Esther

And it is not unlikely that he was enclined to this favor and moderation towards the Jews by his general design to relieve men from under the oppressions that were upon them during the reign of Cambyses, and to renue the Acts of Cyrus their first Emperour, who was renowned among…

And as this delight is mutual, so it shall be continual: for being withdrawn from all other objects, it will work upon that, both of them, Gods delight in the Saints, and the delight of the Saints in God, shall be for ever: the Saints shall be an eternal excellency, in which God…

This did the heathen by light of nature observe. 3. The titles and names, whereby a husband is set forth, do imply a superiority and authority in him, as Lord (1 Peter 3:6), Master (Esther 1:17), Guide (Proverbs 2:17), Head (1 Corinthians 11:3), Image and glory of God (1 Corinth…

3. Things unbecoming the place of a wife are dishonorable to her: for a husband to urge his wife by strict charge to do them, implies more rigorousness than mildness. Had the spirit of that stout Monarch Ahasuerus been more mild towards his wife, he would not have so far pressed…

The cloth shall never be taken away, but they shall be always feeding upon those sweet delicacies set before them. We read that King Ahasuerus made a feast for his princes that lasted one hundred and eighty days (Esther 1:4). But this blessed feast reserved for the saints is for…

Then will Christ appear to be the greatest and most glorious Monarch that ever was. The world has looked upon the King of Persia as a mighty Monarch, because he reigned over a hundred and seven and twenty Provinces (Esther 1:1). But Christ shall reign over all Nations, from one…

Grace and glory are inter se connexae, linked and chained together; grace precedes glory, as the morning star ushers in the sun. God will have us qualified and fitted for a state of blessedness: drunkards and swearers are not fit to enjoy God in glory, the Lord will not lay such…

Answer. Adoption is the taking a stranger into the relation of a son and heir: So Moses was the adopted son of King Pharaoh's daughter (Exodus 2:10). And Esther was the adopted child of her cousin Mordecai (Esther 2:7). Thus God adopts us into the family of heaven; and God in ad…

This does disponere ad Coelum, it prepares for happiness, as the seed prepares for harvest. When the virgins had been anointed and perfumed, then they were to stand before the king (Esther 2:12). So when we have had the anointing of God, then we shall stand before the King of He…

'Tis an invitation, to press us to come to Christ, and by Christ to God: the great work of the ministers is like that of Eliezer, Abraham's servant, to seek a match for our Master's son; our way to win you, is to tell you what he is, he is God-man in one person, he is man that y…

Here may some ask this question: Whether these sayings of Saint Peter, concerning women's apparel, be strictly commanded or no? We read of Queen Esther, how that she wore a crown of gold on her head, and put on her royal apparel that was very rich, precious, and fitting for a qu…

And he gives another instance to the same purpose, in the word [⟨ in non-Latin alphabet ⟩], Judges 10:4, Jair the Gileadite had thirty sons, [⟨ in non-Latin alphabet ⟩], where the word [⟨ in non-Latin alphabet ⟩] signifies in the first place colts of asses, and in the latter, ci…

So that as its rise, its constant use also will admit of no other signification, but only that of an unspotted Virgin. Besides, the LXX. render it in this place [in non-Latin alphabet] a Virgin, and the Targum [in non-Latin alphabet] which the other Targums express a Virgin by (…

It is true (though not so readily apprehended) that the sullenness, and murmuring, and silent frets of children and servants is as great a transgression of the law of meekness, as the more open, noisy and avowed passions of their parents and masters. We find the king's chamberla…

Herein differs Christ's love from the love of all men towards their spouses: for they must see something in them, to move them to love. When Ahasuerus was to choose a wife, the maidens out of whom he was to take one, were first purified, and then he took her in whom he most deli…

This disposes the soul toward heaven; it turns iron into gold; it makes the heart, which was Satan's portrait, into Christ's letter. The virgins of the court (Esther 2:12) had their days of purification; they were first to be perfumed and anointed, and then they were to stand be…

Verse 30: Hoshea smote him, and reigned, [in non-Latin alphabet]. So also (Esther 2:4), (Ecclesiastes 4:15), (2 Samuel 17:25), (Genesis 30:2), (1 Kings 16:10): Zimri reigned, [in non-Latin alphabet] (Ezekiel 16:32). Joseph heard that Archelaus did reign in the room of Herod his…

Romans 15:11. Esther 2:15, 17. Chapter 5:2.

