Albert Barnes Commentary Esther 6
Albert Barnes Commentary
Esther 6
Albert Barnes Commentary
Esther 6
"And the king said, What honor and dignity hath been bestowed on Mordecai for this? Then said the king`s servants that ministered unto him, There is nothing done for him." — Esther 6:3 (ASV)
It was a settled principle of the Persian government that “Royal Benefactors” were to receive an adequate reward. The names of such persons were placed on a special roll, and care was taken that they should be properly recompensed, though they sometimes waited for months or years before they were rewarded.
"let royal apparel be brought which the king useth to wear, and the horse that the king rideth upon, and on the head of which a crown royal is set:" — Esther 6:8 (ASV)
The honors here proposed by Haman were such as Persian monarchs rarely allowed to subjects. Each act would have been a capital offence if done without permission. Still, we find Persian monarchs allowing their subjects in these or similar acts under certain circumstances.
"And Mordecai came again to the king`s gate. But Haman hasted to his house, mourning and having his head covered." — Esther 6:12 (ASV)
It is quite consistent with Eastern customs that Mordecai, after receiving the extraordinary honors assigned to him, should return to the palace and resume his former humble employment.
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