8:1 Mordecai is advanced;
8:3 Esther makes suit to reverse Haman's letters;
8:7 Ahasuerus grants to the Jews to defend themselves;
8:15 Mordecai's honour, and the Jews' joy. Verse 1give the houseJob 27:16, 27:17; Psalm 39:6, 49:6-13; Proverbs 13:22, 28:8; Ecclesiastes 2:18, 2:19; Luke 12:20 came beforeEsther 1:14, 2:7, 2:15ReciprocalGenesis 31:9 - General; Esther 8:7 - Behold; 9:25 - when Esther came; Psalm 37:10 - thou; Isaiah 49:23 - kings Verse 2his ringEsther 3:10; Genesis 41:42; Isaiah 22:19-22; Luke 15:22 Esther set2 Samuel 9:7-10; Psalm 37:34; Ecclesiastes 2:18, 2:19-26, 5:13, 5:14; Daniel 2:48ReciprocalGenesis 31:9 - General; Esther 3:12 - sealed; Isaiah 22:21 - clothe; Luke 12:20 - then; James 2:2 - gold Verse 3fell1 Samuel 25:24; 2 Kings 4:27 besought him with tearsHeb. she wept and besought him, Isaiah 38:2; Hosea 12:4; Habakkuk 3:1 mischiefEsther 3:8-15, 7:4ReciprocalProverbs 31:26 - openeth; Ezekiel 11:2 - General; Daniel 6:8 - according Verse 4held outEsther 4:11, 5:2

Verse 5if IEsther 7:3; Exodus 33:13, 33:16; 1 Samuel 20:29 I be pleasingEsther 2:4, 2:17 lettersHeb. device, 3:12, 3:13 which he wroteor, who wroteReciprocal1 Chronicles 13:4 - the thing; Nehemiah 2:5 - If it please; Esther 1:19 - it please the king; 8:8 - may no man reverse; 9:3 - the fear; Proverbs 18:13 - that Verse 6For howGenesis 44:34; Jeremiah 4:19, 9:1; Luke 19:41, 19:42; Romans 9:2, 9:3, 10:1 endure to seeHeb. be able that I may seethe evilEsther 7:4; Nehemiah 2:3ReciprocalGenesis 21:16 - Let; Joshua 2:12 - that ye will; 2:18 - thy father; Esther 4:8 - request; Jeremiah 39:6 - before Verse 7BeholdEsther 8:1; Proverbs 13:22 him they have hangedEsther 7:10; Galatians 3:13ReciprocalGenesis 49:28 - the twelve; Psalm 14:5 - were; Jeremiah 38:10 - the king Verse 8in the king's nameEsther 3:12; 1 Kings 21:8 may no man reverseNo, not the king himself; and this was the reason that the king was forced not to reverse, but to give a contradictory decree; that if the Jews, pursuant to the first decree, were assaulted, they might legitimately, by virtue of the second, defend themselves, slay their enemies, and even take the spoil. Esther 8:5, 1:19; Daniel 6:8, 6:12-15; 2 Timothy 2:19; Habakkuk 3:1, 3:1ReciprocalGenesis 41:42 - his ring; 2 Chronicles 30:5 - established; Esther 3:10 - took; Daniel 6:15 - Know; Colossians 2:14 - the handwriting Verse 9the king'sEsther 3:12 and to the lieutenants1:1, 1:22, 3:12, 3:13; Daniel 6:1 IndiaThe Hebrew word Hoddo, in Syriac, Hendoo, and in Arabic, Hind, is rendered India by all the versions. India, or Hindostan, is a large country of the south of Asia, extending from north to south about 2,400 miles, and from east to west 1,800, between 8 degrees and 35 degrees n lat. and 68 degrees and 92 degrees e long.; being bounded on the west by the Indus, east by the Birman empire and Thibet, north by the Indian Caucasus, and south by the Indian Ocean. It is probable, however, that all the country east of the Indus was anciently called India.and accordingEsther 1:22, 3:12; 2 Kings 18:26; Daniel 4:1; 1 Corinthians 14:9-11ReciprocalGenesis 49:28 - the twelve; 2 Chronicles 15:10 - the third month; Ezra 2:1 - the children; Esther 2:16 - the tenth month; 9:3 - the rulers; 9:17 - of the same; 9:20 - in all the provinces; 9:30 - the hundred; 10:1 - laid a tribute; Daniel 3:4 - O people; 6:25 - king; Acts 23:34 - he asked Verse 10in the king1 Kings 21:8; Ecclesiastes 8:4; Daniel 4:1 by postsEsther 3:13; 2 Chronicles 30:6; Job 