In the sweetest music the world makes, either there is some string wanting, or out of tune. Who would have thought that Haman, who was so great in the king's favor, He set his seat above all the princes of the provinces, (Esther 3:1) yet for want of the bowing of a knee, he was…

Haman hated Mordecai because he did not bow to him, and he presently sought revenge. He got a bloody warrant sealed for the destruction of the whole race and seed of the Jews (Esther 3:9). Hatred is ever cruel.

And this night fell in directly upon the expiration of the 430 years before limited, verse 40, 41. For the time of the year, it was in the month [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] Abib, as the Hebrews call the month of the spring, which in those Eastern parts gave blades to the corn, a…

Toward the clearing of which, I shall a little open three words. The first is (Gnatidim) who are ready: which signifies a prepared and meditated active readiness; as we find in two texts of the book of Esther, The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every provin…

By Christ's heart is signified his most inward affection; for, it is frequent in Scripture by the heart to signify the most inward affections; so, (Matthew 6:12) where the treasure is, there the heart will be: and, (Chapter 4:9) You have ravished my heart, etc. A seal is used fo…

They reckon not of them as a people and a nation. The conclusion they make concerning them, is that of Haman (Esther 3:8): "There is a certain people scattered abroad, and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of your kingdom, and their laws are diverse from all people…

Those Jews that remained still in that country were soon, by the great changes that happened in the world, dispersed thence into all the adjacent countries. Hence we find, that in Esther's time, which was after the return from the captivity, the Jews were a people that were disp…

He grew till he became very great: and his son Jacob lost nothing at long run, by his meek and quiet carriage towards his uncle Laban. Revenge is costly; Haman bid largely for it, no less than ten thousand talents of silver (Esther 3:9). It's better to forgive, and save the char…

Thus it was with Elijah, he must flye for his life, and live in caves, and be fed by ravens, whilest four hundred false prophets are fed deliciously at Jezabels table. While the King and Haman sits drinking in the city, Shushan is in perplexity, Esther 3:15 Job says of the wicke…

Whatever has been the matter, worldly rulers have been jealous of Christ's interest and kingdom, as if it could not consist with public safety, and the civil interests of that state and nation where it is admitted; and suggestions of this kind do easily prevail with them. Esther…

1 Peter 4:4: think it strange, that you run not with them into the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you. 4. They are called proud, because of their insolent carriage towards the Lord's people, partly in their laws and injunctions, requiring to give them more honor, respect…

So Saul against David, as appears by his expostulation with him about it (1 Samuel 24:9), Why do you hear men's words, saying, Behold, David seeks your hurt? So Haman against the Jews (Esther 3:8), Haman said to king Ahasuerus, There is a certain people scattered abroad, and dis…

They would be somebody in the world, as Theudas, who boasted himself to be somebody (Acts 5:36); they never go so cheerfully, as when the wind of honor and applause fills their sails; if this wind be down, they are discontented. One would think Haman had as much as his proud hea…

A proud man would have all strike sail to him. Because Mordecai would not bow to Haman, he got a bloody warrant signed for the death of all the Jews (Esther 3:9). What made all the strife between Pompey and Caesar but pride?

But [illegible] Moses pleads for the young, as well as the old; for the sons, and the daughters, verse 9; but Pharaoh is of another apprehension, and resolution, verse 10, 11; he will let the men go and serve the Lord, but not the little ones. Again Haman the Agagite we find is…

Thus Nebuchadnezzar's wrath was kindled against the three children, because he took himself to be contemned of them (Daniel 3:19). Thus Haman, merely in regard of private disgrace, grows to great indignation against Mordecai (Esther 3:5). Thus Asa was angry with the prophet Hana…

And upon any great judgment on the family, Church or commonwealth, to direct them in fastings and prayers, with readings, meditations, and use of the word, as may serve to give especial cause of humbling, and especial cause fit of comfort for that work. [Esther 4:16. Go gather t…

Thus when the Sea divided it self, just upon Israels cry to Heaven, Exodus 14:10 When so signal a victory is given to Asa, immediately upon that pathetical cry to Heaven, Help us O Lord our God, 2 Chron. 14. 11, 12. When Ahitophel shall go and hang himself, just upon that prayer…

And of David (1 Kings 1:33): Take with you the servants of your Lord; not my servants. And of Ahasuerus to Mordecai (Esther 4:8): Write you for the Jews in the King's name; not in my name. But the difference of these, from the words under consideration is wide and evident.

