Esther 1

Esther 1:1

OF Ahasuerus] the most probable opinion is that this is the same as is mentioned, Ezekiel 4:6. called by the Historians Xerxes the terror of Greece.

Esther 1:2

Sate] that is to say, raigned peaceably, as 2 Samuel 7:1.

Esther 1:3

The power] the Italian hath it, the Host, gathered together for some notable enterprise, Xerxes having performed many of them, unlesse he meane onely the chiefe and officers of it.

Esther 1:6

The beds] after the ancient manner especially of great ones, which was to eat lying upon beds, and not sitting at Table, see Esther 7:8. Ier. 23. 41. Amos 2. 8. and 6. 4 [of red] the Italian, of porphyre, the Hebrew names for these stnes are of a very uncertaine signification.

Esther 1:8

Compell] which otherwise was a custome amongst the Persians.

Esther 1:13

To the wise men] namely, to his councellers, or to the Astrologians and Magicians, by whose advices all businesse of importance were taken in hand, Esther 6:13. [which knew] who by rules of Astrologic (a science much used amongst those Nations) did professe they could tell, at what instant of time any thing might be prosperously undertaken; or else they were men of great experience and knowledge of what had passed in former times; and therefore were able to give advice in things that daily happened, see 1 Chronicles 12:32. Isaiah 3:1. [Law] for these Astrologiars were employed in publike judgements and councells.

Esther 1:14

Which saw] that is to say, were familiarly intimate with the King, and were his ordinary Councellors, who had free accesse to the King at all times, which was not granted to other men in Persia, see Ezekiel 7:14.

Esther 1:16

To the King, by disobedience, and to others by ill example.

Esther 1:18

Say] the Italian, dare to speak, that i to say, shall be bold with their tonguos, and contradict: [contempt] of women towards their husbands, and husbands wrath against their wives.

Esther 1:22

That it should be published] the Italian, that he should speak, that every man should keep and observe the liberty of his own Nation, by commanding his people, and governing his own family without any contradiction: Some understand it also that the husband in signe of superiority, might use his own native language, although the wife were a stranger.