
Text -- Esther 1:10-22 (NET)




Names, People and Places, Dictionary Themes and Topics



collapse allCommentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per phrase)
Wesley: Est 1:12 - -- Being favoured in this refusal by the law of Persia, which was to keep mens wives, and especially queens, from the view of other men.
Being favoured in this refusal by the law of Persia, which was to keep mens wives, and especially queens, from the view of other men.

Wesley: Est 1:13 - -- The histories of former times, what princes have done in such cases as this was.
The histories of former times, what princes have done in such cases as this was.

Wesley: Est 1:14 - -- Who had constant freedom of access to the king, and familiar converse with him: which is thus expressed, because the Persian kings were very seldom se...
Who had constant freedom of access to the king, and familiar converse with him: which is thus expressed, because the Persian kings were very seldom seen by their subjects.

Who were his chief counsellors and officers.

Wesley: Est 1:18 - -- Contempt in the wives, and thereupon wrath in the husbands; and consequently strife in families.
Contempt in the wives, and thereupon wrath in the husbands; and consequently strife in families.
JFB: Est 1:10-12 - -- As the feast days advanced, the drinking was more freely indulged in, so that the close was usually marked by great excesses of revelry.
As the feast days advanced, the drinking was more freely indulged in, so that the close was usually marked by great excesses of revelry.

JFB: Est 1:10-12 - -- These were the eunuchs who had charge of the royal harem. The refusal of Vashti to obey an order which required her to make an indecent exposure of he...
These were the eunuchs who had charge of the royal harem. The refusal of Vashti to obey an order which required her to make an indecent exposure of herself before a company of drunken revellers, was becoming both the modesty of her sex and her rank as queen; for, according to Persian customs, the queen, even more than the wives of other men, was secluded from the public gaze. Had not the king's blood been heated with wine, or his reason overpowered by force of offended pride, he would have perceived that his own honor, as well as hers, was consulted by her dignified conduct.

JFB: Est 1:13-19 - -- These were probably the magi, without whose advice as to the proper time of doing a thing the Persian kings never did take any step whatever; and the ...
These were probably the magi, without whose advice as to the proper time of doing a thing the Persian kings never did take any step whatever; and the persons named in Est 1:14 were the "seven counsellors" (compare Ezr 7:14) who formed the state ministry. The combined wisdom of all, it seems, was enlisted to consult with the king what course should be taken after so unprecedented an occurrence as Vashti's disobedience of the royal summons. It is scarcely possible for us to imagine the astonishment produced by such a refusal in a country and a court where the will of the sovereign was absolute. The assembled grandees were petrified with horror at the daring affront. Alarm for the consequences that might ensue to each of them in his own household next seized on their minds; and the sounds of bacchanalian revelry were hushed into deep and anxious consultation what punishment to inflict on the refractory queen. But a purpose was to be served by the flattery of the king and the enslavement of all women. The counsellors were too intoxicated or obsequious to oppose the courtly advice of Memucan was unanimously resolved, with a wise regard to the public interests of the nation, that the punishment of Vashti could be nothing short of degradation from her royal dignity. The doom was accordingly pronounced and made known in all parts of the empire.
Clarke: Est 1:10 - -- He commanded Mehuman - All these are doubtless Persian names; but so disguised by passing through a Hebrew medium, that some of them can scarcely be...
He commanded Mehuman - All these are doubtless Persian names; but so disguised by passing through a Hebrew medium, that some of them can scarcely be known.
We shall find other names and words in this book, the Persian etymology of which may be easily traced.

To bring Vashti the queen - The Targum adds naked

Clarke: Est 1:11 - -- For she was fair to look on - Hence she had her name Vashti , which signifies beautiful. See Est 1:9.
For she was fair to look on - Hence she had her name

Clarke: Est 1:12 - -- Vashti refused to come - And much should she be commended for it. What woman, possessing even a common share of prudence and modesty, could consent ...
Vashti refused to come - And much should she be commended for it. What woman, possessing even a common share of prudence and modesty, could consent to expose herself to the view of such a group of drunken Bacchanalians? Her courage was equal to her modesty: she would resist the royal mandate, rather than violate the rules of chaste decorum
Her contempt of worldly grandeur, when brought in competition with what every modest woman holds dear and sacred, is worthy of observation. She well knew that this act of disobedience would cost her her crown, if not her life also: but she was regardless of both, as she conceived her virtue and honor were at stake
Her humility was greatly evidenced in this refusal. She was beautiful; and might have shown herself to great advantage, and have had a fine opportunity of gratifying her vanity, if she had any: but she refused to come
Hail, noble woman! be thou a pattern to all thy sex on every similar occasion! Surely, every thing considered, we have few women like Vashti; for some of the highest of the land will dress and deck themselves with the utmost splendor, even to the selvedge of their fortunes, to exhibit themselves at balls, plays, galas, operas, and public assemblies of all kinds, (nearly half naked), that they may be seen and admired of men, and even, to the endless reproach and broad suspicion of their honor and chastity, figure away in masquerades! Vashti must be considered at the top of her sex: -
Rara avis in terris, nigroque simillima cygno
A black swan is not half so rare a bird.