9:25; Jeremiah 51:21 mulesRechesh, in Syriac, rechesha, probably denotes a swift horse.camelsAchashteranim, from the Persian akhash, large, and aster, a mule, probably, as Bochart supposes, denotes a large mule.young dromedariesBeney harammachim, "the sons of mares," as the word ramakat denotes in Arabic; probably an expletive of the preceeding word. Isaiah 60:6, 66:20; Jeremiah 2:23ReciprocalGenesis 24:61 - they rode; 41:42 - his ring; 1 Kings 4:28 - dromedaries; 10:25 - and mules; 2 Chronicles 30:10 - the posts; Esther 3:12 - sealed; 9:29 - confirm; Jeremiah 51:31 - post; Daniel 6:8 - establish Verse 11to gatherEsther 9:2-16 to destroyPsalm 37:14, 37:15, 68:3, 137:8, 146:6-9; Ezekiel 39:10 and to take the spoilEsther 3:13, 9:10, 9:15, 9:16; Isaiah 10:6ReciprocalGenesis 49:28 - the twelve; Esther 7:4 - to be destroyed; 9:13 - according unto; Proverbs 25:5 - away; Jeremiah 25:10 - take from; 48:4 - her Verse 12one dayEsther 9:1; Exodus 15:9, 15:10; Judges 1:6, 1:7 upon the thirteenthEsther 3:13-15ReciprocalEzra 6:15 - Adar; Isaiah 3:21 - rings; Acts 23:24 - beasts Verse 13publishedHeb. revealedavenge themselvesJudges 16:28; Psalm 37:14, 37:15, 68:23, 92:10, 92:11, 149:6-9; Luke 18:7; Revelation 6:10ReciprocalJoshua 10:13 - until; Esther 3:14 - The copy Verse 14being hastened1 Samuel 21:8; Ecclesiastes 9:10 ShushanEsther 1:2, 2:3, 3:15; Nehemiah 1:1; Daniel 8:2ReciprocalGenesis 24:61 - they rode; 1 Kings 4:28 - dromedaries; 10:25 - and mules; 2 Chronicles 30:6 - the posts went; 30:10 - the posts; Ezra 6:12 - I Darius; Esther 3:13 - by posts; 3:14 - The copy; Job 9:25 - swifter; Jeremiah 51:31 - post Verse 15royal apparelEsther 5:1, 6:8, 6:11; Genesis 41:42; Matthew 6:29, 11:8; Luke 16:19 blueor, violet, Esther 1:6 and with a great crownMordecai was now made the chief minister, or vizier, instead of Haman; and was accordingly invested with the "royal apparel," in conformity to the custom of the East. So we are informed, in the History of the Revolt of Ali Bey, that on the election of a new sheikh bellet, or chief of the country, in Egypt, the pasha who approves of him invests him with a robe of valuable fur. Perhaps the crown was one of the insignia of the office of vizier. Concerning the blue, fine linen, and purple; see note on Exodus 25:4, and see note on 39:27.the cityHaman was too proud to be popular: few lamented his fall. Esther 3:15; Proverbs 29:2ReciprocalJudges 8:26 - purple; 2 Kings 25:29 - changed; Esther 10:2 - advanced him; Psalm 67:2 - That; 107:41 - setteth; Proverbs 11:10 - it goeth; 28:12 - righteous; 31:22 - clothing; Ecclesiastes 9:8 - thy garments; Isaiah 22:21 - clothe; 61:3 - beauty; Daniel 8:2 - Shushan; Luke 7:25 - are in; Revelation 3:4 - walk; 4:4 - crowns Verse 16JewsEsther 4:1-3, 4:16; Psalm 30:5-11 had lightThat is, prosperity and hope. The dark cloud which had so long hung over them was dispelled; and again the sunshine of prosperity beamed upon them. Esther 9:17; Psalm 18:28, 97:11; Proverbs 4:18, 4:19, 11:10; Isaiah 30:29, 30:30, 35:10ReciprocalPsalm 34:5 - and were; 118:27 - showed; Jeremiah 2:23 - thou art a swift; Acts 9:31 - were multiplied Verse 17a feastEsther 9:17, 9:19, 9:22; 1 Samuel 25:8; Nehemiah 8:10 many of the peoplePsalm 18:43; Zechariah 8:20-23 for the fearEsther 9:2; Genesis 35:5; Exodus 15:16; Deuteronomy 2:25, 11:25ReciprocalJoshua 9:11 - our elders; Esther 9:27 - all such; Proverbs 28:28 - they perish; Isaiah 14:1 - the strangers; 45:14 - they shall fall; Jeremiah 33:9 - fear; Zechariah 