Attributed commentary excerpt
John Gill's Exposition on Esther 2:18
A historical reference excerpt for this verse. Read it alongside the biblical text and other available sources.
Exposition of the Old and New Testament
John Gill (1697–1771) · 18th-century historical commentary
Source: BibleWord.ai's local reference edition of this named work.
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 it: and gave gifts: according to the latter Targum, to the provinces, all of them, that he might be sure that the people of Esther shared his favours, who were as yet unknown; but rather these gifts were given to his nobles, or it may be to Esther; so the former Targum, “he gave to her a gift and portion:” according to the state of the king; his royal ability and munificence, and suitable to his grandeur; and it was usual with the Persian kings to give to their wives whole cities for one thing or another, as for necklaces, hair laces, shoes, etc. f96; Socrates f97 speaks of a whole country in Persia called the “Queen’s girdle”, and another her “Headdress”.
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