To the wise men - Probably the lawyers.

Clarke: Est 1:14 - -- And the next unto him - the seven princes - Probably, the privy counsellors of the king. Which saw the king’ s face - were at all times admitte...
And the next unto him - the seven princes - Probably, the privy counsellors of the king. Which saw the king’ s face - were at all times admitted to the royal presence.

Clarke: Est 1:16 - -- Vashti - hath not done wrong to the king only - This reasoning or arguing was inconsequent and false. Vashti had not generally disobeyed the king, t...
Vashti - hath not done wrong to the king only - This reasoning or arguing was inconsequent and false. Vashti had not generally disobeyed the king, therefore she could be no precedent for the general conduct of the Persian women. She disobeyed only in one particular; and this, to serve a purpose, Memucan draws into a general consequence; and the rest came to the conclusion which he drew, being either too drunk to be able to discern right from wrong, or too intent on reducing the women to a state of vassalage, to neglect the present favorable opportunity.

Clarke: Est 1:18 - -- The ladies of Persia - שרות saroth , the princesses; but the meaning is very well expressed by our term ladies.
The ladies of Persia -

Clarke: Est 1:19 - -- That it be not altered - Let it be inserted among the permanent laws, and made a part of the constitution of the empire. Perhaps the Persians affect...
That it be not altered - Let it be inserted among the permanent laws, and made a part of the constitution of the empire. Perhaps the Persians affected such a degree of wisdom in the construction of their laws, that they never could be amended, and should never be repeated. And this we may understand to be the ground of the saying, The laws of the Medes and Persians, that change not.

Clarke: Est 1:22 - -- That every man should bear rule in his own house - Both God’ s law and common sense taught this from the foundation of the world. And is it pos...
That every man should bear rule in his own house - Both God’ s law and common sense taught this from the foundation of the world. And is it possible that this did not obtain in the Persian empire, previously to this edict? The twentieth verse has another clause, That all wives shall give to their husbands honor, both to great and small. This also was universally understood. This law did nothing. I suppose the parade of enactment was only made to deprive honest Vashti of her crown. The Targum adds, "That each woman should speak the language of her husband."If she were even a foreigner, she should be obliged to learn and speak the language of the king. Perhaps there might be some common sense in this, as it would oblige the foreigner to devote much time to study and improvement; and, consequently, to make her a better woman, and a better wife. But there is no proof that this was a part of the decree. But there are so many additions to this book in the principal versions, that we know not what might have made a part of it originally.
Defender: Est 1:12 - -- The "chamberlains" were eunuchs in charge of the king's harem. Each woman in the harem was actually married to the king; they were more than simply co...
The "chamberlains" were eunuchs in charge of the king's harem. Each woman in the harem was actually married to the king; they were more than simply concubines. One - in this case, the beautiful Vashti - was considered the primary wife and recognized as the queen, from whom one son would inherit the kingdom. This son probably was Artaxerxes, who was the emperor under whom Ezra and Nehemiah served. Artaxerxes thus became a stepson of Esther (Xerxes died about thirteen years after Esther became queen). Vashti's refusal to display herself before a drunken crowd of government officials was an act of illegal disobedience to her husband, yet it was an act of moral courage before her Creator."

Defender: Est 1:13 - -- These "wise men" were probably astrologers, expert practitioners of the ancient pagan art which professed ability to forecast the future by the positi...
These "wise men" were probably astrologers, expert practitioners of the ancient pagan art which professed ability to forecast the future by the positions and motions of the stars. It is believed that the great feast described in this chapter was probably in preparation for the projected invasion of Greece. It is noteworthy that the counsel of the supposed wise men who "knew the times" did not warn Ahasuerus (that is, Xerxes) against launching this project which would prove so disastrous for the Persians. They were, however, very positive about advising him to reassert male sovereignty in the home."

Defender: Est 1:19 - -- The Persians considered their laws to be so perfect - an opinion probably justified in most cases - that once enacted, they could be neither repealed ...
The Persians considered their laws to be so perfect - an opinion probably justified in most cases - that once enacted, they could be neither repealed nor revised. Vashti thus lost her position as queen, but was presumably still in the harem (Dan 6:13)."
TSK: Est 1:10 - -- the heart : Gen 43:34; Jdg 16:25; 1Sa 25:36, 1Sa 25:37; 2Sa 13:28; Pro 20:1; Ecc 7:2-4; Ecc 10:19; Eph 5:18, Eph 5:19
Harbona : Est 7:9, Harbonah
cham...