8:19 - joy; 10:9 - sow; Matthew 23:15 - proselyte; Acts 2:10 - Jews; 2:43 - fear; 9:31 - were multiplied; Revelation 3:9 - I will make them to Verse 1 amin the twelfthEsther 3:7, 3:13, 8:12 hopedActs 12:11 though it was turnedDeuteronomy 32:36; 2 Samuel 22:41; Psalm 30:11; Isaiah 14:1, 14:2, 60:14-16; Revelation 11:18ReciprocalGenesis 49:28 - the twelve; Ezra 6:15 - Adar; Esther 9:17 - of the same; 9:18 - on the thirteenth; Proverbs 11:11 - it; Philippians 1:12 - rather Verse 2gatheredEsther 9:10, 9:16, 8:11 as soughtDeuteronomy 2:30; Joshua 11:20; Psalm 71:13, 71:24; Isaiah 8:9 the fearEsther 8:17; Genesis 35:5; Exodus 23:27; Joshua 2:9ReciprocalEsther 9:15 - gathered themselves Verse 3the rulersEsther 3:12, 8:9; Ezra 8:36; Daniel 3:2, 6:1, 6:2 officers of the kingHeb. those which did the business that belonged to the kingthe fearEsther 3:2-6, 8:5Reciprocal6:11 - and arrayed Verse 4was greatPsalm 18:43 his fameJoshua 6:27; 1 Samuel 2:30; 1 Chronicles 14:17; Zephaniah 3:19; Matthew 4:24 waxed2 Samuel 3:1; 1 Chronicles 11:9; Psalm 1:3; Proverbs 4:18; Isaiah 9:7ReciprocalExodus 11:3 - Moses; 2 Kings 5:1 - a great; Esther 10:2 - advanced him; Daniel 8:8 - waxed Verse 5smotePsalm 18:34-40, 18:47, 18:48, 20:7, 20:8, 149:6-9; 2 Thessalonians 1:6 the strokeJeremiah 18:21 what they wouldHeb. 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.ReciprocalEsther 3:7 - Adar; Job 27:14 - children; Psalm 129:5 - be confounded; Isaiah 22:25 - the burden Verse 6ShushanEsther 3:15ReciprocalProverbs 12:7 - wicked Verse 7ReciprocalDeuteronomy 25:19 - thou shalt; Esther 5:11 - the multitude Verse 10ten sonsEsther 5:11; Exodus 20:5; Job 18:18, 18:19, 27:13-15; Psalm 21:10, 109:12, 109:13 enemyEsther 3:1, 7:4, 7:6; Exodus 17:16 but on the spoilIt does not appear that the Jews slew any person who did not rise up to destroy them: they stood for their lives; and gave full proof that they sought their own personal safety, and not the property of their enemies: though the decree in their favour gave them authority to take the property of all their adversaries. Esther 9:15, 9:16; 8:11; Genesis 14:23; Romans 12:17; Philippians 4:8ReciprocalGenesis 34:27 - spoiled; 2 Samuel 21:6 - hang; Esther 3:13 - the spoil; 9:2 - gathered; 9:24 - the enemy; Daniel 6:24 - their children; Amos 6:9 - if Verse 11was broughtHeb. came, Esther 9:11Reciprocal9:18 - on the thirteenth; Daniel 8:2 - Shushan Verse 12what is thy petitionEsther 5:6, 7:2Reciprocal1:2 - Shushan; 4:6 - the king's; 5:3 - What; 5:11 - the multitude; Acts 23:19 - What Verse 13If it please the kingEsther had probably been informed by Mordecai, that there were still many enemies of the Jews who sought their destruction, who had escaped the preceding day; and therefore begged that the second day might be added to the former permission; and that the sons of Haman, who had already been slain, might be suspended on gibbets, as a terror to those who sought the destruction of the Jews.according untoEsther 8:11 let Haman's ten sons be hangedHeb. let men hang Haman's ten sons, Deuteronomy 21:23; 2 Samuel 21:6, 21:9; Galatians 3:13ReciprocalEsther 5:11 - the multitude; 9:15 - gathered themselves; 9:18 - on the thirteenth; 9:25 - when Esther came Verse 14ReciprocalNumbers 24:20 - his latter end; 2 Samuel 21:6 - hang; Ezra 7:13 - I make; Esther 9:25 - when Esther came; Proverbs 12:7 - wicked; Ecclesiastes 6:3 - and also; Galatians 3:13 - for Verse 15gathered themselvesEsther 9:2, 9:13, 8:11; Psalm 118:7-12 but on