Esther 2:22

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Esther 2:21-23

This good service which Mordecai did to the government, in discovering a plot against the life of the king, is here recorded, because the mention of it will again occur to his advantage. No step is yet taken towards Haman's design of the Jews? destruction, but several steps are taken towards God's design of their deliverance, and this for one. God now gives Mordecai an opportunity of doing the king a good turn, that he might have the fairer opportunity afterwards of doing the Jews a good turn.... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Esther 2:22

And the thing was known to Mordecai ,.... But by what means does not appear; the Jewish writers say F3 T. Bab. Megillah, fol. 13. 2. Targum prius & Jarchi in loc. , these two men were Tarsians, and spoke in the Tarsian language, which they thought Mordecai did not understand; but he, being skilled in languages, overheard them, and understood what they said; but, according to Josephus F4 Antiqu. l. 11. c. 6. sect. 4. , it was discovered to him by Barnabazus, a servant of one... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Esther 2:22

Was known to Mordecai - Josephus says that a Jew, named Barnabasus, overheard the plot, told it to Mordecai, Mordecai to Esther, and Esther to the king, in Mordecai's name; and he was registered as the discoverer. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 2:19-23

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 2:21-23

A plot in the palace. All arbitrary governments are liable to conspiracies; all arbitrary, absolute monarchs to assassination. Especially has this been the case in all ages with Oriental despotisms. We know from history that it was so in Persia; and in fact this very Ahasuerus, if he was the Xerxes of history, fell afterwards a victim to a foul conspiracy. It was not always a political motive that prompted such plots; the motive was oftentimes personal—it might be ambition, or... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 2:21-23

Conspiracy and fidelity. I. THE INSECURITY OF ANY POSITION THAT IS NOT WELL FOUNDED . The throne of a despot is like a house built on the sand, or like a city under which smoulder volcanic fires. There is no darker page in history than that which records the doings and sufferings of despotic rulers. It is in the nature of an autocratic rule, which subjects the liberty of multitudes to the will of one man, to breed discontents and plottings. When truth and justice are... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 2:22

And the thing was known unto Mordecai . Josephus says that a certain Pharnabazus, a slave of one of the conspirators, betrayed them to Mordecai ('Ant. Jud.,' 14.6, § 4). One of the Targums on Esther attributes his discovery of the plot to his knowledge of languages. But it is probable that these are mere guesses. And Esther certified the king thereof . The original is simpler, "And Esther told it to the king." In Mordecai's name . Mordecai's name thus came first before the king. Esther... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Esther 2:1-23

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

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Esther 2:22

was known. Mordecai sat in the king's gate: the very place to hear all news. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Esther 2:21-23

1. Mordecai’s loyalty 2:21-23We know no details concerning the identities of the assassins who tried to kill Ahasuerus or what motivated them. Extra-biblical sources have not yet clarified these matters, though the commentators love to speculate. We do know that 14 years later Ahasuerus did die at the hand of an assassin. [Note: Wiersbe, p. 715.] Mordecai’s position in the government is another evidence of God’s providential preparation to deliver His people. "Gallows" (Esther 2:23; cf. Esther... read more

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