TSK: Est 1:11 - -- Vashti : Pro 16:9, Pro 23:29-33; Mar 6:21, Mar 6:22
fair to look on : Heb. good of countenance, 1Sa 25:3; 2Sa 14:25; Pro 31:30

TSK: Est 1:12 - -- the queen : This refusal of Vashti’ s, to expose herself to the view of such a group of drunken Bacchanalians, was highly praiseworthy, and becam...
the queen : This refusal of Vashti’ s, to expose herself to the view of such a group of drunken Bacchanalians, was highly praiseworthy, and became the dignity of her rank and the modesty of her sex.
refused : Gen 3:16; Eph 5:22, Eph 5:24; 1Pe 3:1
by his chamberlains : Heb. which was by the hand of his eunuchs
was the king : Pro 19:12, Pro 20:2; Dan 2:12, Dan 3:13, Dan 3:19; Nah 1:6; Rev 6:16, Rev 6:17
burned : Exo 32:19, Exo 32:22; Deu 29:20; Psa 74:1, Psa 79:5

TSK: Est 1:13 - -- the wise : Jer 10:7; Dan 2:2, Dan 2:12, Dan 2:27, Dan 4:6, Dan 4:7, Dan 5:7; Mat 2:1
knew : 1Ch 12:32; Mat 16:3


TSK: Est 1:16 - -- Vashti : This reasoning was inconsequent and false. Vashti had not generally disobeyed the king, therefore she could be no precedent for the general ...
Vashti : This reasoning was inconsequent and false. Vashti had not generally disobeyed the king, therefore she could be no precedent for the general conduct of the Persian women. She disobeyed only in one particular; and this, to serve a purpose, Memucan draws into a general consequence, and the rest came into the conclusion, being either too intoxicated to be able to discern right from wrong, or too intent on reducing women to a state of vassalage, to neglect the present favourable opportunity.

TSK: Est 1:18 - -- the ladies : Saroth , the princesses, but the meaning is well expressed by our term ladies. Jdg 5:29; 1Ki 11:3

TSK: Est 1:19 - -- it please the king : Heb. it be good with the king, Est 1:21, Est 3:9, Est 8:5
from him : Heb. from before him
it be not altered : Heb. it pass not aw...
it please the king : Heb. it be good with the king, Est 1:21, Est 3:9, Est 8:5
from him : Heb. from before him
it be not altered : Heb. it pass not away, Est 8:8; Dan 6:8-15, Dan 6:17; Let it be inserted among the permanent laws, and be made a part of the constitution of the empire. The Persians seem to have affected such a degree of wisdom in the construction of their laws, that they never could be amended, and should never be repealed; and this formed the ground of the saying, ""The laws of the Medes and Persians that change not."
another : Heb. her companion


TSK: Est 1:21 - -- pleased the king : Heb. was good in the eyes of the king, Est 1:19, Est 2:4; Gen 41:37

TSK: Est 1:22 - -- into every province : Est 3:12, Est 8:9; Dan 3:29, Dan 4:1
that every man : Both the law of God and common sense taught this from the foundation of th...
into every province : Est 3:12, Est 8:9; Dan 3:29, Dan 4:1
that every man : Both the law of God and common sense taught this from the foundation of the world; and this parade of enactment was only to deprive Vashti of her crown. Eph 5:22-24; 1Ti 2:12; Tit 2:4, Tit 2:5
it should : etc. Heb. one should publish it according to the language of his country, Est 3:12
according : Luk 16:8; Act 2:5-11; 1Co 14:19, 1Co 14:20

collapse allCommentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per Verse)
Barnes: Est 1:11 - -- To bring Vashti the queen - This command, though contrary to Persian customs, is not out of harmony with the character of Xerxes; and is eviden...
To bring Vashti the queen - This command, though contrary to Persian customs, is not out of harmony with the character of Xerxes; and is evidently related as something strange and unusual. Otherwise, the queen would not have refused to come.

Barnes: Est 1:13 - -- Wise men ... - Not "astrologers,"who were unknown in Persia; but rather men of practical wisdom, who knew the facts and customs of former times...
Wise men ... - Not "astrologers,"who were unknown in Persia; but rather men of practical wisdom, who knew the facts and customs of former times.
For so was the king’ s manner - Some render it: "for so was the king’ s business laid before all that knew law ..."

Barnes: Est 1:14 - -- In Marsena we may perhaps recognize the famous Mardonius, and in Admatha, Xerxes’ uncle, Artabanus. The seven princes - There were seven...
In Marsena we may perhaps recognize the famous Mardonius, and in Admatha, Xerxes’ uncle, Artabanus.
The seven princes - There were seven families of the first rank in Persia, from which alone the king could take his wives. Their chiefs were entitled to have free access to the monarch’ s person. See the margin reference note.

