John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 5. Thus the Jews smote all their enemies with the stroke of the sword, and slaughter, and destruction , etc.] Some with swords, and others with clubs, and staves; as the Targum; and such like slaughtering weapons of destruction: and did what they would unto those that hated them ; being then entirely at their will, and under their power.
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 ויכו5221 היהודים3064 בכל3605 איביהם341 מכת4347 חרב2719 והרג2027 ואבדן12 ויעשׂו6213 בשׂנאיהם8130 כרצונם׃7522