5. His actings are in matter of lots that seem to be ruled by fortune and chance (Proverbs 16:33; Genesis 49; Deuteronomy 33, compared with Joshua 14:1, 2, 3). 6. Especially in bowing the free will, and determining all the actions of evil angels (1 Kings 22:21, 22, 23; Job 1:6,…

Every long prayer is not forbidden; for our Lord Jesus himself continued all night in prayer (Luke 6:12). And in extraordinary duties of fasting, length seems to be very necessary; (Esther 4:16) they fasted and prayed together for three days and nights, without eating any bread.…

So many times, to the great grief of their hearts, may God's children be laid aside as useless vessels; the world may cast them off as unworthy to live among them. It is not for the king's profit to suffer them (Esther 4:8), and 1 Corinthians 4:13. [illegible], We are made as th…

There is a fitness in reference to the work, which the thing now made might have, which hereafter happily could not attain. Thus came Esther to be Queen in a fit time, for Mordecai's safety, the succor and deliverance of the Nation of the Jews; for though she might have possesse…

O Christian, believe in your physician (John 3:15): that whoever believes in him should not perish. Say as Queen Esther (Esther 4:16): I will go in to the King, which is not according to the law, and if I perish, I perish. So say: the Lord Jesus is a physician to heal me — I wil…

The idols were cut off, and the word of God so mightily prevailed, as that those sects which were used to delude the people, Scribes, Pharisees, and Sadducees, were blasted in the eyes of all the people, and generally the Gospel had free passage granted to it, by the mighty hand…

The blessing for which Hannah fasted as well as prayed, (for the text says, she did not eat) though it were but a private and temporary blessing, was extraordinary. So also that deliverance for obtaining whereof, Jehoshaphat with the Jews in his time, and Esther and Mordecai wit…

The Prophet Joel in the name of the Lord, calls the Jews to a strait and solemn fast; and that upon this just occasion, because the Lord had sent a great dearth upon the land (Joel 2:14, 15, &c.). Esther and her company fasted, when she had heard news of the intended destruction…

And so (Jeremiah 9:1; 13:17; 14:17; Isaiah 22:4). We read of Mordecai, when he saw his people in danger of being destroyed with a temporal destruction (Esther 4:1), that he rent his clothes, and put on sackcloth with ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and cried with…

Secondly, it cannot make a man righteous: for wicked men have it, which are unrighteous, and cannot be saved. Haman hated Mordecai in his heart: yea, his heart boiled in malice against him: yet the Story says; That nevertheless he refrained himself till he came home, Esther 5:10…

Again, to his goodness we are injurious, by disvaluing what we have, in comparison of what we expect (Malachi 1:2), Wherein have you loved us? As if they had nothing, because not fully what they expected; 'tis man's nature to forget what is granted, and pitch only upon what is d…

And certainly if his Father has been so gracious to him as to bestow so high and absolute a sovereignty on him, as to accomplish and effect whatever he means to do, surely his purpose was never to deny Christ any request, that he should after this make: he would never have advan…

Syr. [in non-Latin alphabet]; Boderianus, Sceptrum erectum, a scepter lifted up, or held upright. The Paris Edition, Sceptrum protensum, a scepter stretched out; and the stretching out of the scepter was a sign and token of mercy (Esther 5:2). Tremelius, Virga recta, which answe…

In the beginning of the chapter (where the feasts of Job's children are described) it is said only, That his sons went every one their day, to eat and to drink: But here it is said, that they did eat and drink wine: which notes an extraordinary feast. For still in Scripture, whe…

The second expression, setting forth her condition, is, and my breasts like towers: This supposes a growth, and further degree of her faith and other graces, as having not only breasts, which the little sister had not, verse 8. but breasts like towers, that is, well fashioned (E…

It is promised (Psalm 22:26) that the meek shall eat and be satisfied. He has whatever sweetness is to be had in his common comforts, while the angry man either cannot eat, his stomach is too full, and too high, as Ahab (1 Kings 21:4), or eats and is not satisfied, unless he can…

§. 16. Of husbands' ready yielding to their wives' humble suits. Again, it being a token of reverence in a wife humbly to make known her desire to her husband, he ought to show so much courtesy as readily to grant her desire: this courtesy the forenamed Ahasuerus afforded to Est…

Use 2. For Reproof, that we make more noise of a little trouble than we do of a thousand benefits that remain with us. We fret and complain and manifest the impatience of the flesh, like a great machine or carriage, if one pin be out of order all stops, or one member hurt though…

Partly by the manner how it comes upon us, by what instruments, and in what sort: how many make themselves miserable by an imagined cross, and so when all things without are well, their own humors and passions make them a burden to themselves, and when they are not wounded in po…

3. As it vents itself by the disdain of underlings. Haman could not endure to see Mordecai in the king's gate (Esther 5:13), and therefore contrives how to root him out, and all his nation. Pride disdains the meanness of God's people, and that they should have any subsistence, a…