Barnes: Est 1:18 - -- Translate it: "Likewise shall the princesses of Persia and Media, which have heard of the deed of the queen, say this day unto all the king’ s ...
Translate it: "Likewise shall the princesses of Persia and Media, which have heard of the deed of the queen, say this day unto all the king’ s princes."

Barnes: Est 1:19 - -- That it be not altered - Compare the margin reference. This was the theory. Practically, the monarch, if he chose, could always dispense with t...
That it be not altered - Compare the margin reference. This was the theory. Practically, the monarch, if he chose, could always dispense with the law. It was therefore quite within his power to restore Vashti to her queenly dignity notwithstanding the present decree, if he so pleased.

Barnes: Est 1:22 - -- He sent letters - The Persian system of posts incidentally noticed in the present book Est 3:12-15; Est 8:9-14, is in entire harmony with the a...
He sent letters - The Persian system of posts incidentally noticed in the present book Est 3:12-15; Est 8:9-14, is in entire harmony with the accounts of Herodotus and Xenophon.
Into every province according to the writing thereof - The practice of the Persians to address proclamations to the subject-nations in their own speech, and not merely in the language of the conqueror, is illustrated by the bilingual and trilingual inscriptions of the Achaemenian monarchs, from Cyrus to Artaxerxes Ochus, each inscription being of the nature of a proclamation.
The decree was not unnecessary. The undue influence of women in domestic, and even in public, matters is a feature of the ancient Persian monarchy. Atossa completely ruled Darius. Xerxes himself was, in his later years, shamefully subject to Amestris. The example of the court would naturally infect the people. The decree therefore would be a protest, even if ineffectual, against a real and growing evil.
And that it should be published ... - Render it: "and speak the language of his own people;"in the sense that the wife’ s language, if different from her husband’ s, should in no case be allowed to prevail in the household.
Poole: Est 1:10 - -- Chamberlains or eunuchs ; which were much in use and in favour in the eastern courts, and particularly with the Persian emperors, as ancient histori...
Chamberlains or eunuchs ; which were much in use and in favour in the eastern courts, and particularly with the Persian emperors, as ancient histories inform us.

Poole: Est 1:12 - -- Vashti refused to come being favoured in this refusal by the laws and customs of Persia, which was to keep men’ s wives, and especially queens, ...
Vashti refused to come being favoured in this refusal by the laws and customs of Persia, which was to keep men’ s wives, and especially queens, as much as might be from the view of other men.

Poole: Est 1:13 - -- Which knew the times 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 i...
Which knew the times 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 judgment in these cases, as the following words explain it, and how and when things were to be done. See Poole "1Ch 12:32" . Times are oft put in Scripture and other authors for the things done in them, by a common figure called a metonymy of the adjunct.
So was the king’ s manner to wit, to consult with them in all matters of moment.

Poole: Est 1:14 - -- Which saw the king’ s face which had constant freedom of access to the king, and familiar converse with him; which is thus expressed, because th...
Which saw the king’ s face which had constant freedom of access to the king, and familiar converse with him; which is thus expressed, because the Persian kings were very seldom seen by their subjects.
Which sat the first in the kingdom which were his chief counsellors and officers, and had the precedency from all others.

Poole: Est 1:16 - -- Memucan 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 rep...
Memucan 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.
To all the people by giving them an example and encouragement to contemn and disobey their husbands. It is a crime of a high nature, and therefore deserves an exemplary punishment.

Poole: Est 1:18 - -- Contempt in the wives, and thereupon wrath in the husbands; and consequently strife in families; which may produce great and general mischiefs.
Contempt in the wives, and thereupon wrath in the husbands; and consequently strife in families; which may produce great and general mischiefs.

Poole: Est 1:19 - -- If it please the king which this cunning politician knew it would do.
That it be not altered which caution was necessary for his own security; for ...
If it please the king which this cunning politician knew it would do.
That it be not altered which caution was necessary for his own security; for if the queen should recover her state and the king’ s favour, he was most likely to fall into his displeasure.

Poole: Est 1:21 - -- The saying pleased the king and the princes partly because their own authority and interest was concerned in it; and especially by the singular provi...
The saying pleased the king and the princes partly because their own authority and interest was concerned in it; and especially by the singular providence of God, who designed to bring about his own great work by this small occasion.

Poole: Est 1:22 - -- That all sorts of persons, not men only, (who by study or travel many times understand divers languages,) but the women also, might understand it, a...
That all sorts of persons, not men only, (who by study or travel 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 moreover it was published in the several cities and towns by such persons as used to publish the king’ s 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’ language into the family; but that men should use their own proper language, and cause their wives and children to use it; this being 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.
Haydock: Est 1:10 - -- Wine. From the king's excess, and the haughtiness of Vasthi, God took occasion to advance Esther, and to deliver his people. (Calmet) ---
Mauman. ...
Wine. From the king's excess, and the haughtiness of Vasthi, God took occasion to advance Esther, and to deliver his people. (Calmet) ---
Mauman. Septuagint, "Aman." (Tirinus) ---
But the names vary. The Persians seem to have had a predilection for the number seven, ver. 14. (Calmet) Greek, "the seven eunuchs, ministers (deacons) of Artaxerxes."

