Esther 1:3

the third year: i.e. in 471; six years after the destruction of Jerusalem. Astyages now seventeen or

commandment. Hebrew. dabar = word, precept. Occurs Esther 1:19 ; Esther 2:8 ; Esther 3:15 ; Esther 8:14 , Esther 8:17 . See note on Esther 1:10 .

eighteen years. See App-50 . In this year Xerxes (who is supposed to be this king), according to Herod. vii. 8, and Diod. Sic. xi. 2, was preparing his expedition against Greece; whereas this chapter presupposes a season of peace and quiet.

a feast. For its own sake. No reason is given.

power. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Effect), App-6 , for those who exercised it: viz. the people of power.

Persia and Media. In this book this is always the order, except Esther 10:2 . In Daniel it is the reverse.