the preyEsther 9:10, 9:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:22; Habakkuk 3:1ReciprocalGenesis 14:23 - That I; Ezra 6:15 - Adar; Esther 9:18 - on the thirteenth; Ecclesiastes 6:3 - and also; Daniel 8:2 - Shushan Verse 16gathered themselvesEsther 9:2; 8:11 stood8:11; Leviticus 26:7, 26:8ReciprocalGenesis 14:23 - That I; 34:27 - spoiled; Esther 9:10 - but on the spoil; 9:15 - but on the prey Verse 17of the sameHeb. in it, Esther 9:1, 9:18, 9:21, 3:12, 8:9ReciprocalEzra 6:15 - Adar; Esther 3:7 - Adar; 8:16 - had light; 8:17 - a feast Verse 18on the thirteenthEsther 9:1, 9:11, 9:13, 9:15Reciprocal9:17 - of the same Verse 19gladnessEsther 9:22, 8:17; Deuteronomy 16:11, 16:14; Nehemiah 8:10-12; Psalm 118:11-16; Luke 11:41; Revelation 11:10 sending portionsThe 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.ReciprocalJudges 5:7 - the villages; 1 Samuel 25:8 - a good day; Ezra 6:15 - Adar; Ecclesiastes 11:2 - a portion Verse 20MordecaiThat is, as the words imply, the history contained in this book; and not merely the letters afterwards mentioned, as some understand it.wrote theseExodus 17:14; Deuteronomy 31:19-22; 1 Chronicles 16:12; Psalm 124:1-3, 145:4-12; 2 Corinthians 1:10, 1:11 in all the provincesEsther 1:1, 1:22, 3:12, 8:9Reciprocal2 Chronicles 30:5 - established; Esther 9:26 - letter; 9:29 - confirm; Jeremiah 29:1 - of the letter Verse 21Reciprocal2 Chronicles 30:5 - established; Ezra 6:15 - Adar; Esther 3:7 - Adar; 9:17 - of the same Verse 22the daysEsther 3:12, 3:13; Exodus 13:3-8; Psalm 103:2; Isaiah 12:1, 12:2, 14:3 from sorrowPsalm 30:11; Matthew 5:4; John 16:20-22 sending portionsEsther 9:19; Nehemiah 8:10-12; Luke 11:41; Acts 2:44-46; Galatians 2:10ReciprocalJudges 3:11 - the land; Esther 2:18 - gave gifts; 8:17 - a feast; Job 27:23 - clap; Ecclesiastes 11:2 - a portion; Isaiah 61:3 - beauty; Jeremiah 31:13 - for; Zechariah 8:19 - joy Verse 24the enemyEsther 9:10, 3:5-13 PurThe word pur seems to be derived either from the Persian bahr and bar, a part, portion, lot, or pari, anything 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. 3:7 consumeHeb. crushReciprocal2 Samuel 21:5 - The man; Isaiah 22:25 - the burden Verse 25when Esther cameHeb. when she came, Esther 9:13, 9:14, 7:5-10, 8:1-14 returnPsalm 7:16, 109:17, 109:18, 140:9, 141:10; Matthew 21:44ReciprocalJudges 9:24 - That the; 2 Samuel 21:5 - The man; Esther 7:9 - Hang him thereon; Job 5:13 - taketh; Psalm 146:9 - the way; Proverbs 11:16 - gracious; 19:21 - many; Isaiah 22:25 - the burden; Daniel 6:24 - and they brought; Micah 2:1 - to; Luke 6:38 - with Verse 26they calledNumbers 16:40; Ezekiel 39:11 Purthat is, LotletterEsther 9:20

Verse 27and upon their seedDeuteronomy 5:3, 29:14, 29:15; Joshua 9:15; 1 Samuel 30:25; 2 Samuel 21:1, 21:2 all suchEsther 8:17; Isaiah 56:3, 56:6; Zechariah 2:11, 8:23 failHeb. passReciprocalEsther 3:12 - according; 9:31 - and for their seed; Psalm 78:7 - not forget Verse 28rememberedExodus 12:17; Psalm 78:5-7, 103:2 failHeb. passthe memorialExodus 13:8, 13:9; Joshua 4:7; Zechariah 6:14 perish from their seedHeb. be ended from their seedReciprocalPsalm 78:6 - That; 78:7 - not forget Verse 29the daughter of AbihailEsther 3:15 authorityHeb. strengthconfirm9:20, 8:10

Verse 30the hundredEsther 1:1, 8:9 words of peaceIsaiah 39:8; Zechariah 8:19ReciprocalDeuteronomy 2:26 - with words; 2 Kings 20:19 - peace and truth Verse 31themselvesHeb. their soulsand for their seedEsther 9:27 the fastings4:3, 4:16; Jonah 3:2-9