The king's decree . The "commandment" of the preceding verse is here given the formal name of pithgam, "decree," which is a Persian word, used also in Ezra ( Ezra 4:17 ; Ezra 5:7 , Ezra 5:11 ). For it is great . These words seem at first sight superfluous. Perhaps their force is this—Let a decree be made, and then, great as the empire is, the lesson will be taught to all: otherwise there will be many to whom it will never penetrate. read more
The king did according to the word of Memucan . This expression must not be pressed too closely. It does not imply more than that Memucan's advice was followed in a general way—Vashti disgraced, and the grounds of her disgrace published throughout the provinces. We cannot be sure that the decree was "written among the laws of the Persians and the Medes." Even if it was, it was always possible for a Persian king to give himself a dispensation from the law (see Herod; 3:58). read more
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. read more
Esther 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, lest the king’s anger should cool, and the queen should recover her former state, and the king’s favour, in which case this lord would, most likely, have fallen under his displeasure: but the order being once registered as a law of the kingdom, the king could not alter his decree without disgracing himself. read more
Esther 1:20-21. All the wives shall give to their husbands honour, &c. None will dare to disobey, when they hear that the greatness of the queen could not preserve her from such a heavy punishment. The saying pleased the king and the princes Partly because their own authority and interest were concerned in it; and especially by the singular providence of God, who designed to bring about his own great work by this small occasion. read more
1:1-2:23 ESTHER BECOMES QUEENOfficials and leading citizens from all over the Persian Empire had gathered in the winter capital for an exhibition designed to display the riches and magnificence of the royal court. The exhibition lasted six months and was brought to a fitting climax by a lavish seven-day banquet (1:1-9). The week of wine and merriment so excited the king that his sexual urges were in danger of getting out of control. Consequently, when he told his queen Vashti to display her... read more
not altered. Compare Daniel 6:8 . read more
decree prescript. Only here and Ecclesiastes 8:11 . it is great: i.e. the decree is important. ALL THE WIVES SHALL GIVE. This is the first of the five Acrostics ( App-6 ), exhibiting in the initials the Divine name. See App-60 . read more
I. GOD’S PREPARATIONS 1:1-2:20Joyce Baldwin believed that the writer composed the book in a chiastic structure that focuses on the providence of God in the king’s sleepless night. [Note: Baldwin., p. 30.] A Opening and background (ch. 1) B The king’s first decree (chs. 2-3) C The clash between Haman and Mordecai (chs. 4-5) D "On the night the king could not sleep" (Esther 6:1) C’ Mordecai’s triumph over Haman (chs. 6-7) B’ The king’s second decree (chs. 8-9)A’ Epilogue (ch. 10)This first major... read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 1:19
Penalties. In connection with the penalty imposed on Vashti the following remarks may be made:— I. PENALTIES ARE INTENDED TO ENFORCE LAWS , or, in other words, to deter men from crime. With many law would have little power apart from the penalties attached to the transgression of it. Those who are not governed by virtue, or the love of God and truth, may be commanded by fear. II. PENALTIES OUGHT TO BE EQUITABLE . As the servants of justice, they should have... read more