Esther 9:1
<08147> [A.M. 3552. B.C. 452. in the twelfth.]
supposed <07663> [hoped.]
<02015> [though it was turned.]
Esther 9:5
struck <05221> [smote.]
bringing death <04347> [the stroke.]
pleased <07522> [what they would. Heb. according to their will.]
The Chaldee paraphrast says that none appeared against the Jews but Amalekites only, who were infatuated, and had their hearts hardened, as Pharaoh's against Israel, to take up arms to their own destruction. Some had such an inveterate, implacable malice against the Jews, that Haman's fall and Mordecai's advancement, instead of convincing, seemed only to exasperate them the more. How have the most dreadful scourges ravaged a country, and yet the inhabitants are unmindful of the Almighty Disposer of events, and that the cause of his righteous displeasure is their continual provocation! Forty years long was he grieved with one generation, who learned not his ways, although daily fed and clothed by a miracle.
Esther 9:17-19
<05118> [of the same. Heb. in it.]
thirteenth <07969> [on the thirteenth.]
happiness <08057> [gladness.]
sending gifts <04490 04916> [sending portions.]
The eastern princes and people not only invite their friends to feasts, but it is their custom to send a portion of the banquet to those that cannot well attend, especially their relations, and those in a state of mourning. Thus, when the Grand Emir found that it incommoded M. D'Arvieux to eat with him, he desired him to take his own time for eating, and sent him from his kitchen what he liked best.
