John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 8. Write ye also for the Jews as it liketh you , etc.] Whatever may be thought fit and proper for their safety and security: in the king’s name, and seal it with the king’s ring ; as the former letters were: for the writing which is written in the king’s name, and sealed with the king’s ring, may no man reverse ; which is a reason both for the writing and sealing of the present letters in this manner, and why the former could not be reversed; nor does it appear that they were, but that, in virtue of them, the people had power to rise and kill the Jews on the day appointed, if they dared, or were so disposed; and these empowered the Jews to rise in their own defence, and kill all that made any attempts upon them, for which they had the royal authority; and these letters coming after the other, though they did not formally reverse them, which might not be done, yet rendered them ineffectual.
Matthew Henry Commentary
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 he 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 pit and tenderness are the most Christ-like. According to the constitutio of the Persian government, no law or decree could be repealed of recalled.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. Thi 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 authoriz the Jews to stand upon their defence. The decree was published in the languages of all the provinces. Shall all the subjects of an earthl prince have his decrees in languages they understand, and shall God' oracles and laws be locked up from any of his servants in an unknow tongue?
Original Hebrew ואתם859 כתבו3789 על5921 היהודים3064 כטוב2896 בעיניכם5869 בשׁם8034 המלך4428 וחתמו2856 בטבעת2885 המלך4428 כי3588 כתב3791 אשׁר834 נכתב3789 בשׁם8034 המלך4428 ונחתום2856 בטבעת2885 המלך4428 אין369 להשׁיב׃7725
