Esther 2:18

“Then the king made a great feast unto all his princes and servants, even Esther’s feast, etc.] A feast to all his nobles, courtiers, and ministers of state, on account of his marriage with Esther; which, according to the Greek version, was held seven days; but, according to Josephus, it lasted a whole month f93: and he made a release to the provinces; of taxes and tribute due to him, as was the custom of the kings of Persia when they came to the throne, as Herodotus f94 relates; so Smerdis the magus, that mounted the throne after Cambyses, pretending to be his brother, released them for three years to come f95; and Grotius says kings used to do it at their marriage, but gives no instance of…”

“A release - Either remission of taxation, or of military service, or of both. return to 'Top of Page'”

“2:18 he gave a great banquet in Esther’s honor: Now the king honored his wife instead of putting her on display (cp. 1:11). • declaring a public holiday: The Hebrew word translated “public holiday” (hanakhah) is related to the verb that means “rest” (nukh). The book as a whole describes how the Jewish people obtained rest from the threats of their enemies (see 9:16-22).”

“am 3547, bc 457 made a great: Est 1:3-5; Gen 29:22; Jdg 14:10-17; Sol 3:11, Sol 5:1; Mat 22:2; Luk 14:8; Rev 19:9 he made: We learn from Herodotus and Atheneus, that the Persian monarchs were accustomed to give their wives distinct cities and provinces for the purpose of supplying them with different articles of dress. one was assigned for ornamenting the head and neck; another provided robes, zones, etc.; and the city of Anthilla was given to a Persian queen, we read, to supply her with shoes and sandals. It is probable, therefore, that, at the desire of Esther, Ahasuerus relieved those cities and provinces that had before paid it, from this expense. release: Heb. rest gave gifts: Est 9:22;…”