Bible Commentary

Esther 9:1-19

Matthew Henry on Esther 9:1-19

Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · Matthew Henry · CC0 1.0 Universal

The enemies of the Jews hoped to have power over them by the former edict. If they had attempted nothing against the people of God, they would not themselves have suffered. The Jews, acting together, strengthened one another.

Let us learn to stand fast in one spirit, and with one mind, striving together against the enemies of our souls, who endeavour to rob us of our faith, which is more precious than our lives. The Jews, to the honour of their religion, showed contempt of wordly wealth, that they might make it appear they desired nothing except their own preservation.

In every case the people of God should manifest humanity and disinterestedness, frequently refusing advantages which might lawfully be obtained. The Jews celebrated their festival the day after they had finished their work.

When we have received great mercies from God, we ought to be speedy in making thankful returns to him.

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commentaryThe Jews Avenged. (b. c. 509.)THE JEWS AVENGED. (B. C. 509.) We have here a decisive battle fought between the Jews and their enemies, in which the Jews were victorious. Neither side was surprised; for both had notice of it long enough before, so th…Matthew HenrycommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Esther 9:1-32EXPOSITION RESULT OF THE SECOND EDICT' THE JEWS RESIST THEIR ENEMIES, AND EFFECT A GREAT SLAUGHTER OF THEM, BUT DO NOT LAY HAND ON THEIR GOODS (Esther 9:1-16). The Jews of all the provinces, having had ample time to pre…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Esther 9:1-16Deliverance and victory. The history of "the chosen nation" is full of Divine deliverances. The present is only one of the many instances in which, by faith, the Israelites "escaped the edge of the sword, out of weaknes…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Esther 9:1The antagonisms of nations. "In the day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to have power over them. Though it was turned to the contrary, that the Jews had rule over them that hated them." This passage tells a history o…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Esther 9:1To have power over them. Or, "to get the mastery over them" (comp. Daniel 6:24, where the same word is used). Had rule. Or, "had the mastery."Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Esther 9:2-5A reign of terror. "The Jews gathered themselves together in their cities," etc. There were many greedy to possess the property of the Jews, and such as cherished spite against them, who were glad of the permission to s…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Esther 9:2The Jews gathered themselves together. Acting on the first clause of the edict (Esther 8:11). In their cities. By "their cities" the writer means not cities exclusively Jewish, but cities where Jews formed an element in…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Esther 9:3All 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, "t…Joseph S. Exell and contributors