We find in this book, that even those Jews who were scattered in the province of the heathen, were taken care of, and were wonderfully preserved, when threatened with destruction. Though the name of God be not in this book, the finger of God is shown by minute events for the bringing about his people's deliverance. This history comes in between @ 7 .
The royal feast of Ahasuerus. (1-9) Vashti's refusal to appear, The king's decree. (10-22)
@Verses 1-9 The pride of Ahasuerus's heart rising with the grandeur of his kingdom, he made an extravagant feast. This was vain glory. Better is a dinner of herbs with quietness, than this banquet of wine, with all the noise and tumult that must have attended it. But except grace prevails in the heart, self-exaltation and self-indulgence, in one form or another, will be the ruling principle. Yet none did compel; so that if any drank to excess, it was their own fault. This caution of a heathen prince, even when he would show his generosity, may shame many called Christians, who, under pretence of sending the health round, send sin round, and death with it. There is a woe to them that do so; let them read it, and tremble, @habakkuk 2:15,16 .
@Verses 10-22
Ahasuerus's feast ended in heaviness, by his own folly.
Seasons of peculiar festivity often end in vexation. Superiors
should be careful not to command what may reasonably be
disobeyed. But when wine is in, men's reason departs from them.
He that had rule over 127 provinces, had no rule over his own
spirit. But whether the passion or the policy of the king was
served by this decree, God's providence made way for Esther to
the crown, and defeated Haman's wicked project, even before it
had entered into his heart, and he arrived at his power. Let us
rejoice that the Lord reigns, and will overrule the madness or
folly of mankind to promote his own glory, and the safety and
happiness of his people.
Esther chosen queen. (1-20) Mordecai discovers a plot against
the king. (21-23)
@Verses 1-20
We 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 institution of marriage.
Esther was preferred as queen. Those who suggest that Esther
committed sin to come at this dignity, do not consider the
custom of those times and countries. Every one that the king
took was married to him, and was his wife, though of a lower
rank. But how low is human nature sunk, when such as these are
the leading pursuits and highest worldly happiness of men!
Disappointment and vexation must follow; and he most wisely
consults his enjoyment, even in this present life, who most
exactly obeys the precepts of the Divine law. But let us turn to
consider the wise and merciful providence of God, carrying on
his deep but holy designs in the midst of all this. And let no
change in our condition be a pretext for forgetting our duties
to parents, or the friends who have stood in their place.
@Verses 21-23
Good subjects must not conceal any bad design they know
of against the prince, or the public peace. Mordecai was not
rewarded at the time, but a remembrance was written. Thus, with
respect to those who serve Christ, though their recompence is
not till the resurrection of the just, yet an account is kept of
their work of faith and labour of love, which God is not
unrighteous to forget. The servant of God must be faithful to
every trust, and watchful for those who employ him. If he appear
to be neglected now, he will be remembered hereafter. None of
our actions can be forgotten; even our most secret thoughts are
written in lasting registers,
@revelation 20:12
.
Haman seeks to destroy the Jews. (1-6) He obtains a decree
against the Jews. (7-15)
@Verses 1-6
Mordecai refused to reverence Haman. The religion of a Jew
forbade him to give honours to any mortal man which savoured of
idolatry, especially to so wicked a man as Haman. By nature all
are idolaters; self is our favourite idol, we are pleased to be
treated as if every thing were at our disposal. Though religion
by no means destroys good manners, but teaches us to render
honour to whom honour is due, yet by a citizen of Zion, not only
in his heart, but in his eyes, such a vile person as Haman was,
is contemned,
@psalms 15:4
. The true believer cannot obey edicts,
or conform to fashions, which break the law of God. He must obey
God rather than man, and leave the consequences to him. Haman
was full of wrath. His device was inspired by that wicked
spirit, who has been a murderer from the beginning; whose enmity
to Christ and his church, governs all his children.