Haydock: Est 1:11 - -- Head. But without any other covering. (Chaldean) Sulpitius entertained perhaps the same idea. Stulto rege consultior, pudens, virorum oculis spe...
Head. But without any other covering. (Chaldean) Sulpitius entertained perhaps the same idea. Stulto rege consultior, pudens, virorum oculis spectaculum corporis præbere jussa, abnuit. (Haydock) ---
Some Greek copies assert, very improbably, (Calmet) that she was sent for "to be crowned queen." ---
Beautiful. "The Persian ladies were noted for beauty," (Ammian) insomuch that Alexander called them eye-sores, oculorum dolores. (Curtius) ---
Only prostitutes appeared publicly at feasts. (Macrobius vii. 1.) (St. Ambrose, de Elia. i. 15.) ---
In effect, Vasthi's refusal conformable to the laws of the country. (Josephus) (Plutarch in Themist.) ---
Her offence consisted, therefore, rather in her haughty carriage or words. (Haydock) ---
For the proposal was neither decent nor safe for the king, (Grotius) as the history of Candaules shews. (Herodotus i.) (Not. Var. in Sulpitius)

Fury. This is the usual consequences of excess. (Worthington)

Haydock: Est 1:13 - -- According. Hebrew, "knew the times, (for so was the king's custom with those who knew law and judgment.) And the next," &c. (Haydock) ---
These w...
According. Hebrew, "knew the times, (for so was the king's custom with those who knew law and judgment.) And the next," &c. (Haydock) ---
These were the magi, more particularly versed in the constitutions of the country. The Persians commonly held their consultations over wine. (Herodotus i. 133.) ---
Septuagint, "and the king said to his friends, Thus has Astin spoken; do therefore, in this affair, law and judgment. Then came forth to him Arkesaios and Saresthaios, and Malesear, the princes of the Persians and Medes, men near the king, and who sat first after the king. (Haydock) ---
The old Vulgate places Mardochæus first. These seven counsellors were perhaps styled the king's relations," (Brisson i. p. 171.) and administered justice; as even the kings referred their causes to them. (Plut. Artax., &c.)

Haydock: Est 1:16 - -- Mamuchan. Old Vulgate, "Mardochæus." Yet the Jews say this was the infamous Aman; and one Greek copy has Bilgaios, (Calmet) and Arabo, "Mouchaios,...
Mamuchan. Old Vulgate, "Mardochæus." Yet the Jews say this was the infamous Aman; and one Greek copy has Bilgaios, (Calmet) and Arabo, "Mouchaios," chap. iii. 1., and xii. 6. He was the youngest, but spoke first, as was sometimes the case.

Haydock: Est 1:18 - -- Wives. Greek turannides, "princesses, or female tyrants." ---
Slight. Septuagint, "dare to slight their husbands. Wherefore if," &c. (Haydo...
Wives. Greek turannides, "princesses, or female tyrants." ---
Slight. Septuagint, "dare to slight their husbands. Wherefore if," &c. (Haydock) ---
Just. Hebrew, "enough of contempt and indignation." This may be referred either to the king or to the women's husbands. The example will prove a source of continual quarrels. (Calmet) ---
Brentius approves the decision of this parasite; though St. Ambrose, &c., think that the queen was justified by the laws, which the king had no right to infringe, to gratify his drunken humour, ver. 10. Luther would also wrest this text in favour of adultery, p.ii. Devort. p. 177. (Worthington)

Haydock: Est 1:19 - -- Altered. This regarded the more solemn acts, signed by the counsellors, Daniel vi. 17. (Grotius) ---
Some decrees were neglected or changed, chap....
Altered. This regarded the more solemn acts, signed by the counsellors, Daniel vi. 17. (Grotius) ---
Some decrees were neglected or changed, chap. viii. 9., and 1 Esdras iv. 5, 21., and vi. 1. (Calmet)

Haydock: Est 1:21 - -- Counsel. It was very inconclusive; (Menochius) and even supposing the queen were guilty of some indiscretion, the punishment was too severe. (Menoc...
Counsel. It was very inconclusive; (Menochius) and even supposing the queen were guilty of some indiscretion, the punishment was too severe. (Menochius) (Grotius, v. 11) (Haydock)
Gill: Est 1:10 - -- On the seventh day,.... Of the feast, the last day of it, which the Rabbins, as Jarchi observes, say was the sabbath day, and so the Targum:
when t...
On the seventh day,.... Of the feast, the last day of it, which the Rabbins, as Jarchi observes, say was the sabbath day, and so the Targum:
when the heart of the king was merry with wine; when he was intoxicated with it, and knew not well what he said or did; and the discourse at table ran upon the beauty of women, as the latter Targum; when the king asserted there were no women so beautiful as those of Babylon, and, as a proof of it, ordered his queen to be brought in:
he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas, the seven chamberlains, that served in the presence of Ahasuerus the king; or "eunuchs", as the word is sometimes rendered; and such persons were made use of in the eastern countries to, wait upon women, and so were proper to be sent on the king's errand to the queen.

