The king’s decree gave the Jews in every city authority to unite to defend their lives. They were allowed to kill, slaughter, and annihilate anyone of any nationality or province who might attack them or their children and wives, and to take the property of their enemies.

Commentaries

4

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes

AlbertBarnes

18th Century
Presbyterian
18th Century

This fresh decree allowed the Jews to stand on their defense, and to kill all who attacked them. It has been pronounced incredible that any king wo…

Charles Ellicott

Charles Ellicott

CharlesEllicott

19th Century
Anglican
19th Century

To stand for their life. —It will be noticed that, as far as the edict authorizes, the Jews are not permitted to …

John Gill

John Gill

JohnGill

17th Century
Reformed Baptist
17th Century

Wherein the king granted the Jews which were in every city to
gather themselves together

and to s…

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry

MatthewHenry

17th Century
Presbyterian
17th Century

It was time to be earnest when the church of God was at stake. Esther, though safe herself, fell down and begged for the deliverance of her people.…