@Verses 7-15
Without some acquaintance with the human heart, and the
history of mankind, we should not think that any prince could
consent to a dreadful proposal, so hurtful to himself. Let us be
thankful for mild and just government. Haman inquires, according
to his own superstitions, how to find a lucky day for the
designed massacre! God's wisdom serves its own purposes by men's
folly. Haman has appealed to the lot, and the lot, by delaying
the execution, gives judgment against him. The event explains
the doctrine of a particular providence over all the affairs of
men, and the care of God over his church. Haman was afraid lest
the king's conscience should smite him for what he had done; to
prevent which, he kept him drinking. This cursed method many
often take to drown convictions, and to harden their own hearts,
and the hearts of others, in sin. All appeared in a favourable
train to accomplish the project. But though sinners are
permitted to proceed to the point they aim at, an unseen but
almighty Power turns them back. How vain and contemptible are
the strongest assaults against Jehovah! Had Haman obtained his
wish, and the Jewish nation perished, what must have become of
all the promises? How could the prophecies concerning the great
Redeemer of the world have been fulfilled? Thus the everlasting
covenant itself must have failed, before this diabolical project
could take place.
The Jews lament their danger. (1-4) Esther undertakes to plead
for the Jews. (5-17)
@Verses 1-4
Mordecai avowed his relation to the Jews. Public
calamities, that oppress the church of God, should affect our
hearts more than any private affliction, and it is peculiarly
distressing to occasion sufferings to others. God will keep
those that are exposed to evil by the tenderness of their
consciences.
@Verses 5-17
We are prone to shrink from services that are attended
with peril or loss. But when the cause of Christ and his people
demand it, we must take up our cross, and follow him. When
Christians are disposed to consult their own ease or safety,
rather than the public good, they should be blamed. The law was
express, all knew it. It is not thus in the court of the King of
kings: to the footstool of his throne of grace we may always
come boldly, and may be sure of an answer of peace to the prayer
of faith. We are welcome, even into the holiest, through the
blood of Jesus. Providence so ordered it, that, just then, the
king's affections had cooled toward Esther; her faith and
courage thereby were the more tried; and God's goodness in the
favour she now found with the king, thereby shone the brighter.
Haman no doubt did what he could to set the king against her.
Mordecai suggests, that it was a cause which, one way or other,
would certainly be carried, and which therefore she might safely
venture in. This was the language of strong faith, which
staggered not at the promise when the danger was most
threatening, but against hope believed in hope. He that by
sinful devices will save his life, and will not trust God with
it in the way of duty, shall lose it in the way of sin. Divine
Providence had regard to this matter, in bringing Esther to be
queen. Therefore thou art bound in gratitude to do this service
for God and his church, else thou dost not answer the end of thy
being raised up. There is wise counsel and design in all the
providences of God, which will prove that they are all intended
for the good of the church. We should, every one, consider for
what end God has put us in the place where we are, and study to
answer that end: and take care that we do not let it slip.
Having solemnly commended our souls and our cause to God, we may
venture upon his service. All dangers are trifling compared with
the danger of losing our souls. But the trembling sinner is
often as much afraid of casting himself, without reserve, upon
the Lord's free mercy, as Esther was of coming before the king.
Let him venture, as she did, with earnest prayer and
supplication, and he shall fare as well and better than she did.
The cause of God must prevail: we are safe in being united to
it.
Esther's application received. (1-8) Haman prepares to hang
Mordecai. (9-14)
@Verses 1-8
Esther having had power with God, and prevailing, like
Jacob, had power with men too. He that will lose his life for
God, shall save it, or find it in a better life. The king
encouraged her. Let us from this be encouraged to pray always to
our God, and not to faint. Esther came to a proud, imperious
man; but we come to the God of love and grace. She was not
called, but we are; the Spirit says, Come, and the Bride says,
Come. She had a law against her, we have a promise, many a
promise, in favour of us; Ask, and it shall be given you. She
had no friend to go with her, or to plead for her; on the
contrary, he that was then the king's favourite, was her enemy;
but we have an Advocate with the Father, in whom he is well
pleased. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace.
God put it into Esther's heart to delay her petition a day
longer; she knew not, but God did, what was to happen in that
very night.
