Esther 3:12-14 NASB,NIV

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 3:12-15

Heartless counsels of destruction. History records many massacres, and the record is among the saddest and most sickening chapters of human annals. Most of these massacres have arisen from political fears and jealousies, or from religious hatred and bigotry. The proposed massacre of the Jews throughout the Persian empire took its origin from personal pique and pride—a motive even more contemptible than the others. Happily, the proposal and purpose of Haman were defeated. Still it may be... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 3:13

And the letters were sent by posts . The Persian system of posts is thus described by Xenophon, who attributes its introduction to Cyrus:—"Stables for horses are erected along the various lines of route, at such a distance one from another as a horse can accomplish in a day. All the stables are provided with a number of horses and grooms. There is a post-master to preside over each, who receives the despatches along with the tired men and horses, and sends them on by fresh horses and fresh... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 3:14

The exact import of this verse is uncertain. Some suppose it to be a mere heading to a copy of the decree, which was originally inserted in the text between Esther 3:14 and Esther 3:15 . In this case the translation should be—"A copy of the writing for giving commandment to every province, published to all peoples, that they should be ready against that day." read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Esther 3:12

On the thirteenth day - Haman had, apparently (compare Esther 3:7 with Esther 3:13), obtained by his use of the lot the 13th day of Adar as the lucky day for destroying the Jews. This may have caused him to fix on the 13th day of another month for the commencement of his enterprise. So, the Jews throughout the empire had from 9 to 11 months of warning of the peril which threatened them. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Esther 3:13

Present, the Jews keep three days - the 13th, the 14th, and the 15th of Adar - as connected with “the Feast of Purim;” but they make the 13th a fast, commemorative of the fast of Esther Esther 4:16, and keep the feast itself on the 14th and 15th of Adar. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Esther 3:12-13

Esther 3:12-13. Then were the king’s scribes called This he did so speedily, though it was a year before the intended execution, lest the king should change his mind, either through his own clemency, or the persuasion of others. It was, however, not wisely judged to let his design be known so long before it was to take effect; for the Jews might find some way to deliver themselves, or might steal out of the kingdom: but undoubtedly this was so ordered by the overruling providence of God. ... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Esther 3:14-15

Esther 3:14-15. The copy of the writing to be given in every province Copies of this original decree of the king were sent into every province, and there ordered to be published, requiring the people to be ready against the day appointed. The posts went out, being hastened by the king’s commandment Either by this decree made in the king’s name, or by some particular and succeeding command which Haman obtained from the king. And the king and Haman sat down to drink Haman was afraid,... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Esther 3:1-15

3:1-7:10 PLAN TO DESTROY THE JEWSHaman plots evil (3:1-15)Some time later, a proud and ambitious man named Haman was promoted to the position of chief minister in the Empire. He apparently demanded that people honour him almost as if he were a god. Mordecai refused, letting it be known that he was a Jew, and claiming that to give Haman such honour was against his Jewish religion. Haman was furious, and decided to get his revenge by killing all the Jews in the Empire (3:1-6). (Esther had now... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Esther 3:12

the thirteenth day. Ominous number. See App-10 . Note the three thirteens: Esther 3:12 , Esther 3:13 ; Esther 8:12 . read more