Esther 3

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.

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…

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?