When they could enjoy God in and with these, then they could resent this kindness, and be delighted in them; but he is withdrawn, and what good can these do them? If one thing wanted, will eat out the worldling's comfort in every thing else, when he has the greatest affluence th…

If the sinner be seriously willing to part with [illegible] sin, he is restless, and unsatisfied until it be [illegible] and taken away from him, he finds nothing that [illegible] can have any sweet contentment in as long as he [illegible] that distemper which is cross to his wi…

Majesty shall appear in God to preserve reverence, but withal majesty clothed with beauty and tempered with sweetness to excite joy in the saints. We shall see God as a friend — not as guilty Adam did, who was afraid and hid himself (Genesis 3:10) — but as Queen Esther looked up…

The saints' robes signify their glory and splendor; and white robes denote their sanctity — they have no sin to taint or defile their robes; in these robes they shall shine as the angels. Kings have their scepters in token of rule and greatness; King Ahasuerus held out to Esther…

Through the face of Christ as through a bright mirror, or crystal the glory of God, his wisdom, holiness, mercy shall be sweetly transparent. We shall see God as a friend; not as guilty Adam did, who was afraid and hid himself (Genesis 3:10); but as Queen Esther looked upon King…

Thus he in the Gospel — he keeps an audit in his heart; Soul (says he) you have goods laid up for many years. So Haman (Esther 5:11) takes an inventory of his honors and goods, he talks of all the glory of his riches, and all the things in which the king had promoted him. So Neb…

Love fulfills the commandments, and this manifests itself chiefly in all holy duties (2 Corinthians 5:14). Besides, faith has another work toward God, that having found God merciful to us in forgiving and healing our sins, and entertaining us at his table; then faith makes me to…

Their lives are as Saint Bernard speaks, Aut peccatum aut sterilitas; Either sinfulness or barrenness. Telluris inutile pondus — God will one day ask such a question as King Ahasuerus did (Esther 6:3). What honor and dignity has been done to Mordecai?

Very remarkable is the advancement of Mordecai, in order to the advancing the Jews as well as preserving them, when the necks of all the visible Church God had in the world, were upon the block. Haman ignorantly is the cause of this preferment of Mordecai, and at that time too,…

And so Haman, that proud and inveterate enemy of the Jews, that thought to extirpate the whole nation, who also was probably another type of Antichrist, when he began to fall before Esther and Mordecai, never stayed, till his ruin, and the church's deliverance was complete. Hama…

A Well of water is discovered to Hagar, just when she had let the Child, as not able to see its death, Genesis 21. 16, 19. Rabshakh meets with a blasting Providence, hears a rumour that frustrated his design, just when ready to give the shock against Jerusalem, Isaiah 27. 7, 8.…

God gives distinguishing mercies to his people, such protections, such deliverances, this Cushan and Midian cannot bear. 2. Their carnal fear: They have all of them that conclusion in their breasts, which Haman's wisemen and wife made to him (Esther 6:13). If they begin to fall…

The temporal blessings which previously God has bestowed on faithful servants, and which on that ground other like servants may expect, are these especially. 1. He will move masters to respect such servants, as he moved [reconstructed: Ahasuerus] to recompense the fidelity of Mo…

This book of Remembrance therefore, is a borrowed speech, taken from Kings, who have their Chronicles wherein they note Memorable things. King Ahasuerus had his book of Records, wherein were written the worthy deeds of Mordecai, Esther 6:1, 2. So God bears in Mind all the Good s…

2. Occasional; when God is brought to mind either by some special occasion offered, or by some notable discovery of himself in his word or works. Occasion offered, as when Ahasuerus could not sleep (Esther 6:1), it was the providence of God he should read in the Chronicles, and…

The reward is honorable; the thoughts of a Kingdom should add wings to prayer, and fire to zeal. What honor and dignity has been done to Mordecai? said King Ahasuerus (Esther 6:3). Inquire what has been done for God.

Now the people and Levites, and house of David were never so multiplied in the Jews, after the deliverance from Babylon, and therefore must be extended to the New Testament. And if God establish David's seed forever (Psalm 89:4) and the seed of his people shall possess the gates…

Quest But what needs much to be said for the comforting of believers? will not they be forward of themselves to take the comfort of their justification? Answ: Many indeed that are destitute of faith are forward enough, and too much to apply comfort to themselves, when it does no…

As good be shut out of heaven, as be shut out of Christ's prayer. Christ pleads for the saints, as Queen Esther did for the Jews, when they should have been destroyed, Let my people be given me at my request (Esther 7:3). When the Devil shows the blackness of their sins, Christ…

The wrath of a king is as the roaring of a lion (Proverbs 19:12). How did Haman's heart tremble when the king rose up from the banquet in wrath (Esther 7:7). But God's wrath is infinite; all other is but as a spark to a flame: wrath in God is not a passion as in us, but it is an…

The eye of man will restrain from sin, and will not God's eyes much more? (Esther 7:8). Will he force the queen before me, when I stand and look on? Will we sin when our judge looks on.