@Verses 9-14
This account of Haman is a comment upon
@proverbs 21:24
.
Self-admirers and self-flatterers are really self-deceivers.
Haman, the higher he is lifted up, the more impatient he is of
contempt, and the more enraged at it. The affront from Mordecai
spoiled all. A slight affront, which a humble man would scarcely
notice, will torment a proud man, even to madness, and will mar
all his comforts. Those disposed to be uneasy, will never want
something to be uneasy at. Such are proud men; though they have
much to their mind, if they have not all to their mind, it is as
nothing to them. Many call the proud happy, who display pomp and
make a show; but this is a mistaken thought. Many poor cottagers
feel far less uneasiness than the rich, with all their fancied
advantages around them. The man who knows not Christ, is poor
though he be rich, because he is utterly destitute of that which
alone is true riches.
Providence recommends Mordecai to the king's favour. (1-3)
Haman's counsel honours Mordecai. (4-11) Haman's friends tell
him of his danger. (12-14)
@Verses 1-3
The providence of God rules over the smallest concerns of
men. Not a sparrow falls to the ground without him. Trace the
steps which Providence took towards the advancement of Mordecai.
The king could not sleep when Providence had a design to serve,
in keeping him awake. We read of no illness that broke his
sleep, but God, whose gift sleep is, withheld it from him. He
who commanded a hundred and twenty-seven provinces, could not
command one hour's sleep.
@Verses 4-11
See how men's pride deceives them. The deceitfulness of
our own hearts appears in nothing more than in the conceit we
have of ourselves and our own performances: against which we
should constantly watch and pray. Haman thought the king loved
and valued no one but himself, but he was deceived. We should
suspect that the esteem which others profess for us, is not so
great as it seems to be, that we may not think too well of
ourselves, nor trust too much in others. How Haman is struck,
when the king bids him do honour to Mordecai the Jew, the very
man whom he hated above all men, whose ruin he was now
designing!
@Verses 12-14
Mordecai was not puffed up with his honours, he returned
to his place and the duty of it. Honour is well bestowed on
those that do not think themselves above their business. But
Haman could not bear it. What harm had it done him? But that
will break a proud man's heart, which will not break a humble
man's sleep. His doom was, out of this event, read to him by his
wife and his friends. They plainly confessed that the Jews,
though scattered through the nations, were special objects of
Divine care. Miserable comforters are they all; they did not
advise Haman to repent, but foretold his fate as unavoidable.
The wisdom of God is seen, in timing the means of his church's
deliverance, so as to manifest his own glory.
Esther accuses Haman. (1-6) Haman hanged on his own gallows.
(7-10)
@Verses 1-6
If the love of life causes earnest pleadings with those
that can only kill the body, how fervent should our prayers be
to Him, who is able to destroy both body and soul in hell! How
should we pray for the salvation of our relatives, friends, and
all around us! When we petition great men, we must be cautious
not to give them offence; even just complaints must often be
kept back. But when we approach the King of kings with
reverence, we cannot ask or expect too much. Though nothing but
wrath be our due, God is able and willing to do exceeding
abundantly, even beyond all we can ask or think.
@Verses 7-10
The king was angry: those that do things with self-will,
reflect upon them afterward with self-reproach. When angry, we
should pause before we come to any resolution, and thus rule our
own spirits, and show that we are governed by reason. Those that
are most haughty and insolent when in power and prosperity,
commonly, like Haman, are the most abject and poor-spirited when
brought down. The day is coming when those that hate and
persecute God's chosen ones, would gladly be beholden to them.
The king returns yet more angry against Haman. Those about him
were ready to put his wrath into execution. How little can proud
men be sure of the interest they think they have! The enemies of
God's church have often been thus taken in their own craftiness.
The Lord is known by such judgments. Then was the king's wrath
pacified, and not till then. And who pities Haman hanged on his
own gallows? who does not rather rejoice in the Divine
righteousness displayed in the destruction his own art brought
upon him? Let the workers of iniquity tremble, turn to the Lord,
and seek pardon through the blood of Jesus.
