Esther 1:8

“And the drinking was according to the law, none did compel, etc.] According to the law Ahasuerus gave to his officers next mentioned, which was not to oblige any man to drink more than he chose; the Targum is, ‘according to the custom of his body;’ that is, as a man is able to bear it, so they drank: some f55 read it, “the drinking according to the law, let none exact”; or require it to be, according to the custom then in use in Persia; for they were degenerated from their former manners, and indulged to intemperance, as Xenophon f56 suggests: the law formerly was, not to carry large vessels into feasts; but now, says he, they drink so much, that they themselves must be carried out, because…”

“According to the law - An exception to the ordinary practice of compulsory drinking had been made on this occasion by the king’s order. return to 'Top of Page'”

“The law - According to this law which the king had now made, that none should compel another to drink more than he pleased. How does this Heathen prince shame many, that are called Christians, who think they do not make their friends welcome, unless they make them drunk, and under pretence of sending the health round, send the sin round, and death with it! Esther 1:9”

“1:8 no limits were placed on the drinking: Often guests would drink only when the Persian king bade them with a toast (see Xenophon, Cyropaedia 8.8.18); at this banquet people were able to drink without restraint.”

“none did compel: Every person drank what he pleased. Among the Greeks, however, each guest was obliged to keep the round, or leave the company. hence the proverb Η πιθι, η απιθι, Drink, or begone. Mr. Herbert, in his poem entitled "The Church Porch," has severely reprobated this vile custom. In Britain, however, this demoralizing custom is now almost destroyed, and a new era of social pleasure is arising, by temperate habits, increased domestic comforts, and the spread of gospel truths. Jer 35:8, Jer 51:7; Hab 2:15, Hab 2:16 the officers: Joh 2:8 Esther 1:9”