Esther 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.]
Esther 1:13
wise <02450> [the wise.]
then ......... discerners .................. proficient <03045> [knew.]
Esther 2:13
Esther 9:20
Mordecai <04782> [Mordecai.]
That is, as the words imply, the history contained in this book; and not merely the letters afterwards mentioned, as some understand it.
wrote ... matters <03789 01697> [wrote these.]
provinces <04082> [in all the provinces.]
Esther 9:24
enemy <06887> [the enemy.]
pur <06332> [Pur.]
The word {pur} seems to be derived either from the Persian {bahr} and {bar,} a part, portion, lot, or {pari,} any thing which happens fortuitously or fortunately; whence the annual festival in commemoration of the wonderful deliverance of the Jews from their enemies was called Purim, or in Arabic and Persian, {Fuhr,} or {Lots;} which has been observed by them, in all places of their dispersion, from that day to the present time, without any interruption.
afflict <02000> [consume. Heb. crush.]
Esther 9:29-30
daughter ... Abihail <01323 032> [the daughter of Abihail.]
authority <08633> [authority. Heb. strength. confirm.]
hundred <03967> [the hundred.]
words .... peace <07965 01697> [words of peace.]
