Bible Commentary

Esther 8:9

The Pulpit Commentary on Esther 8:9

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

Then were the king's scribes called. The king had said enough. Mordecai saw a means of reconciling the king's scruple with the safety—or if not with the absolute safety, yet with the escape and triumph—of his people.

The Jews should be allowed to stand on their defence, should be encouraged to do so, when the time came should be supported in their resistance by the whole power of the government (). A new decree must issue at once giving the requisite permission, and copies must be at once distributed, that there might be no mistake or misunderstanding.

So the "king's scribes" were summoned and set to work. In the third month, the month Sivan. This is another Babylonian name. The month was sacred to the moon-god, Sin, and its name may be connected with his.

It corresponded with the latter part of our May and the early part of June. To the lieutenants, and the deputies and rulers. Compare , where the same three classes of rulers are mentioned.

An hundred twenty and seven. See the comment on . And to the Jews. Copies of the former edict had not been sent especially to the Jews. They had been left to learn their danger indirectly from the people among whom they dwelt; but Mordecai took care that they should be informed directly of their right of defence.

Recommended reading

More for Esther 8:9

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

Other commentaries

The Pulpit Commentary on Esther 8:1-17Esther 8:1-17 · The Pulpit CommentaryEXPOSITION HAMAN'S HOUSE GIVEN TO ESTHER, AND THE KING'S SIGNET MADE OVER.TO MORDECAI (Esther 8:1, Esther 8:2). Two consequences followed immediately on Haman's execution. His property escheating to the crown, Ahasuerus…Matthew Henry on Esther 8:3-14Esther 8:3-14 · Matthew Henry Concise CommentaryIt was time to be earnest, when the church of God was at stake. Esther, though safe herself, fell down and begged for the deliverance of her people. We read of no tears when she begged for her own life, but although she…The Jews Encouraged to Self-Defence. (b. c. 510.)Esther 8:3-14 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleTHE JEWS ENCOURAGED TO SELF-DEFENCE. (B. C. 510.) Haman, the chief enemy of the Jews, was hanged, Mordecai and Esther, their chief friends, were sufficiently protected; but many others there were in the king's dominions…The Pulpit Commentary on Esther 8:3-14Esther 8:3-14 · The Pulpit CommentaryAT ESTHER'S REQUEST AHASUERUS ALLOWS THE ISSUE OF A SECOND EDICT, PERMITTING THE JEWS TO RESIST ANY WHO SHOULD ATTACK THEM, TO KILL THEM IN THEIR OWN DEFENCE, AND TO TAKE POSSESSION OF THEIR GOODS (Esther 8:3-14). The e…The Pulpit Commentary on Esther 8:3-14Esther 8:3-14 · The Pulpit CommentaryConsecration, kindred, law, and folly. In these words we have— I. THE MANIFOLDNESS OF HUMAN CONSECRATION. "And Esther spake yet again before the king, and fell down at his feet, and besought him with tears," etc. (verse…The Pulpit Commentary on Esther 8:7-14Esther 8:7-14 · The Pulpit CommentarySelf-defence. The permission of Ahasuerus appears to us singular almost to madness. Indeed, it could only have been such a character as we know Xerxes to have been that could have coolly contemplated plunging every prov…
commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Esther 8:1-17EXPOSITION HAMAN'S HOUSE GIVEN TO ESTHER, AND THE KING'S SIGNET MADE OVER.TO MORDECAI (Esther 8:1, Esther 8:2). Two consequences followed immediately on Haman's execution. His property escheating to the crown, Ahasuerus…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryMatthew Henry on Esther 8:3-14It was time to be earnest, when the church of God was at stake. Esther, though safe herself, fell down and begged for the deliverance of her people. We read of no tears when she begged for her own life, but although she…Matthew HenrycommentaryThe Jews Encouraged to Self-Defence. (b. c. 510.)THE JEWS ENCOURAGED TO SELF-DEFENCE. (B. C. 510.) Haman, the chief enemy of the Jews, was hanged, Mordecai and Esther, their chief friends, were sufficiently protected; but many others there were in the king's dominions…Matthew HenrycommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Esther 8:3-14AT ESTHER'S REQUEST AHASUERUS ALLOWS THE ISSUE OF A SECOND EDICT, PERMITTING THE JEWS TO RESIST ANY WHO SHOULD ATTACK THEM, TO KILL THEM IN THEIR OWN DEFENCE, AND TO TAKE POSSESSION OF THEIR GOODS (Esther 8:3-14). The e…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Esther 8:3-14Consecration, kindred, law, and folly. In these words we have— I. THE MANIFOLDNESS OF HUMAN CONSECRATION. "And Esther spake yet again before the king, and fell down at his feet, and besought him with tears," etc. (verse…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Esther 8:7-14Self-defence. The permission of Ahasuerus appears to us singular almost to madness. Indeed, it could only have been such a character as we know Xerxes to have been that could have coolly contemplated plunging every prov…Joseph S. Exell and contributors