The Pulpit Commentary on Esther 2:19-23

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

EXPOSITION

MORDECAI'S DISCOVERY OF A PLOT AGAINST AHASUERUS' LIFE (Esther 2:19-23). Some time after Esther had been made queen, there was a second collection of virgins at Susa (verse 19), under circumstances which are not related, and which were probably of small importance. At this time (verse 21) Mordecai, still serving in his humble office at the palace gate, from which he had not been advanced, since Esther had told no one that he was her relation (verse 20), happened to detect a conspiracy against the king's life, which had been formed by two of the palace eunuchs, Bigthan and Tercsh, whom Ahasuerus had somehow offended (verse 21). Being still in the habit of holding communication with Esther, Mordecai was able to make her acquainted with the facts, of which she then informed the king, telling him how she had obtained her knowledge (verse 22). There was nothing surprising or suspicious in a eunuch of the palace having had speech with the queen, especially when he had intelligence of such importance to impart to her. On inquiry, the king found that Mordecai's information was correct; the conspiracy was laid bare, and the conspirators put to death (verse 23)—the facts being, as was sure to be the case, entered in the court chronicle, a daily record of the life of the court, and of the circumstances that befell the king. It was to have been expected that Mordecai would have been rewarded for his zeal; but somehow or other it happened that his services were overlooked he was neither promoted from his humble office, nor did he receive any gift (Esther 6:3). This was quite contrary to ordinary Persian practice; but the court generally may .have disliked Mordecai because he was a Jew.

More for Esther 2:19-23

Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.

Other commentaries

commentaryMatthew Henry on Esther 2:1-20We see to what absurd practices those came, who were destitute of Divine revelation, and what need there was of the gospel of Christ, to purify men from the lusts of the flesh, and to bring them back to the original ins…Matthew Henry commentaryEsther's Advancement; Esther Chosen Queen. (b. c. 514.)ESTHER'S ADVANCEMENT; ESTHER CHOSEN QUEEN. (B. C. 514.) How God put down one that was high and mighty from her seat we read in the chapter before, and are now to be told how he exalted one of low degree, as the virgin M…Matthew Henry commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Esther 2:5-20Esther. 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 t…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Esther 2:5-20Mordecai. 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…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Esther 2:19When the virgins were gathered together. Rather, "When virgins." There is no article. The fact seems to be mentioned simply as furnishing a date, and we must suppose both that there was a second gathering, and that the…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Esther 2Esther 1 Esther Esther 3Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Esther 2:20Filial obedience. Esther was an adopted child. Her debt to Mordecai was very great, for nurture, care, training, and affection. And she was not forgetful of her obligation; she gladly repaid the solicitude of her cousin…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Esther 2:20Worldly policy. A superficial view might lead to an unqualified admiration of Esther and Mordecai, the principal characters in the scene before us. And not without reason, for they exemplify in their conduct some of the…Joseph S. Exell and contributors