Position 12. It is dreadful to have mercy witness against one: How sad was it with Haman when the Queen herself accused him (Esther 7:6), so when this queen of mercy shall stand up against a person, and accuse him. It is only mercy that saves a sinner, now how sad to have mercy…

Haman erected a Gallows fifty Cubits high for good Mordecai, and God so ordered it, that himself and his ten Sons were hanged on it. And indeed it was but meet, that he should eat the fruit of that tree which himself had planted, Esther 7:10 Ahitophel plots against David, and gi…

Besides they observe the number of the verses at the end of every book: as also that [in non-Latin alphabet] in [in non-Latin alphabet] Leviticus 11:42 is the middle letter of the Law; [in non-Latin alphabet], Leviticus 10:16 the middle word; Leviticus 13:33 the middle verse; th…

Have we not cause to say of some of our bloody brethren, as Jacob did, Genesis 32:12, when his brother Esau was marching towards him, I fear him (says he) lest he will come and slay me and the mother with the children; loss of life was the thing Jacob feared. And Esther's speech…

2. The madness of our natures is bridled and restrained by thoughts of God (3 John 11): He that does evil has not seen God. Will he force the queen before my face? (Esther 7:8) you will not sport with sin, nor play with the occasions of it, nor dare to venture upon God's restrai…

Now because God does defer and moderate the punishment of sinners in this world, and reserve the weight of his judgments to the next, because through the long-suffering of God many great sinners live and die without any remarkable testimony of God's wrath and displeasure against…

And therefore to see men now to make open profession of their faith in Christ Jesus, whose servants and disciples were so hated, and who himself but a while before was crucified, this was not an ordinary matter: and therefore in words, men might be the briefer when they came to…

Take another instance (wherein there was but the relation of being of the same country and alliance) in Esther, when advanced to be Queen of a hundred twenty and seven provinces; who when she was in the arms of the greatest monarch on earth, and enjoyed highest favor with him, y…

Toward the clearing of which, I shall a little open three words. The first is (Gnatidim) who are ready: which signifies a prepared and meditated active readiness; as we find in two texts of the book of Esther, The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every provin…

And it is an [illegible] which nature has left upon the minds and hearts of all men: the places which have privileges, profits, and endowments annexed to them carry the [illegible] of [illegible] men after them. Good is the loadstone of a man's [illegible] and labor, and where m…

To God the Lord belong the issues from death. He who can strengthen our faith, can break our fetters; the Lord sometimes makes the enemies instruments of breaking those snares which themselves have laid (Esther 8:8). 5. In case of martyrdom God has made promises of consolation (…

If his transfiguration was so glorious, what will his inauguration be? What a glorious time will it be, when, as it was said of Mordecai, we shall see him in the presence of his Father, arrayed in royal apparel, and with a great crown of gold upon his head (Esther 8:15). Oh look…

Sober mirth, and the moderate use of the good creatures of God, is lawful at any time of the year, and there never was any minister that preached or spoke against that; but to have better cheer upon a Popish holy-day than at another time, merely upon this account, because forsoo…

For he makes mention of priestly letters differing from those in common use. Hence the author of the Targum affirms in the book of Esther that the Jews in the days of Purim read the volume of the law according to the script of the Hebrew character (Esther 9:27); clearly indicati…

The keeping of Lent, fasting daies; Ember weekes, are all in a ciuill respect, for the breed of cattell, the maintenance of nauigation, and the plentie of all things. Ecclesiasticall, when set times are obserued in the Church for order sake, without superstition, or opinion of w…

Thus Moses by divine direction wrote a memorial of that victory obtained over Amalek as the fruit and return of prayer, and built there an Altar with this Inscription Jehovah Nissi, The Lord my Banner, Exodus 17. 14, 15. Thus Mordecai and Hester took all care to perpetuate the m…

O blessed be God for that teeming Providence that has already brought forth more than seventy years liberty and peace to the Church of God. I shall move in behalf of this Providence, that you would do by it, as the Jows by their Purim, Esther 9. 27, 28. and the rather, because w…

All these feasts we find appointed by God himself, and imposed upon the Israelites (Leviticus 23). And not only did they account themselves obliged to keep these days holy, which were enjoined by the divine command, but those also which were appointed by human authority; and suc…