to the banquet I will prepare for them. 17:14; Deut. He also gave him a copy of the text of the edict for their annihilation, which had been published in Susa, to show to Esther and explain it to her, and he told him to instruct her to go into the king’s presence to beg for mercy and plead with him for her people. The Jewish people, as a whole, have been out of their land for 1900 years. he sent back this answer: “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. DISCLAIMER: Before you "go to the commentaries" go to the Scriptures and study them inductively (Click 3 part overview of how to do Inductive Bible Study) in dependence on your Teacher, the Holy Spirit, Who Jesus promised would guide us into all the truth (John 16:13). Let the king appoint commissioners in every province of his realm to bring all these beautiful young women into the harem at the citadel of Susa. God’s sovereignty is best summarized in Mordecai’s exhortation to Esther: “And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14). The king read and was reminded of how Mordecai exposed the plot to assassinate the king. So the king and Haman went to Queen Esther’s banquet, and as they were drinking wine on the second day, the king again asked, “Queen Esther, what is your petition? (Commentaries for Biblical Expositors), Rosscup on Baldwin - A frequent, respected contributor to this series (Tyndale), she presents careful research on setting, text, exegesis and related matters such as customs, with good notes. Day after day they spoke to him but he refused to comply. This very day the Persian and Median women of the nobility who have heard about the queen’s conduct will respond to all the king’s nobles in the same way. The links below open to the NET Bible which is synchronized with the NET Notes, Constable's Commentary and relevant articles (click the tab labeled "Articles") on the Bible.org website. Large petitions with thee bring; So Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter. Like Esther, we must be ready to take our life in our hand and risk everything in His service. Published 1871, THOMAS CONSTABLE The same enmity of the devil prompted Herod to slay the babes of Bethlehem, but God delivered His Son by sending Him into Egypt [Mat 2]. God has a purpose for each one of our lives. As protests against racial injustice spread to communities large and small in this year, many educators have been pushed to examine how systemic racism harms students.Some have publicly proclaimed the steps they will take to create anti-racist schools, including diversifying classroom and library bookshelves. For His grace and power are such, (Click full message). Mordecai told him everything that had happened to him, including the exact amount of money Haman had promised to pay into the royal treasury for the destruction of the Jews. He shows how the message is alive, and at times helps with good illustrations. Whitcomb’s approach to historicity itself makes valuable reading. The king said, “Who is in the court?” Now Haman had just entered the outer court of the palace to speak to the king about impaling Mordecai on the pole he had set up for him. Because of his lineage from Agag, Haman carried deep hostility toward the Jews. When Haman entered, the king asked him, “What should be done for the man the king delights to honor?” Now Haman thought to himself, “Who is there that the king would rather honor than me?”. To those recognizing. “Bring Haman at once,” the king said, “so that we may do what Esther asks.” So the king and Haman went to the banquet Esther had prepared. An unseen hand is at work behind all human affairs. Mordecai told Esther about the king's edict to kill all the Jewish people. But all this gives me no satisfaction as long as I see that Jew Mordecai sitting at the king’s gate.”. Commentary on Esther The Feast of Purim, instituted by Esther and Mordecai, witnesses still, not only to the truth of the narrative, but to a nation's gratitude and a memorial throughout all generations of their deliverance. (5) no requirement of the law is named from beginning to end." He robed Mordecai, and led him on horseback through the city streets, proclaiming before him, “This is what is done for the man the king delights to honor!”. We'll send you an email with steps on how to reset your password. The king was offended when his wife Vashti refused to appear before him when he ordered her to do so. For a full 180 days he displayed the vast wealth of his kingdom and the splendor and glory of his majesty. Notes on Esther in the Book of Esther The power of life and death lies in these opportunities both to ourselves and to others. Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset and David Brown. The book of Esther is a confirmation of Psalm 11:4, ''The Lord is in His holy temple, the Lord's throne is in heaven; His eyes behold, His eyelids test the children of men.'' So he set a royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti. On the seventh day, when King Xerxes was in high spirits from wine, he commanded the seven eunuchs who served him—Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar and Karkas—. Later, Herod slaughtered the infants of Bethlehem, thinking Christ was among them (Matt. Influential in development of doctrine of entire sanctification. Esther Commentary, Sermon, Illustration, Devotional, Key Passages: Esther 4:14, 16, Esther 8:17, Esther 9:26, 31, Key Words: See list under "Precept Ministries Inductive Study on Esther", The Book of Esther is unusual - God's Name is not mentioned once, yet God's "Hand" is clearly present and active throughout the book, to the extent that many see the book of Esther as a veritable "treatise" on the doctrine of Divine Providence (see separate study). Who shapes the destinies of nations-- politicians? The Book of Esther is designed to show God's providential care of His people. The book of Esther sets forth two great doctrines: man's free will, and God's absolute sovereignty. Then the king’s fury subsided. “And that’s not all,” Haman added. Now there was in the citadel of Susa a Jew of the tribe of Benjamin, named Mordecai son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish. We have made a sincere effort to select only the most conservative, "bibliocentric" commentaries. “She has not obeyed the command of King Xerxes that the eunuchs have taken to her.”. Haman (Hebrew: ×Ö¸×Ö¸× â HÄmÄn; also known as Haman the Agagite or Haman the evil) is the main antagonist in the Book of Esther, who according to the Hebrew Bible was a vizier in the Persian empire under King Ahasuerus, commonly identified as Xerxes I (died 465 BCE) but traditionally equated with Artaxerxes I or Artaxerxes II. It is here that we find Christ in the Book of Esther. Haman Hanged on His Gallows, Gospel in the book of Esther 4. The others are Sarah (Genesis 12:11-14), Rachel (Genesis 29:17), Abigail (1 Samuel 25:3), Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11:2), Tamar (2 Samuel 14:27), Queen Vashti of the Persians (Esther 1:11), Esther (Esther 2:7), and the daughters of Job (Job 42:15). (Play song Matt Foreman). received orders to kill all the Amalekites, including their king Agag (1 Sam. Lectures, Expository and Practical, She would not return to the king unless he was pleased with her and summoned her by name. Commentary on Esther In Esther, all of God’s unconditional covenant promises to Abraham (Gen. 17:1–8) and to David (2 Sam. His comments on the difference between canonicity and theological understanding are worthy of note. The answer is Deuteronomy 31:18, ''And I will surely hide My face, or presence.'' And watch God silently weave all events for His glory . But Esther had kept secret her family background and nationality just as Mordecai had told her to do, for she continued to follow Mordecai’s instructions as she had done when he was bringing her up. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. Then she instructed him to say to Mordecai, “All the king’s officials and the people of the royal provinces know that for any man or woman who approaches the king in the inner court without being summoned the king has but one law: that they be put to death unless the king extends the gold scepter to them and spares their lives. Confidence and Courage. But then he continued in verses 16 and 17, ''When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me, until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I understood their end.''. [ie., The trustworthiness of the Book of Esther has been attacked by determined critics.] Comment: More Technical notes but you will often discover some very helpful insights.