The Pulpit Commentary on Esther 3:12-15

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

Heartless counsels of destruction.

History records many massacres, and the record is among the saddest and most sickening chapters of human annals. Most of these massacres have arisen from political fears and jealousies, or from religious hatred and bigotry. The proposed massacre of the Jews throughout the Persian empire took its origin from personal pique and pride—a motive even more contemptible than the others. Happily, the proposal and purpose of Haman were defeated. Still it may be well to regard the nefarious proposal of the king's favourite and counsellor as an illustration of the possible wickedness of the human heart.

I. The EXTENT Of the contemplated massacre. The Jews were scattered throughout all the provinces of the empire; and to all the provinces the letters commanding to slay them were transmitted by the posts, hastened by the king's commandment.

II. The UNIVERSALITY Of the contemplated massacre. "Both young and old, little children and women," were to be slain.

III. The SIMULTANEOUSNESS of the contemplated massacre. The bloody work was to be done in one day—the thirteenth day of the twelfth month.

IV. The GREED accompanying the massacre. The spoil of them was to be taken for a prey. The king had given to Haman beforehand the silver for himself. Admire the wisdom and mercy of God which discomfited these evil plans, and brought their authors to confusion.

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