Riders on mules, camels and young dromedaries - Most moderns translate “riders upon coursers and mules, the offspring of mares;” but the words translated “mules” and “mares,” are of very doubtful signification, since they scarcely occur elsewhere. The real meaning of the clause must remain doubtful; perhaps the true translation is, “riders upon coursers of the king’s stud, offspring of high-bred steeds.” So Esther 8:14. read more
This fresh decree allowed the Jews to stand on their defense, and to kill all who attacked them. It has been pronounced incredible that any king would thus have sanctioned civil war in all the great cities of his empire; but some even of the more skeptical critics allow that “Xerxes” might not improbably have done so. read more
Esther 8:7. Him they have hanged, because he laid his hand upon the Jews That is, intended to destroy them all. By what the king had done to show his resentment against Haman, they might easily believe he would deny them nothing for their preservation: as if he had said, You see how ready I have been to grant your requests, and I do not repent of my favour to you, and am ready to grant your further desires, as far as the law will permit. read more
Esther 8:8. Write ye also for the Jews On their behalf, to the governors and commanders of the king’s forces, or to whom you please. In the king’s name, and seal it with the king’s ring I offer you my authority and seal, to confirm whatsoever you shall think fit to write. The writing which is written in the king’s name, &c., may no man reverse This reason may belong, either, 1st, To the writing of these present letters; and then the sense is, These letters will be most effectual,... read more
Esther 8:9. On the three and twentieth day thereof Which was above two months after the former decree. All which time God suffered the Jews to lie under the terror of this dreadful day, that they might be more thoroughly humbled for, and purged from, those many and great sins under which they lay, that they might be convinced of their great sin and folly, in neglecting the many offers and opportunities they had had of returning to their native country, and to the free and public exercise of... read more
Esther 8:10. And he wrote in King Ahasuerus’s name Josephus has given us a true copy, as he says, of this decree; or, as he terms it, of the letters which Artaxerxes sent to all nations which lie between India and Ethiopia; wherein he represents the abuse which favourites are wont to make of their power and credit with their prince, by insulting their inferiors, by flying in the face of those who raised them, and, to gratify their resentments, calumniating the innocent, and putting honest... read more
Esther 8:11. To stand for their life To fight for the defence of their lives, against all that should seek to destroy them. To cause to perish the power of the people, &c. Either governors or governed, without any exception either of age, dignity, or sex. Both little ones and women Which is here added, to strike the greater terror into their enemies; and according to the laws and customs of that kingdom, whereby children were punished for their parents’ offences: yet we read... read more
Esther 8:12-14. Upon one day, &c. Which day was chosen and appointed by Haman for their destruction. That the Jews should be ready against that day Should be furnished with arms, and all things necessary for their defence. Being hastened by the king’s commandment By his particular and express command to that purpose. read more
8:1-10:3 THE JEWS TRIUMPHANTVictory and celebration (8:1-9:32)Although Mordecai was appointed chief minister instead of Haman (8:1-2), the decree arranged by Haman was still in force. A king’s decree could not be changed. However, the king gave Esther and Mordecai his authority to issue a new decree that would counteract the former one (3-8).Esther and Mordecai acted promptly. They gave the Jews permission to take whatever action they chose in order to defend themselves against any attack on... read more
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Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Esther 8:9
Sivan corresponds nearly to our June; it was the second month from the issue of the first edict Esther 3:12. read more