John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 1. And the King Ahasuerus laid a tribute on the land, and upon the isles of the sea .] Which include all his dominions, both on the continent, and on the sea, the Aegean sea; though Aben Ezra thinks it regards such as were not under his government, but stood in fear of him, of whom he demanded tribute. If Ahasuerus was Xerxes, perhaps his exchequer might be drained by his wars with the Grecians, which put him upon this; though some understand this of his renewing the taxes and tribute, which he remitted upon his marriage with Esther, ( Esther 2:18).
Matthew Henry Commentary
- 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 sinc lost, while the sacred writings will live till time shall be no more The concerns of the despised worshippers of the Lord are deemed mor important by the Holy Spirit, than the exploits of the most illustriou monarch on earth. Mordecai was truly great, and his greatness gave his 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 ow wealth, but the welfare of his people. Few have it in their power to d 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 ar 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 an opportunities he gives us, in promoting his glory and the bes interests of men. If our faith be genuine, it will work by love. Wai in faith and prayer, and the event will be safe and glorious; ou salvation is sure, through our Lord Jesus Christ _________________________________________________
Original Hebrew וישׂם7760 המלך4428 אחשׁרשׁ325 מס4522 על5921 הארץ776 ואיי339 הים׃3220