Gill: Est 1:11 - -- To bring Vashti the queen before the king,.... Not against her will, or by force; but they were sent to let her know it was the king's pleasure that s...
To bring Vashti the queen before the king,.... Not against her will, or by force; but they were sent to let her know it was the king's pleasure that she should come to him immediately:
with the crown royal; that is, upon her head, to make her look the more grand and majestic:
to show the people and the princes her beauty; for she was fair to look upon; which was not wisely done, neither was it comely nor safe.

Gill: Est 1:12 - -- But the queen refused to came at the king's commandment by his chamberlains,.... Even though he sent by them again, as the Targum; and so says Josephu...
But the queen refused to came at the king's commandment by his chamberlains,.... Even though he sent by them again, as the Targum; and so says Josephus o; which might not purely arise from pride in her, and contempt of him, but because she might conclude he was drunk, and knew not well what he did; and therefore had she come at his command, when he was himself and sober, he might blame her for coming, nay, use her ill for it, and especially if she was to come naked, as say the Jews p; and besides, it was contrary to the law of the Persians, as not only Josephus q, but Plutarch r observes, which suffered not women to be seen in public; and particularly did not allow their wives to be with them at feasts, only their concubines and harlots, with whom they could behave with more indecency; as for their wives, they were kept out of sight, at home s; and therefore Vashti might think it an indignity to be treated as an harlot or concubine:
therefore was the king very wroth, and his anger burned in him; which was the more fierce, as he was inflamed with wine.

Gill: Est 1:13 - -- Then the king said to the wise men that knew the times,.... Astrologers, as Aben Ezra, that knew the fit time for doing anything; or that had knowledg...
Then the king said to the wise men that knew the times,.... Astrologers, as Aben Ezra, that knew the fit time for doing anything; or that had knowledge of ancient times, historians, well read in history, and knew things that had happened similar to this:
for so was the king's manner towards all that knew law and judgment; it was customary with him in any case of difficulty to have the opinion and advice of those that were expert in the law, and well understood right and wrong. These are called by Herodotus t the king's judges.

Gill: Est 1:14 - -- And the next unto him,.... That sat next to the king, and was the chief in dignity and authority under him:
was Carshena; and so everyone in their ...
And the next unto him,.... That sat next to the king, and was the chief in dignity and authority under him:
was Carshena; and so everyone in their rank and order, as next mentioned:
Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan; who, according to the latter Targum, were of different countries; the first of Africa, the second of India, the third of Idumea, the fourth of Egypt, the fifth of Resen, Gen 10:12 which is framed out of Marsena, who is dropped, and the last of Jerusalem, said to be Daniel; though the former Targum makes him to be Haman:
the seven powers of Persia and Media; which custom of having seven counsellors with the kings of Persia arose from the seven princes that slew Smerdis the pretender, and made Darius Hystaspis king, the father of Xerxes:
which saw the king's face; were intimate and familiar with him, often in his presence; yea, might go into it when they pleased, without the ceremony of being introduced; which privilege the above persons reserved to themselves, when they placed Darius on the throne, as Herodotus relates u:
and which sat the first in the kingdom; next to the king, and were assisting to him in the administration of government, see Ezr 7:14.

Gill: Est 1:15 - -- What shall we do unto the Queen Vashti, according to law,.... The king desired to know what law was provided in such a case as her's, and what to be d...
What shall we do unto the Queen Vashti, according to law,.... The king desired to know what law was provided in such a case as her's, and what to be done according to it:
because she hath not performed the commandment of the king by the chamberlains? as this was the crime, disobedience to his commands, he would have those who had knowledge of the law consider what punishment was to be inflicted on her for it, according to former laws, usages, and customs, or as reason and justice required; and it being a festival, and they heated with wine, was no objection to a consultation on this head; for it was the manner of the Persians at festivals, and when inflamed with wine, to consult and determine about matters of the greatest moment w; yea, reckoned their counsels and decrees firmer than when made when they were sober x; so the ancient Germans y.

