Albert Barnes Commentary Esther 1
Albert Barnes Commentary
Esther 1
Albert Barnes Commentary
Esther 1
"Now it came to pass in the days of Ahasuerus (this is Ahasuerus who reigned from India even unto Ethiopia, over a hundred and seven and twenty provinces)," — Esther 1:1 (ASV)
Ahasuerus – Xerxes, the son of Darius Hystaspis. His empire is rightly described as from India even unto Ethiopia. The satrapies of Darius Hystaspis reached 29 in number, and the nations under Xerxes were about 60. The 127 “provinces” probably include sub-satrapies and other smaller divisions of the great governments.
"in the third year of his reign, he made a feast unto all his princes and his servants; the power of Persia and Media, the nobles and princes of the provinces, being before him;" — Esther 1:3 (ASV)
In the third year - In this year, 483 B.C., Xerxes assembled the governors of provinces at Susa, in connection with his contemplated expedition against Greece.
The nobles - literally, “the first men.” The Hebrew word used is one adopted from the Persian.
"And when these days were fulfilled, the king made a feast unto all the people that were present in Shushan the palace, both great and small, seven days, in the court of the garden of the king`s palace." — Esther 1:5 (ASV)
Feasts on this extensive scale were not unusual in the East. Cyrus is said on one occasion to have feasted “all the Persians.” Even ordinarily, the later Persian monarchs entertained 15,000 persons at their table.
"[There were hangings of] white [cloth], [of] green, and [of] blue, fastened with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rings and pillars of marble: the couches were of gold and silver, upon a pavement of red, and white, and yellow, and black marble." — Esther 1:6 (ASV)
Rather, “where was an awning of fine white cotton and violet.” White and blue (or violet) were the royal colors in Persia. Such awnings as are described here were very suitable for the pillared halls and porches of a Persian summer palace, and especially to the situation of the one at Susa.
The beds - Rather, “couches” or “sofas,” on which the guests reclined at meals.
A pavement ... - See the margin. It is generally agreed that the four substances named are stones; but to identify the stones, or even their colors, is difficult.
"And the drinking was according to the law; none could compel: for so the king had appointed to all the officers of his house, that they should do according to every man`s pleasure." — Esther 1:8 (ASV)
According to the law - An exception to the ordinary practice of compulsory drinking had been made on this occasion by the king’s order.
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