John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 1. Now in the twelfth month, that is the month Adar, on the thirteenth day of the same , etc.] Of which (see Esther 3:13), when the king’s commandment and his decree drew near to be put in execution ; even both his commandments and decrees, the one empowering the enemies of the Jews on that day to destroy them, and the other empowering the Jews to act both defensively and offensively against their enemies: in the day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to have power over them ; by virtue of the first decree of the king; and notwithstanding the second, they might hope to have it because of their superior numbers: though it was turned to the contrary, that the Jews had rule over them that hated them ; it proved the reverse, partly through the second decree in favour of the Jews, and partly through the fear of them that fell upon their enemies; because the court was on their side, and the officers everywhere, and especially their God filled them with courage, and their enemies with terror.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-19 - The enemies of the Jews hoped to have power over them by the forme edict. If they had attempted nothing against the people of God, the would not themselves have suffered. The Jews, acting together strengthened one another. Let us learn to stand fast in one spirit, an with one mind, striving together against the enemies of our souls, wh endeavour to rob us of our faith, which is more precious than ou lives. The Jews, to the honour of their religion, showed contempt of wordly wealth, that they might make it appear they desired nothin except their own preservation. In every case the people of God shoul manifest humanity and disinterestedness, frequently refusing advantage which might lawfully be obtained. The Jews celebrated their festiva the day after they had finished their work. When we have received grea mercies from God, we ought to be speedy in making thankful returns to him.
Original Hebrew ובשׁנים8147 עשׂר6240 חדשׁ2320 הוא1931 חדשׁ2320 אדר143 בשׁלושׁה7969 עשׂר6240 יום3117 בו אשׁר834 הגיע5060 דבר1697 המלך4428 ודתו1881 להעשׂות6213 ביום3117 אשׁר834 שׂברו7663 איבי341 היהודים3064 לשׁלוט7980 בהם ונהפוך2015 הוא1931 אשׁר834 ישׁלטו7980 היהודים3064 המה1992 בשׂנאיהם׃8130