Gill: Est 1:16 - -- And Memucan answered before the king and the princes,.... Who was the last, and perhaps the least and the youngest of the counsellors; it being appoin...
And Memucan answered before the king and the princes,.... Who was the last, and perhaps the least and the youngest of the counsellors; it being appointed by the king, according to the latter Targum that when his counsellors sat, the least should give their counsel first; just as puisne judges, and the youngest peers with us, give their opinion in a case first:
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; he means, by setting a bad example to their wives, as after explained; it is an exaggeration of her crime, and made with a design to incense the king the more against her.

Gill: Est 1:17 - -- For this deed of the queen shall come abroad unto all women,.... It will soon be spread all over the king's dominions, and reach the ears of the wives...
For this deed of the queen shall come abroad unto all women,.... It will soon be spread all over the king's dominions, and reach the ears of the wives of all his subjects, and become their general talk everywhere:
so that they shall despise their husbands in their eyes: make light of their authority, refuse subjection to them, slight their commands, and neglect to yield obedience to them, and so not give them the honour that is due unto them:
when it shall be reported, the King Ahasuerus commanded Vashti the queen to be brought in before him, and she came not; was disobedient to his commands, refused to go along with the chamberlains sent by the king to fetch her.

Gill: Est 1:18 - -- Likewise shall the ladies of Persia and Media say this day unto the king's princes, which have heard of the deed of the queen,.... From henceforward t...
Likewise shall the ladies of Persia and Media say this day unto the king's princes, which have heard of the deed of the queen,.... From henceforward they will give a like answer to their husbands, when they lay their commands upon them, as Vashti has to the king; they will tell them to their faces they will not obey their orders:
thus shall there arise too much contempt and wrath; there will be in wives a general contempt of their husbands, which will cause discord and strife, quarrels, wrath and anger; contempt on one part, wrath on the other, and contention between both.

Gill: Est 1:19 - -- If it please the king, let there go a royal commandment from him,.... Not only a proclamation made, but a law enacted and published by royal authority...
If it please the king, let there go a royal commandment from him,.... Not only a proclamation made, but a law enacted and published by royal authority:
and let it be written among the laws of the Persians and Medes that it be not altered; for so it was, that when a law was made, and signed, and sealed, and registered among the laws of the kingdom, it remained unalterable, Dan 6:8, this precaution Memucan took for his own safety; for had the king acted upon his advice, without passing it into a law in such form, he might change his mind, and recall Vashti, who would not fail of venting her wrath upon the counsellor, and so he be in danger of losing his life for it:
that Vashti come no more before King Ahasuerus; but be entirely divorced, never to be received any more:
and let the king give her royal estate unto another that is better than she; or "to her companions" z; that was with her in the house of the women in the seraglio; one that was fairer, as the Targum, or of a better disposition than her; let her be made queen, and enjoy all the honour, and dignity, and marks of royalty Vashti did; her throne, her crown, and royal apparel, as it is interpreted in an ancient Jewish writing a.

Gill: Est 1:20 - -- And when the king's decree which he shall make shall be published throughout all his empire,.... As it was proper it should, since the report of the q...
And when the king's decree which he shall make shall be published throughout all his empire,.... As it was proper it should, since the report of the queen's deed would be made everywhere:
for it is great; the empire consisting of one hundred and twenty seven provinces, Est 1:1, Aben Ezra and Abendana interpret it, "though" it is great, yet the decree should be published throughout; the latter observes, that this may respect the king's decree; and so the Targum is,"for his decree is great;''it respecting a matter of great importance, and relating to a great personage, and would have great effect on the minds of persons, when it was observed that one so great was treated in this manner: and therefore
all the wives shall give to their husbands honour, both to great and small; speaking respectfully to them, yielding a ready and cheerful obedience to all their commands; which would be done to princes and peasants, to high and low, to every rank of men.

Gill: Est 1:21 - -- And the saying pleased the king and the princes,.... The king, and the other six princes and counsellors, approved of the proposal, and unanimously ag...
And the saying pleased the king and the princes,.... The king, and the other six princes and counsellors, approved of the proposal, and unanimously agreed to it:
and the king did according to the word of Memucan; passed a law according to his advice, and signed and sealed it, and registered it among the laws of the kingdom, not to be revoked.

