Esther 2:18

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Esther 2:1-20

How God put down one that was high and mighty from her seat we read in the chapter before, and are now to be told how he exalted one of low degree, as the virgin Mary observes in her song (Luke 1:52) and Hannah before her, 1 Sam. 2:4-8. Vashti being humbled for her height, Esther is advanced for her humility. Observe, I. The extravagant course that was taken to please the king with another wife instead of Vashti. Josephus says that when his anger was over he was exceedingly grieved that the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Esther 2:18

Then the king made a great feast unto all his princes and servants, even Esther's feast ,.... A feast to all his nobles, courtiers, and ministers of state, on account of his marriage with Esther; which, according to the Greek version, was held seven days; but, according to Josephus, it lasted a whole month F20 Ut supra. (Antiqu. l. 11. c. 6. sect. 2.) : and he made a release to the provinces ; of taxes and tribute due to him, as was the custom of the kings of Persia when they came... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Esther 2:18

Made a release to the provinces - Remitted some kind of tribute or impost, in honor of Esther, at her coronation, as our kings generally do when they are crowned, ordering a discharge from prison of many who are confined for minor offenses. As it was the custom of the Persian kings to give their queens something like what is called with us the aurum reginae , "queen gold," which was a tenth of all fines, etc., above what was given to the king; (for they gave them such a city to... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 2:1-18

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 2:5-20

Esther. The strange plan adopted for the providing of a new queen in the room of Vashti resulted in a good choice. We need not assume that Esther was a willing- candidate for royal honours. The account we have favours the belief that she passively yielded to a power which she could not resist. Among the attractive qualities she possessed, we may notice— I. BEAUTY . She had a fair form and a good countenance. Physical beauty is not to be despised. It is one of God's gifts, and has... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 2:5-20

Mordecai. Mordecai possessed a lofty nature, and was destined to do great things; but our notice of him here is restricted to his relation to Esther up to the time when she was made queen. He presents to our view— I. A FINE NATURAL DISPOSITION . When his cousin Esther lost her parents he "took her for his own daughter." His heart and home were at once opened to the little orphaned girl. The natures of men vary greatly. Some are born tender, some hard; but all may do much to... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 2:18

Then the king made a great feast . As Persian kings were in the habit of doing on every joyful occasion. Even Esther's feast . It seems to be meant that the feast was one which continued to be spoken about, and which was commonly known under this title. And he made a release to the provinces . As the Pseudo-Smerdis had done when he usurped the throne (Herod; 3.67). A "release" was an exemption from taxation, or from military service, or from both, for a specified period. And gave gifts,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 2:18

Release and gifts. Esther's marriage was celebrated in a manner intended and fitted to impress the nation with a sense of the favour and honour with which she was regarded by the "great king." There was a great feast at Susa, that the metropolis might have an opportunity of honouring the new queen. And throughout the kingdom there took place, according to the command of Ahasuerus, such celebrations and observances as were in accordance with Oriental customs. Particularly are mentioned the... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Esther 2:18

A release - Either remission of taxation, or of military service, or of both. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Esther 2:18

Esther 2:18. And he made a release to the provinces According to Herodotus, it was customary for the Persian kings, upon their accession to the throne, to remit the tribute which was due to them from all their cities; and Ahasuerus, on this occasion, out of his abundant joy, remitted some tax, or part of a tax, then due, which he did that every body might rejoice with him. read more

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