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Matthew Henry

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 2:6

Who had been carried away from Jerusalem ,.... Which, according to some F6 Vid. Rainold. de Lib. Apocryph. Praelect. 113, 117, 146. , is to be connected, not with Mordecai, but with Kish, his great-grandfather; and indeed otherwise Mordecai must be now a very old man, and Esther his first cousin, they being brothers' children, must be at an age, one would think, not to be reckoned among young virgins, and not be so amiable as she is represented; and indeed, according to the former... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 2:5-6

A captive Hebrew. Among "the children of the captivity" were some remarkable instances of high character, beautiful patriotism, sincere and conspicuous piety. Ezra, Nehemiah, and Daniel come before the mind of the student of the later books of the Old Testament as persons who would have been an honour to any nation, any age, any condition of life. Mordecai may claim to rank with, or only just below, these noble men. His career furnishes us with several striking illustrations of the wisdom... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 2:5-16

The pagan harem and the Christian home. Every one is inclined to feel kindly toward the orphan Esther, who, at her own great risk, rendered such signal service to her race. But her introduction to us as one of the candidates for royal favour, among several other women of the harem, is far from pleasing. Under the teaching and influence of Christian truth we have formed habits and acquired instincts and sensibilities which are so far removed from those of Eastern lands, that it is difficult... read more

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 2:6

Who had been carried away . The word "who" may have either Kish or Mordecai for its antecedent. It is simplest, however, and most grammatical , to refer it to Kish. Chronological considerations also lead to the same result; and indeed, if we suppose Mordecai to be intended, we must give up the identification of Ahasuerus with Xerxes . The captivity which had been carried away with Jeconiah . There were at least three captivities of Judah the first when Daniel was carried away, in the... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Esther 2:6

Esther 2:6. Who had been carried away from Jerusalem This may refer either to Kish, Mordecai’s grandfather, last mentioned, or to Mordecai himself, which, however, is not probable, as in that case he must have been a very old man, not less than a hundred and forty years of age. 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

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