Gill: Est 1:22 - -- For he sent letters unto all the king's provinces,.... The one hundred and twenty seven provinces, Est 1:1, which, according to the Targum, were writt...
For he sent letters unto all the king's provinces,.... The one hundred and twenty seven provinces, Est 1:1, which, according to the Targum, were written and sealed with his own seal; which is very probable:
into every province according to the writing thereof, and to every people after their language; that is, these letters were written in the language, and in the characters in which that language was written, used in each of the provinces to which these letters were sent, that they might be easily read and understood by all: the sum of which was:
that every man should bear rule in his own house; be prince, lord, and master there, and his commands obeyed, not only by his children and servants, but by his wife also:
and that it should be published according to the language of every people; but as this is expressed, or at least implied, in the first clause of this verse, it should rather be rendered, "and that he should speak according to the language of his people"; and so is the latter Targum; it seems as if a man, who had married a woman in another country, in complaisance to her had neglected his own native tongue, and used hers in the family, by which means he lost, or seemed to lose, his authority in it: now, to guard against this, this part of the law was made; and, according to Jarchi, the husband was to compel his wife to learn and speak his language, if she was a foreigner; to which agrees the first Targum, which paraphrases the whole thus,"that a man rule over his wife, and oblige her to speak according to the language of her husband, and the speech of his people;''and, in later times, Bahram Gaur forbid any other language, besides the Persian, to be used within his port, either in speaking or writing b.

expand allCommentary -- Verse Notes / Footnotes
NET Notes: Est 1:10 Heb “King Ahasuerus”; here the proper name has been replaced by the pronoun “him” in the translation for stylistic reasons. Cf...

NET Notes: Est 1:11 Heb “was good of appearance”; KJV “was fair to look on”; NAB “was lovely to behold.”




NET Notes: Est 1:15 The location of the prepositional phrase “according to law” is somewhat unusual in the Hebrew text, but not so much so as to require emend...

NET Notes: Est 1:19 Heb “who is better than she.” The reference is apparently to worthiness of the royal position as demonstrated by compliance with the king&...

NET Notes: Est 1:20 The phrase “vast though it is” is not included in the LXX, although it is retained by almost all English versions.

NET Notes: Est 1:22 The final prepositional phrase is not included in the LXX, and this shorter reading is followed by a number of English versions (e.g., NAB, NRSV, NLT)...
Geneva Bible: Est 1:10 On the ( g ) seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carc...

Geneva Bible: Est 1:13 Then the king said to the wise men, ( h ) which knew the times, (for so [was] the king's manner toward all that knew law and judgment:
( h ) Who had ...

Geneva Bible: Est 1:14 And the next unto him [was] Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, [and] Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, which saw the ...

Geneva Bible: Est 1:16 And Memucan answered before the king and the princes, Vashti the queen hath not done ( k ) wrong to the king only, but also to all the princes, and to...

Geneva Bible: Est 1:17 For [this] ( l ) deed of the queen shall come abroad unto all women, so that they shall despise their husbands in their eyes, when it shall be reporte...

Geneva Bible: Est 1:18 [Likewise] shall the ( m ) 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...

Geneva Bible: Est 1:19 If it please 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 a...

Geneva Bible: Est 1:20 And when the king's decree which he shall make shall be published throughout all his empire, (for it is ( o ) great,) all the wives shall give to thei...

Geneva Bible: Est 1:22 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, tha...

expand allCommentary -- Verse Range Notes
TSK Synopsis -> Est 1:1-22
TSK Synopsis: Est 1:1-22 - --1 Ahasuerus makes royal feasts.10 Vashti, sent for, refuses to come.13 Ahasuerus, by the counsel of Memucan, puts away Vashti, and makes the decree of...
MHCC -> Est 1:10-22
MHCC: Est 1:10-22 - --Ahasuerus's feast ended in heaviness, by his own folly. Seasons of peculiar festivity often end in vexation. Superiors should be careful not to comman...
Matthew Henry -> Est 1:10-22
Matthew Henry: Est 1:10-22 - -- We have here a damp to all the mirth of Ahasuerus's feast; it ended in heaviness, not as Job's children's feast by a wind from the wilderness, not a...
Keil-Delitzsch: Est 1:9-11 - --
Vashti the queen also gave a banquet to the women in the royal house(palace) which belonged to King Ahashverosh, probably in the royalapartments of ...

Keil-Delitzsch: Est 1:12 - --
The queen refused to appear at the king's command as delivered by theeunuchs, because she did not choose to stake her dignity as a queen and awife b...

Keil-Delitzsch: Est 1:13-15 - --
The king, greatly incensed at this disobedience to his behest, inquired ofhis wise men what was to be done to Queen Vashti according to law. These w...

Keil-Delitzsch: Est 1:16-18 - --
The counsel of the wise men. Est 1:16. Memucan, who was the lastmentioned in Est 1:14, comes forward as spokesman for the rest, and declaresbefore t...

Keil-Delitzsch: Est 1:19-20 - --
That Vashti come no more before king Ahasuerus; and let the king give herroyal estate unto another that is better than she. After this argument on t...

Keil-Delitzsch: Est 1:21-22 - --
The saying pleased the king and the princes, and the king carried it intoexecution. He sent letters into all his provinces to make known hiscommands...
Constable -> Est 1:1-22; Est 1:10-22
Constable: Est 1:1-22 - --A. Vashti Deposed ch. 1
This chapter records the providential circumstances whereby Esther was able to r...
