Esther 9:20-10:3

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Esther 9:20-32

We may well imagine how much affected Mordecai and Esther were with the triumphs of the Jews over their enemies, and how they saw the issue of that decisive day with a satisfaction proportionable to the care and concern with which they expected it. How were their hearts enlarged with joy in God and his salvation, and what new songs of praise were put into their mouths! But here we are told what course they took to spread the knowledge of it among their people, and to perpetuate the remembrance... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Esther 9:20

And Mordecai wrote these things ,.... The transactions of those two days, and the causes of them, as well as the following letter; some conclude from hence that he was the penman of the book; and so he might be, but it does not necessarily follow from hence: and sent letters unto all the Jews that were in all the provinces of the King Ahasuerus, both nigh and far ; such as were near the city Shushan, and those that were at the greatest distance from it; these were more especially the... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Esther 9:20

Mordecai wrote these things - It has been supposed that thus far that part of the book of Esther, which was written by Mordecai extends: what follows to the end, was probably added either by Ezra, or the men of the Great Synagogue; though what is said here may refer only to the letters sent by Mordecai to the Jews of the provinces. From this to the end of the chapter is nothing else than a recapitulation of the chief heads of the preceding history, and an account of the appointment of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 9:1-32

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 9:17-23

FESTIVAL HELD , AND FEAST OF PURIM INSTITUTED ( Esther 9:17-32 ). A natural instinct led the Jews, so soon as their triumph was accomplished, to indulge themselves in a day of rest and rejoicing ( Esther 9:17 ). After toil there is need of repose; and escape from a great danger is followed, almost of necessity, by "gladness." The writer of the Book of Esther, practising his usual reticence, says nothing of the character of the "gladness;" but we can scarcely be wrong in... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 9:17-32

The effects of deliverance. Our narrative closes with a bright picture, in which all clouds are scattered; it is as sunshine after rain. Among the results of Israel's triumph we notice— I. REST . All the Jews in the empire, except those in Shushan, rested on the 14th of Adar. The Jews in Shushan, after their two days' conflict, rested on the 15th of Adar. Then all had rest. So utterly broken was the power of their enemies that they had rest not only from a past fear, but from anxiety... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 9:19-22

The elements of perfect joy. "A good day, and of sending portions one to another:.; days of feasting and joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor." Twice then, among the other particulars of the people's glad celebration of their deliverance from a savage massacre, is this detail included, that they sent "portions one to another;" and once it is added that they sent "gifts to the poor." This was no ancient prescription of the law, so far as literal command is... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 9:20

Mordecai wrote these things . Mordecai seems, in the first instance, to have written to the provincial Jews, suggesting to them the future observance of two days of Purim instead of one, and explaining the grounds of his proposition, but without venturing to issue any order. When he found his proposition well received ( Esther 9:23 , Esther 9:27 ) he sent out a second letter, " with all authority" ( Esther 9:29 ), enjoining the observance. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Esther 9:20-22

The feast of Purim. Other Jewish festivals, as the passover and tabernacles, were instituted by express Divine authority. The feast of Purim was instituted by the authority of Mordecai and Esther. Yet its observance was undoubtedly sanctioned by the God whose merciful interposition it commemorated. The festival has been observed by the Jews from that day to this; the observance consisting of a preliminary fast; of a sacred assembly in the synagogue, when the Megillah (or roll) of the Book... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Esther 9:20

Esther 9:20. Mordecai wrote these things, &c. That is, the history of these things, which was the ground of the feast here spoken of. Mordecai knew very well these things ought to be had in remembrance, and to be told to their children and posterity through all ages, according to the many commands of God to that purpose, and the constant practice of the holy men of God in such cases. And sent letters unto all the Jews that were in all the provinces Signifying what a mighty... read more

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