Mordecai is advanced. (1,2) Esther makes suit for the Jews.
(3-14) Mordecai honoured, The joy of the Jews. (15-17)
@Verses 1-2
What Haman would have done mischief with, Esther will do
good with. All the trust the king had reposed in Haman, he now
placed in Mordecai: a happy change. See the vanity of laying up
treasure upon earth; he that heapeth up riches, knoweth not who
shall gather them. With what little pleasure, nay, with what
constant vexation, would Haman have looked upon his estate, if
he could have foreseen that Mordecai, the man he hated above all
men in the world, should have rule over all that wherein he had
laboured! It is our interest to make sure of those riches which
will not be left behind, but which will go with us to another
world.
@Verses 3-14
It 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 was sure of that, she wept
for her people. Tears of pity and tenderness are the most
Christ-like. According to the constitution of the Persian
government, no law or decree could be repealed or recalled. This
is so far from speaking to the wisdom and honour of the Medes
and Persians, that it clearly shows their pride and folly. This
savours of that old presumption which ruined all, We will be as
gods! It is God's prerogative not to repent, or to say what can
never be altered or unsaid. Yet a way was found, by another
decree, to authorize the Jews to stand upon their defence. The
decree was published in the languages of all the provinces.
Shall all the subjects of an earthly prince have his decrees in
languages they understand, and shall God's oracles and laws be
locked up from any of his servants in an unknown tongue?
@Verses 15-17
Mordecai's robes now were rich. These things are not
worth notice, but as marks of the king's favour, and the fruit
of God's favour to his church. It is well with a land, when
ensigns of dignity are made the ornaments of serious piety. When
the church prospers, many will join it, who will be shy of it
when in trouble. When believers have rest, and walk in the fear
of the Lord, and the comfort of the Holy Ghost, they will be
multiplied. And the attempts of Satan to destroy the church,
always tend to increase the number of true Christians.
The success of the Jews. (1-19) The feast of Purim in
remembrance of this. (20-32)
@Verses 1-19
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.
@Verses 20-32
The observance of the Jewish feasts, is a public
declaration of the truth of the Old Testament Scriptures. And as
the Old Testament Scriptures are true, the Messiah expected by
the Jews is come long ago; and none but Jesus of Nazareth can be
that Messiah. The festival was appointed by authority, yet under
the direction of the Spirit of God. It was called the feast of
Purim, from a Persian word, which signifies a lot. The name of
this festival would remind them of the almighty power of the God
of Israel, who served his own purposes by the superstitions of
the heathen. In reviewing our mercies, we should advert to
former fears and distresses. When our mercies are personal, we
should not by forgetfulness lose the comfort of them, or
withhold from the Lord the glory due to his name. May the Lord
teach us to rejoice, with that holy joy which anticipates and
prepares for the blessedness of heaven. Every instance of Divine
goodness to ourselves, is a new obligation laid on us to do
good, to those especially who most need our bounty. Above all,
@2 corinthians
Greatness of Ahasuerus-Mordecai's advancement.
- Many instances of the grandeur of Ahasuerus might have been
given: these were written in the Persian chronicles, which are
long since lost, while the sacred writings will live till time
shall be no more. The concerns of the despised worshippers of
the Lord are deemed more important by the Holy Spirit, than the
exploits of the most illustrious monarch on earth. Mordecai was
truly great, and his greatness gave him opportunities of doing
the more good. He did not disown his people the Jews, and no
doubt kept to the true religion. He did not seek his own wealth,
but the welfare of his people. Few have it in their power to do
so much good as Mordecai; but all have it in their power to do
hurt, and who has it not in his power to do some good? We are
not required to do what is not in our power, or is unsuited to
our station; but all are bound to live under the influence of
the tempers displayed in the saints, whose examples are recorded
in the Bible. If we live by the faith of Christ, we shall be
active according to the ability and opportunities he gives us,
in promoting his glory and the best interests of men. If our
faith be genuine, it will work by love. Wait in faith and
prayer, and the event will be safe and glorious; our salvation
is sure, through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
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