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 to the throne, as Herodotus F21 Erato, sive, l. 6. c. 59. relates; so Smerdis the magus, that mounted the throne after Cambyses, pretending to be his brother, released them for three years to come F23 Thalia, sive, l. 3. c. 67. ; and Grotius says kings used to do it at their marriage, but gives no instance of it:

and gave gifts : according to the latter Targum, to the provinces, all of them, that he might be sure that the people of Esther shared his favours, who were as yet unknown; but rather these gifts were given to his nobles, or it may be to Esther; so the former Targum,"he gave to her a gift and portion:"

according to the state of the king ; his royal ability and munificence, and suitable to his grandeur; and it was usual with the Persian kings to give to their wives whole cities for one thing or another, as for necklaces, hair laces, shoes, &c.; F24 Herodot. Euterpe, sive, l. 2. c. 98. Cicero in Verrem, l. 3. Orat. 8. ; Socrates F25 In Plat. Alcibiad. speaks of a whole country in Persia called the "Queen's girdle", and another her "Headdress".