Esther 1:3-8

1:3

provided <06213> [A.M. 3542. B.C. 462. he made.]

Persia <06539> [of Persia.]

nobles <06579> [the nobles.]

1:4

displayed <07200> [When he.]

riches <06239> [the riches.]

majestic <08597> [excellent.]

1:5

present <04672> [present. Heb. found. seven days.]

1:6

mother-of-pearl <02353 01858> [white.]

purple <08504> [blue. or, violet.]

couches <04296> [the beds.]

These were couches, covered with gold and silver cloth, on which the guests reclined; for the Orientals do not sit, but recline at their meals.

valuable stones <0923> [red, etc. or, of porphyre, and marble, and alabaster, and stone of blue colour.]

1:7

golden containers <02091 03627> [vessels of gold.]

Royal wine <03196 04438> [royal wine. Heb. wine of the kingdom. state of the king.]

Heb. hand of the king.

1:8

<0597> [none did compel.]

Every person drank what he pleased. Among the Greeks, however, each guest was obliged to keep the round, or leave the company: hence the proverb [E pithi, e apithi,] Drink, or begone. Mr. Herbert, in his poem entitled "The Church Porch," has severely reprobated this vile custom. In Britain, however, this demoralizing custom is now almost destroyed, and a new era of social pleasure is arising, by temperate habits, increased domestic comforts, and the spread of gospel truths.

supervisors <07227> [the officers.]