John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 3. And all the rulers of the provinces, and the lieutenants, and the deputies, and officers of the king, blessed the Jews , etc.] Countenanced them and encouraged them, and gave them all assistance in their power; extolled them, as the word signifies, lifted them up, and spoke well of them, or praised them, as the Targum: because the fear of Mordecai was upon them ; he being now chief minister, they might fear, if they took part with the enemies of the Jews against them, they might be turned out of their places.
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 וכל3605 שׂרי8269 המדינות4082 והאחשׁדרפנים323 והפחות6346 ועשׂי6213 המלאכה4399 אשׁר834 למלך4428 מנשׂאים5375 את853 היהודים3064 כי3588 נפל5307 פחד6343 מרדכי4782 עליהם׃5921
