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Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Esther 2:13

Whatsoever she desired - When any of the young women were called to go to the king, it appears that it was an ordinance that whatever kind of dress stuff, color, jewels, etc., they thought best to set off their persons, and render them more engaging, should be given them. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Esther 2:14

She returned into the second house - This was the place where the king's concubines were kept. They went out no more, and were never given in marriage to any man, and saw the king's face no more unless specially called. Custody of Shaashgaz - This is probably another Persian name; sheshkhunj , beardless, a proper epithet of a eunuch; or sestgunj , weak loins, for the same reason. Names of this kind at once show the reason of their imposition, by describing the state of... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Esther 2:15

She required nothing - She left this entirely to her friend Hege, who seems to have been intent on her success. She therefore left her decorations to his judgment alone, and went in that dress and in those ornaments which he deemed most suitable. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Esther 2:16

The tenth month - Tebeth - Answering to part of our December and January. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Esther 2:17

Set the royal crown upon her head - Made her what is now called in the East the Sultana, the queen. She was the mistress of all the rest of the wives, all of whom were obliged to pay her the most profound respect. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Esther 2:18

Made a release to the provinces - Remitted some kind of tribute or impost, in honor of Esther, at her coronation, as our kings generally do when they are crowned, ordering a discharge from prison of many who are confined for minor offenses. As it was the custom of the Persian kings to give their queens something like what is called with us the aurum reginae , "queen gold," which was a tenth of all fines, etc., above what was given to the king; (for they gave them such a city to... 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

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