Esther 9:3 - Exposition

All the rulers of the provinces, and the lieutenants, and the deputies. Compare Esther 3:12 and Esther 8:9 , where the same enumeration is made, though not quite in the same order. And officers of the king . Literally, "they who did the work of the king." The Septuagint renders by βασιλικοὶ γραμματεῖς , "royal scribes;" but officials of all classes seem to be intended. Helped the Jews . Rather, "upheld, supported" Active physical help does not seem to be meant, but rather the moral aid and support that a government easily gives to the side which it favours in a civil disturbance. The fear of Mordecai fell upon them. It would give the sense better to translate "had fallen."